The 21-year-old started the pre-season with all guns blazing run off the half-back line but was injured early in the regular season. He returned and again looked the goods but was soon out injured for the remainder of the season.
His 2008 fan report card reflected this with a 4.45/10 which was up slightly on his previous two seasons.
Dempsey was drafted with pick 19 in 2005. The Queenslander made his debut in 2006 and has played 10-games.
Games - 4
Kicks - 23
Handballs - 29
Marks - 12
Goals – 1
2008 fans’ rating - 4.45
2007
Games - 1
Kicks - 7
Handballs - 5
Marks - 1
Goals – 1
2007 fans’ rating - 4.29
2006
Games - 5
Kicks - 23
Handballs - 21
Marks - 16
Goals – 1
2006 fans’ rating - 4.31
Here is what the fans had to say about Dempsey’s 2008 season:
David White - Injury prone needs to develop a body that will stand up to the rigors of AFL Football. Has a lot of potential.
Daniel Wright - Injured, injured, injured. I'm starting to think this poor kid will never reach his potential. Here's hoping he can stay fit in 2009 and finally be unleashed on the unsuspecting football world.
Michael Barratt - The games you played you looked a star so get your body right.
Luke Jones - He started season real well then injury brought him down hope for better luck next year.
Don Carter - If he remains fit will be 200 game player.
James Brown - Love this kid! He is a real star! If he can just get himself off the injury list, he will win a Brownlow Medal. He is the new and improved Andrew McLeod. I rate him very highly. Can't wait till next year:)
David Street - He seems to be an excitement machine, but he keeps getting injured all the time. The Bombers need his speed and excitement to turn on the rest of the players.
Brendan Burnie - Bright future ahead if you keep hanging in there. I expect you to play a heap more games in '09, but I like what I've seen.
Julian McGuire - Exciting, lightning quick, gun when fit. Unfortunately keeps getting injured. If he can play most games next year, will be an excellent ""addition"" to the midfield.
Shane Martin - Showed some good signs of hopefully what is to come.
Georgina Holloway - Is a great player when he's playing, although is injury prone.
Alan Betts - Once again showed potential when not injured. Pre-season will be crucial.
Max Rodwell - We need to keep this young fella on the field, he hasn't played a lot of games, but his poise around the ball is outstanding, love his style and speed and his decision making is first class but he needs 50 plus to reach his potential.
Michael Vassallo - Injury prone so far, needs a big year next year off half back. A McLeod type, if gets some games under him I really hope we get to see his best.
Caleb Slade - Had a bad run with injury this year and only played four games. Hopefully he will be able to use that pace that we know that he has next year.
Andrew Fisher - Courtenay has massive potential. Unfortunately his season was interrupted by injuries and the birth of his first child. I see Dempsey as a similar player to Paddy Ryder in the way he handles the ball in the back flank. Looking forward to seeing him grow and mature at our club!
Julie Gray - Again so much potential - injuries a problem. Hopefully can overcome this year and show what he can do.
Nicholas McHattie - All he has to do it stay injury-free. Electrifying when he has the ball, great promise for the future.
Frederick Hughan - Courtney the ultimate tempter! Brilliant but can't stay fit. I hope his luck changes.
Mark Elze - Would be and will be an absolute GUN when he is able to avoid injury. Showed blistering pace and skill early in the season. Must get an injury free run at it this year you'd think. Also needs a bit more body strength. Frustrating season again in 2008.
David Russell - Will be a star IF he gets a good injury-free run. Deserves a change of luck.
Dan Taylor - Can't seem to stay fit - the Jury's out on Courtney!
John Hartman - Just needs a lucky break with injuries. Watch out if Courtenay gets on the park, he has so much to offer.
Alok O'Brien - Showed great signs on come back later in year, then to break leg, is just nuts. Got 25 touches in one game so other three averaged eight. Get body right, PLEASE
