“He has got a back spasm. Hopefully, he is right for round one,” Goodwin said.

Van Rooyen, with 30 goals last season, would be a major loss for the season opener against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG in a fortnight, for he is the man the Demons hope can ease their scoring woes of recent seasons.

Fellow star Clayton Oliver, however, moved well.

He, too, had a tumultuous 2024, at one point seeking a trade to Geelong, but the four-time club best-and-fairest winner was at ease with his teammates in the hot conditions.

His well-weighted left-foot pass found Bayley Fritsch about 35m from goal early in the first term, although the left-footer botched the shot.

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It was then left to Oliver himself to deliver the Demons’ opening goal when he tackled Liam Reidy and won a free kick, converting the set shot from 35m.

Oliver had 14 touches, including six clearances, to half-time, the Demons trailing by six goals.

He was instrumental in the Demons’ third-term rally, Oliver finishing the game with 28 disposals and 11 clearances.

Premiership player Tom Sparrow was busy, while draftees Harvey Langford (pick No.6) and Xavier Lindsay (pick No.11) did their hopes of an immediate senior debut no harm.

Key players

Shai Bolton: The triple premiership Tiger was typically slick in his first major clash for the Dockers. He was lively across half-forward, highlighted when he snapped successfully after sharking a Luke Jackson tap in the forward pocket on the cusp of quarter-time. There was also a mark and goal in the second term. Meanwhile, Dockers captain Alex Pearce (ankle), who sat out this clash, said he will be fit for round one.

Max Gawn: The Demons’ skipper warmed up for the new season in a tough tussle with Luke Jackson. Importantly, Gawn has recovered from the fractured larynx he sustained in January. His workrate in the ruck and around the ground was strong, and his successful set shot from outside 50m was superb.

Luke Jackson: Speaking of the Dockers’ ruckman, Seven News reported on Sunday that the one-time Demon, a key cog in the club’s 2021 premiership, may seek a trade back to his former club – or another Victorian club – despite being contracted to the Dockers until 2029. Jackson’s partner, netballer Kelsey Browne, who is an ambassador for Perth-based Super Netball side West Coast Fever, has off-court work opportunities on the east coast, and Jackson may want to join her.

Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong: Brayshaw had his head bandaged even before a ball was bounced after a head clash through the week. But his work-rate was as strong as ever. Fellow midfield jet Serong also appears set for another super campaign. Dual Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe did not play as he builds towards round one, but Dockers’ great Matthew Pavlich has questioned whether Fyfe remains in the best 23.

Kysaiah Pickett: The brilliant small forward, who will miss the opening three rounds because of suspension, spent the first three quarters on the bench, before beginning the final term at the centre bounce. The Demons were, obviously, keen to see how their forward line will work without him. Pickett has been linked with a trade to the Dockers at season’s end, but Demons president Brad Green told this masthead any deal would have to include three first-round draft picks.

Expert’s view

The Demons still have the talent for a top-six finish, but can they find easy goals? That’s been a major issue for years, and was a problem on Sunday. For the Dockers, they almost certainly need to finish top-four, and have a deep finals run, if coach Justin Longmuir is to feel safe about his job. This was a good beginning, but they cannot fall over late like last season.

What’s next

Both teams will have next weekend off. The Demons then prepare for a major round-one test against the Giants at the MCG, while the Dockers also have a significant round-one test, when they travel to Geelong to face the Cats.

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