EDFL: Tullamarine land major signings for the 2024 season

A former VFL ruckman, exciting young prospects and an interstate gun who “fell into” its lap have headlined Tullamarine’s impressive off-season. Here’s how it all played out.

Former Braybrook star Nicholas Papakalodoukas has joined Tullamarine. Picture: Andy Brownbill

There’s a different sort of feeling under Tullamarine heading into the 2024 season.

At this time last year, the Demons were facing a large list turnover as a number of key players departed the club.

But now there’s a greater sense of stability according to coach David Connell.

“There’s a pretty good vibe at the moment,” he said.

“We’re finally back training at our home ground for the first time in over 12 months.

“Last year, we lost some key personnel and we’ve steadied the ship. We’ve managed to re-sign everyone from last season except one which is a really good starting position.

“The boys are back working hard, hopefully we’re putting together a list that can push for finals. We’re happy to just go about our business quietly, compared to the last few years where we’ve probably been spoken about a bit.”

The off-season has seen the Demons welcome an influx of players with the signing of former VFL ruckman Michael Sikora described as a “priority” by Connell.

“We made it a big focus to go out and get a ruckman,” he said.

“We wanted to add some more mature bodies to help compliment what we already have in our younger players. Stephen McCallum only played seven games last season so he’s going to be a real high quality addition once when get him up and running.

“David Stretton has VFL experience and is going give us some real class with the ball by foot.”

Among other Demons recruits to keep an eye on include Mason Taylor (Anakie), Nicholas Papakalodoukas (St Kilda City) and Taj McCartney (Oak Park).

Connell revealed he had tried to lure Papakalodoukas and Taylor to the club in previous seasons and was excited to finally get them on board.

“With Papa, we identified him a couple of years ago, he’s an absolute jet,” he said.

“Everything he brings is fantastic, such a hard worker, he’s a great fit for us. Mason is really exciting as a forward and Tak is super talented, he’s been super impressive so far.”

Meanwhile, Connell revealed he has been impressed by Brad Horgan who “fell into” Tulla’s lap through former club best-and-fairest Kane Mulvaney.

“Brad was playing with Kane over in Adelaide and Kane reached out to us when he was moving over to Melbourne,” he said.

“He said he was one of the better players in the competition over there and all the early signs have been super impressive. I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes the further along we go.”

Tullamarine will have a longer wait than most to start its 2024 season having been handed a bye in the opening round.

The Demons will then take on Oak Park in round 2.