Tara Murray
David Connell will continue on as Tullamarine coach in the Essendon District Football League.
Connell, who coached the Demons for five years, stepped down from coaching the side last season and took on the presidency role.
But when the club decided to part ways with coach Ben Tankard, Connell stepped back into the coaching hot seat.
“David Connell will return to the role of senior coach on a permanent basis,” the club said on social media. “David has been our head coach since 2018 and stood down at the end of last season to have a break from coaching.
“Since returning to the role as caretaker coach six weeks ago, David’s coaching style has seen improvements on the field from the playing group and a real hunger to compete.
“The club have a desire to rise quickly in 2024 and play finals football again, and the coaching selection panel felt David was the best credentialed person with values aligned to the club to achieve this next season.”
Connell said that he is re-energised and super keen to get to work over the off season and build this list again to have us back where we belong next season.
The club has also announced that Daniel Devine will remain as skipper next year. The club said that Devine’s leadership had been outstanding and really held the group together in what had been a tough season.
Tim Matson has also committed for next season and will be elevated to the role of one of the vice-captains.
“Timmy’s form and leadership down back in the back half of the year after injury has been career best and we are excited to see him continue to grow,” the club said.
“The club is confident with these appointments we have the right people in place to lead the way in making this club great again.”
The Demons sit in 10th spot with two rounds remaining.
Tullamarine will host Roxburgh Park on Saturday at Jacana Reserve.
