By Andrew Wiles – @andrewjwiles
2014 season wrap
It was a year of, so close yet so far, for the Surfers Paradise Demons. They finished the home and away season with nine wins and nine losses, which placed them on equal points with Mt Gravatt in fifth. The Vultures’ percentage was 12 better than that of the Demons, ruling them out of taking part in the 2014 finals series.
Who’s in?
In a massive coup for the Demons, Ryan Agita, former Gold Coast Suns Academy player and Queensland under 18 representative, has signed on at Surfers Paradise.
Joining him will be up to 25 new players who will don the Demons jumper for season 2015. Leading the list are a few familiar names to QAFL pundits. Jesse Alexander has made the move to the Demons from Broadbeach and former Surfers Paradise player Clint Cassidy has returned from Labrador.
Surfers Paradise will also have 14 Southport listed NEAFL players linked to the club, with coach Peter Young expecting there to be five or six regularly available for QAFL selection.
Who’s out?
No club ever enjoys losing players, but when your captain leaves, it stings that little bit more. 2014 skipper, Ryan Dienjes, will line up for Broadbeach this year, the club where he played his junior football.
Pre-season focus
Training three nights a week for the entirety of the pre-season, Demons coach Peter Young believes the key to a successful campaign in 2015 will be built from getting miles into the legs. Look for a fit and conditioned Surfers Paradise outfit in 2015.
Coach Peter Young’s thoughts on 2015
“Last year they finished just outside on percentage, we have lost a couple of players which are high quality footballers that have been at the club for a long time. We have picked up some youth, and we are trying to change the whole footy club in terms of professionalism, and how people and players want to be involved in the footy club.”
Who has the X factor?
Young has earmarked Dylan Armstrong as the one to keep an eye out for during the year. The midfielder has worked tirelessly over summer to take his game to the next level and is proving to be an exciting prospect for Demons fans.
