By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey recruit Riley Bonner is set to play a key role for the Dees in 2025.
The 112-game former AFL player arrives at Casey Fields after nine seasons on an AFL list at Port Adelaide and St Kilda, giving him experience to impart on a young, regenerated squad.
The staunch defender has had a strong start to 2025, averaging 33 disposals across the first fortnight of his season, while also serving as Casey’s backline coach.
The 28-year-old played under experienced mentors Ken Hinkley and Ross Lyon during his time at the top-level, and is now learning off Casey head coach Taylor Whitford.
“On gameday, I’m a sounding board and playing coach – I feel like I can see the game and help us set up defensively behind the ball, but also want to play some good footy and help the boys get back to finals footy and I’ve loved it so far,” Bonner said.
Bonner splits his time between Casey VFL, Melbourne AFL and the Dees Next Generation Academy, giving him strong ties with both the AFL and VFL-listed players – and providing him with further coaching education.
“I’m a strong relationship-builder so I want to create those relationships and all players learn differently,” Bonner noted.
“Some players like stronger feedback; others prefer a guide through tougher times, so being able to coach all my players to their strengths and bring out the best of them on gameday is something I’m looking to do
“Giving feedback is never an easy task and still being quite young as a player, being able to have those tough conversations but building a strong relationship so I can have those conversations and players know they can come to me for feedback or an honest conversation is important.”
Bonner was named in the VFL state squad to compete against the SANFL state side in a representative match during AFL’s Gather Round.
He was named alongside fellow Dees Deakyn Smith and Mitch Hardie, for the annual showcase, while Casey head coach Taylor Whitford is part of the coaching panel.
Dees VFLW quartet Sophie Casey, Lauren Jatczak, Meg MacDonald and Olivia Morris were all named in the VFLW State squad for the inaugural female state league clash.
A South Australian native, Bonner is in the distinctive position of competing against his home state, but spoke of the value of such matches.
“To pull on the Big V would be a great achievement and I’m looking forward to doing that if it comes because I know a lot of the South Australian boys quite well,” Bonner said.
“I know how important it is to the state and how important it was 20-odd years ago and there are plenty of blokes before you who played and they were high level footballers.
“There is a rich history in that, and I know how important that is to the state you’re representing.”
