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<\/p>\nPerth coach Mark Stone has identified two key priorities in the club\u2019s recruitment campaign leading into the 2026 Sullivan Logistics WAFL season.<\/p>\n
The Demons are coming off a finals appearance last season and an Elimination Final victory over East Fremantle, sparking optimism of a further climb up the ladder in 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Club is optimistic every year heading into a new season, but we are buoyed by our ability to win 11 games and a final last year,\u201d Stone said.<\/p>\n
Looking to take the next step to become a premiership contender after finishing fourth last year, the Demons have been active during the off season, including the recruitment of former Collingwood key defender Charlie Dean.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe have been proactive on building our list and we\u2019ve been specific in the types of players we\u2019ve brought into our club,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have placed a high priority on not just talent but running capacity and high character.\u201d<\/p>\n
The expectations on us this year will be greater but that\u2019s welcome, \u201cStone explained.<\/p>\n
RELATED ARTICLES:<\/p>\n
\u201cTwelve months ago, we were regarded as a basket case with little or no chance of playing finals or becoming premiers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe live with pressure around us every day, and therefore we need to learn to embrace what comes with expectation.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, we are clear with what we expect of each other within the 4 walls, and those will be the expectations we will focus on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Entering his second full season in charge, Stone has also beefed up his coaching staff, adding highly credentialled trio Michael Broadbridge, Sharrod Wellingham and Sam Butler to join the likes of Trent Manzone, Pat Litherland and Matt Burgess.<\/p>\n
The Demons first up assignment is facing the West Coast Eagles, a proposition which has Stone wary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Eagles will clearly be better this year, no doubt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cExtra rookie spots added to their list means they have more AFL talent to pick from and more AFL listed players in their WAFL squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will be a very different challenge this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ins: Freddy Brayshaw (Sandringham\/Coates Talent League), Joe Chaplin (returning from Victoria), Charlie Dean (Collingwood\/AFL), Archer Gardiner (North Albury\/Ovens and Murray), Jesse Glass-McCasker (Wembley\/Perth Football League), Luke Hallett (East Perth\/WAFL), Zac Harding (Murray Bushrangers\/Coates Talent League), Indhi Kirk (Sydney Swans\/AFL)<\/p>\n
Outs: Regan Clarke (TBC), Sam Simpson (Victoria), Tyrone Thorne (Mandurah\/Peel)<\/p>\n
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