Demons Embrace Expectations in 2026

Perth coach Mark Stone has identified two key priorities in the club’s recruitment campaign leading into the 2026 Sullivan Logistics WAFL season.

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.

“The 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,” Stone said.

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, son of a gun and ex-Sydney Swan Indhi Kirk, Sandringham young gun Freddy Brayshaw and former East Perth small forward Luke Hallett.

“We have been proactive on building our list and we’ve been specific in the types of players we’ve brought into our club,” he said.

“We have placed a high priority on not just talent but running capacity and high character.

“The expectations on us this year will be greater but that’s welcome.

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“Twelve months ago, we were regarded as a basket case with little or no chance of playing finals or becoming premiers.

“We live with pressure around us every day, and therefore we need to learn to embrace what comes with expectation.

“However, we are clear with what we expect of each other within the 4 walls, and those will be the expectations we will focus on.”

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.

The Demons first up assignment is facing the West Coast Eagles, a proposition which has Stone wary.

“The Eagles will clearly be better this year, no doubt,” he said.

“Extra rookie spots added to their list means they have more AFL talent to pick from and more AFL-listed players in their WAFL squad.

“They will be a very different challenge this year.”

Perth

2025 finish: Semi-final

Coach: Mark Stone (second year)

Captains: Corey Byrne and Charlie Constable (second year as co-captains)

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)

Outs: Regan Clarke (TBC), Sam Simpson (Victoria), Tyrone Thorne (Mandurah/Peel)