EDFL 2019: Anthony Prestia tipped for big year by Tullamarine coach

Tullamarine coach David Connell has sounded a warning to his side’s EDFL Division 1 rivals, declaring one of his stars is capable of reaching another level in 2019.

Tullamarine lost last season’s grand final to Airport West. Picture: Jamie Morey

Tullamarine coach David Connell has sounded a warning to his side’s EDFL Division 1 rivals, declaring star midfielder Anthony Prestia is capable of reaching another level after an outstanding first season at the club.

Despite being limited to 13 games because of injury, Prestia finished runner-up in league best and fairest, second behind Kane Mulvaney in the Demons’ top individual award and was named in the Team of the Year.

Prestia, who crossed to Leo Dineen Reserve from Essendon Doutta Stars, helps form a potent engine room alongside the returning Anthony Liberatore, Steve Vocale, Dean Bartrop and Mulvaney.

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“I know it’s a little bit scary to think how good this kid could be, but we expect Prestia to be even better again,” Connell said.

“He missed seven games last year and he’s a lot fitter this year than he was this time last year.

“We think he’ll have probably a lot more support around him with guys like Liberatore coming in and really pushing guys like Prestia with their fitness level.”

The Demons have had a busy off-season after last year’s grand final loss to Airport West, with three-time best and fairest winner and former captain Justin Marcy another significant player to return.

Cameron Hare, David Scott, Lachlan Smith, Sean Doyle and Blair Cronin are also back at the club in a major boost.

Cameron Hare has arrived from Oak Park. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“He’d be a very, very dominant half-forward flanker or winger in our side, I would have thought,” Connell said of Marcy.

“I know every time we’ve coached against him we’ve always had troubles.”

Ex-Hillside captain Joel Bonnici has also crossed to the Demons and Ethan Hope has arrived from Airport West, while Tullamarine is fighting to get a clearance approved for contracted Glenroy player Hayden Blythe.

Nathan Sciberras and Travis Anderson are other signings of note and experienced pair Craig Steele and Russell Laurie have retired.

Connell said Bonnici had been a standout on the training track.

“He’s probably the fittest he’s ever been,” he said.

“He’s excited, he’s got a new lease of life, so we’re really optimistic we’re going to be able to get the best out of him.”

While the Demons were hit by player departures after their 2014 and ’16 grand final defeats, it is a very different story this time.

Connell said Tullamarine was slowly building the depth it desperately needed to challenge the elite.

“We think (selection) will be tough, but we want it to be tough,” he said.

“We always knew when me and the other coaching staff took on the role that Tulla’s best 12-15 players were as good as anybody’s.

“But it is probably their back end, like their reserves I think had only won three or four games max per year the last four years.

“So I think that’s where the big downfall in the list was.

“To win (the premiership), you probably need to bat 30 deep and Tulla’s probably only ever batted to 18 or 20.”

While the Demons were a formidable opposition in 2018, injuries to the likes of Prestia and Adam Bartrop in the latter stages of the season hurt and showed depth remained an ongoing issue.

But they are full of optimism ahead of their season opener against Westmeadows on April 6 as they look to go one better.

“I think our list is definitely better than what it was last year,” Connell said.

“We feel like we’re a lot more advanced at this time of year than what we were last year.”