Michaela Meade
Tullamarine’s coaching team is getting a partial shake-up for the 2022 Essendon District Football League season.
David Connell and Ben Chapman will work together as co-senior coaches for the Demons in the next season, a transition that will be “seamless” according to the pair.
Connell said he felt fortunate to have Chapman by his side, currently lending support in an assistant capacity.
“[Chapman’s] got some real strengths in terms of putting a plan in place before games… and player development,” Connell said.
“Ben will have a pure focus on the senior group… while I have a foot in the camp of coaching, and a foot in operations [and] education.
“I’ll be providing support for other coaches as well.
“[Chapman] is ready to step up, and he’s ready to be a senior coach again after having the time off.
“We complement each other… I’d be surprised, moving forward, if you don’t see this kind of move at other clubs.”
Chapman had previously coached for three years each at Oak Park and Thomastown, before taking on a supportive role with the Demons in 2019.
The shuffling of responsibilities will allow Connell to take on a new role next year in conjunction with his co-coach status, becoming the director of football and coaching.
Connell said he was looking forward to tackling the dual responsibilities.
“It’s something that the club needs,” Connell said.
“We really try to have a bit of a pathway, from juniors right up to the seniors.
“I’ll be supporting the junior coaches a bit more, and really putting a plan in… so that by the time we get these kids into senior football, we’re confident they’ve had the coaching and skills development they need.”
Chapman said the pair sharing the senior coach role “just works” and is a good opportunity for him.
“It’s good to be back involved after a couple of years out,” Chapman said.
“I thought I’d have a couple of years out to see if I wanted to coach again… then I got the itch to do it.
“I’m really pleased to be able to stay involved with [the Demons].
“I know the club and the culture, so it was an easy sell for me.
“Two coaches as opposed to one, it’s a good thing.”
