2021 could not have gone much better for the reigning premiers. The Demons finished top of the ladder, had a healthy list and broke a 57-year long premiership drought. 2022 shapes as a great opportunity for the Dees to go back-to-back and join some of the great teams of the modern era.
The star power of the Demons are well in their prime and have continued to look strong over the pre-season. The addition of fresh young talent and some added depth has given Simon Goodwin's side a good platform to contend again this season.
As the flag favourite, the Demons will be looking to get out of the blocks early in season 2022.
DOWNLOAD NOW: Zero Hanger 2022 AFL Season Guide
Ins: Luke Dunstan, Jacob Van Rooyen, Blake Howes, Taj Woewodin, Judd McVee, Andy Moniz-Wakefield
Outs: Nathan Jones, Neville Jetta, Austin Bradtke, Kye Declase, Marty Hore, Aaron Vandenberg, Aaron Nietschke, Jay Lockhart
Last Season
The Demons shot out of the gate early in 2021, winning their first nine games of the season and putting themselves straight into flag contention.
The Demons rarely missed a beat for the rest of the season as they finished with 17 wins, four losses and a draw on their way to the premiership. The back-to-back wins over the Bulldogs and the Lions in Rounds 11 and 12, specifically, cemented their place as the team to beat.
Midfield superstars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca asserted themselves as some of the best in the competition. While the defence, led by Steven May and Jake Lever, became impenetrable. Several role players stood up as genuine stars throughout the season, including Bayley Fritsch, Luke Jackson, Angus Brayshaw, Kysaiah Pickett and Christian Salem.
The Demons also managed to contain an extremely healthy list all season and injected some young talent into the team, with the likes of Trent Rivers, Harrison Petty, James Jordon, Jake Bowey and Tom Sparrow all becoming premiership players.
