“He’s got you covered”: What Jeff White’s dad thinks of Demons and Suns prospect Kalani

2025 AFL Draft prospect Kalani White already has his All-Australian father Jeff covered when it comes to athleticism and footy prowess.

That is according to Kalani’s grandfather Gary who made the call after watching the Gold Coast youngster strut his stuff a few years ago.

White Jnr’s old man, the 268-game former Fremantle and Melbourne ruckman, revealed as such when explaining the type of player his 200cm offspring is.

“His athleticism is really impressive and it’s always been that way as a young kid,” White said on SEN Breakfast.

“Not being biased but he’s been very clean below his knees. I remember my dad watched him as a 15-year-old and I said, ‘Dad, you’ve obviously seen me play, what do you think of him?’

“He watched him for the first half, turned around and said, ‘Yeah, sorry son, he’s got you covered’.”

Kalani, who was named in the AFL National Academy squad on Monday, is expected to be drafted next year either to Melbourne as a father-son prospect or to Gold Coast through the Suns Academy.

His dad insists there will be nothing forced upon him when it comes to making what potentially could be a career-defining decision as he embarks on summer training stints with both clubs.

“I’ve never really put any pressure on him, I’ve just allowed him to do what he wants to do. He loves his basketball as well,” Jeff added.

“I just let him develop. I don’t need to live my dream through him, I just let him go.

“He’s just evolved, he’s got taller, he’s 6'7 now and recently jumped three metres in high jump. He’s got all the athleticism there, and he’s really enjoying his footy.

“He’s coming down to Melbourne at the start of December to train with the Dees. He’s really looking forward to that. Then he gets to train with the Suns in January at some point.

“He has a big decision to make. It’s not me, all of it is him. He’s in a fortunate position where he can make the choice.

“He’s just going to enjoy the journey.”

The Broadbeach product has spent time playing across centre half-back this year but does possess the attributes to develop into an athletic ruckman, like his dad, or even play as a key forward.

Off the field, his father Jeff recently launched the FirstUse AFL coaching app which is “an online coaching course tailored to individuals aspiring to refine their skills in the Ruck position within the sport of AFL”.