Eastlake midfielder Aaron Bruce is confident the Demons can put a disappointing season behind them after re-signing for the next two years.
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Bruce's retention, along with fellow midfielders Nick Pleming and Dan O'Connell, ruckman Matt Channon and small forward Joe Hancock, is a boost going into next year's North East Australian Football League competition.
The Demons won just three of their 18 games, prompting the club to sack coach Anthony Bourke with two years to run on his contract.
Bourke's replacement is expected to be appointed in October, with the Demons conducting a nation-wide search.
Bruce was one of several players to have their season cut short by injury, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee late in the season.
The 24-year-old is seven weeks into his recovery from the traditional surgery and is hopeful of returning for the opening round next year.
"We had a horrible run with injuries this year, we probably had seven or eight of our top 10 or 12 players who missed large chunks of the year, a lot of it happening at the same time," Bruce said.
"We didn't play overly well, but we didn't have our key personnel on the field for large chunks of the season.
"I'm walking around now without too much dramas and after 12 weeks I can start straight-line jogging, so I'm pretty confident I'll get most of the running in in the pre-season and after Christmas should be able to change direction."
The Demons are just one of two Canberra teams alongside Ainslie in the NEAFL next year after the Belconnen Magpies and Queanbeyan Tigers withdrew because of concerns over the league's long-term future.
"I really do wish the AFL would stop tinkering with the competition," Bruce said.
"With those two clubs dropping out, it will likely strengthen the other two clubs that are still in it.
"Hopefully, we can pick up players that want to continue playing at NEAFL level and a lot of the young talent coming through who want to get in the eyes of recruiters and potentially get drafted."
Eastlake football manager Stephen Soulsby said the club was in discussions with key forward Chad Gibson about returning and that applications for the coaching position close on September 12.
"It's been advertised nationally and applications have been coming in from all over the place," Soulsby said.
"We just want the right person for the role."
