Melbourne embraces father-son rule with son of club great Jeff White
With the father-son rule in the spotlight amid calls from some clubs that it needs to be adjusted to cater more to the AFL's equalisation model, Melbourne committed to 198cm White.
His father, Jeff, played 236 games for the Demons in a brilliant career after being taken as the No.1 draft pick in 1994.
The decision to pick Kalani was confirmed this week, with the young tall part of the Gold Coast Suns academy, which gave him two clubs to choose from.
'Kalani is obviously someone we've been following for some time, and we're delighted that he has chosen us,' Melbourne's national recruiting manager Jason Taylor said.
Who's cutting onions? The moment Kalani + Jeff found out 🥹 #DemonSpirit pic.twitter.com/c2rPZWDr5F
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) August 20, 2025
'We understand there is still a process to go through via the AFL draft, where all 18 clubs have the ability to bid on potential father-sons and NGA prospects, but we're hopeful of welcoming Kalani later this year.
'His versatility is a standout; he has shown positive development at both ends of the ground as well as in the ruck. Combined with his athleticism, we're excited by his future growth.
'The way Kalani is progressing in his footy is really impressive, and that's credit to him and the amount of work he has put in.'
The Demons also have Taj Woewodin, son of Brownlow medallist Shane, on their list.
Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick is among a growing chorus of club administrators who want the father-son rule looked at.
But after fielding four father-son picks in last week's win over West Coast, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said it needed protection.
'Family in footy, it's something special,' he said.
'I mean, look, it doesn't matter what I say because people say, well, you're going to say that because you've got these father-sons who've come through and have either been great contributors, premiership players.
'When you try and create that spiritual culture, to have sons of former players, it is something special and when they make their debuts, our supporters reminisce a little bit.
'I'm hoping they protect it.'
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