The Davey twins, who were delisted from Essendon across back-to-back AFL seasons, made a conscious call to part ways from playing together for the first time in their young careers.

Jayden Davey, who did not make an AFL appearance following two years on the Bombers' AFL list, has since begun to carve out a fresh start this year at St Kilda for its new VFL side.

Davey and his brother, Alwyn Jnr, who was delisted at the end of the 2025 season following 20 AFL games, 12 months after Jayden's injury-riddled time at the club ended, both consciously decided to join alternative VFL programs after seeking advice that included input from their father, Alwyn Snr, a 100-game Essendon player from 2007 until 2013.

It has taken the brothers some time getting used to not running out side by side.

"It is weird because we usually come back after every game and just go to games together, and like now every Saturday or Sunday, we ring each other on how each other's game went," Davey exclusively told the National Indigenous Times.

"So, it's a bit different, but we both want to prioritise getting onto a senior spot.

"We had a big chat with our family about whether we both want to be on the one list together. We thought it's best not to compete for the one spot at the one club.

"We're trying to expand our chances into different clubs.

"Obviously, Carlton is having a play for Alwyn due to their load of their injury list. He's still scratching the surface but by the sounds of it, they're very keen on playing him very soon."

The 22-year-old twins felt pressure to live up to their reputation that included the vaunted playing ability of their uncle Aaron Davey at Melbourne but they say going their own ways at their own pace will only benefit both Daveys.

"There was a lot of pressure on us, especially from how dad's reputation was like at Essendon, and I think a lot of it was put onto us a bit," Jayden said.

"It was put mostly onto Alwyn, but I got a little bit of it when I started just nicking the football.

"I think right now after Alwyn and I started talking and after back at Essendon where there was a lot of pressure, we had the impression that we had to be better (than other players) from dad's name.

"Now we are just seeing the enjoyment of football again."

The move to the Saints has been an opportunity to not only develop as an individual in his own right, but also an opportunity to be redrafted onto an AFL list again.

Davey walked away believing his future was flying up at the Bombers after consolidating with 18 VFL games in 2024 after missing out on playing a full rookie season.

But after almost single-handedly winning the St Kilda's first VFL game in their reserves comeback to the competition with an impressive five goals against Frankston, he has good reason for renewed optimism.

"I hope so because I missed a lot of footy when I was younger (at Essendon)," he said.

"I feel like I am still just scratching the surface with my playing abilities. I was still very young and was very keen just to get out on the field. I think now I'm getting a better understanding of real life that football is not all your dreams.

"This has helped me mature a fair bit and I see the game differently now, and I guess I play how I want to play with full confidence.

"I have nothing to lose any more - that is, I am not second-guessing myself that my abilities are not good enough as I am taking it step by step.

"I really do hope this helps push me back into the AFL - I really want to have a second crack."

Davey has built up a strong rapport with St Kilda's VFL coach Brendon Goddard.

He says the reprieve at Moorabbin - the club's traditional AFL venue since 1965 where the VFL lineup once again plays its home fixtures - has been "more enjoyable this time around" than playing at Essendon, even after just four Saints games.

"We've got a very young list and it's very easy to connect with everyone," he said.

"You feel welcome very quickly and especially with the coaching of BJ (Goddard) and with his history with my dad (at Essendon).

"He will always back me with all confidence."

The Daveys come from a long line of Kokatha ancestry that stretches far and wide over desert lands of South Australia.

"For like Nas (Wanganeen-Milera) and Tex (Wanganeen), we have family relatives at the club now," Davey said.

"That was like a big thing as well for me, and I have played football with Isaac Keeler, as well as with Lancey Collard, too.

"So that was a big decision and big support for me for them to all say, 'come over, come over' to St Kilda."

Tex Wanganeen, the son of Gavin, the 1993 Brownlow Medallist, has followed a similar trodden path to this Davey.

The Saints reserves' spot that was offered after his own Essendon delisting following five AFL games from 2022 until 2024 was seen as the critical piece of keeping Wanganeen-Milera at the club.

Davey said it is only a matter of time before Wanganeen is playing by his side on the path back from injury rehabilitation that followed serious surgery on his navicular bone in his foot.

"He's been at a few skills (sessions) and things like that - I am not too sure exactly when he's returning though," Davey said.

"He keeps it to himself a bit, but he has been joining some of the main skills.

"I think it's been difficult for him because he's had so many injuries but he's now just ready to go out and play."