EDFL: David Connell stands down as Tullamarine coach, Ben Tankard appointed
Tullamarine has announced it will have a new coach in 2023 but don’t expect the former mentor to be too far away as he eyes a very different role with the Demons.
Essendon
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Change is on the way at Tullamarine.
The Essendon District Football League Division 1 club has announced David Connell is stepping down from the senior coach after five years in charge.
But they’re already moving quickly with Ben Tankard named as his replacement.
The Demons’ news made was made official on Sunday afternoon with Connell declaring it’s time for a fresh voice to lead the club forward.
“The time is now right for me to hand the reins (sic) over,” he said.
“The playing group will benefit from a new voice, new ideas and new game plan. This is the fresh air the group need and it will bring some excitement to the club for us to reload and challenge again in 2023.
“My journey at Tullamarine is not over. I will continue to oversee the football department and intend to now nominate to be president in 2023.
“I’m really excited for the next challenge and will do everything I can to make this club a powerhouse on and off the field.”
The new incoming mentor, Tankard, has an impressive coaching resume himself.
He has previously coached Macedon and Woodend-Hesket in the Riddell District competition where he was the interleague coach in 2019.
He also took charge of Birchip Watchem in the North Central Football League for two seasons.
Tankard is no stranger to the EDFL either having played 275 games for Doutta Stars where he was a premiership player in 2019.
“It’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Tullamarine FC into next season and I cannot wait to meet everyone and prepare for 2023,” he said in a statement released by the club.
Tullamarine also confirmed Ben Chapman, Connell’s co-coach, had stood down from his involvement after three years.
The Demons have announced a series of re-signings in recent weeks as they look to keep the core of their playing group together for next season.
Tulla’s season finished at the hands of West Coburg in the preliminary final.
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