EDFL: Tullamarine star puts on a show in unusual position

A Tullamarine Team of the Year defender showed off his flexibility with a monster haul in front of goal as the Demons continued to respond from a “whack across the head”.

Dom Micallef has usually been asked to stop goals, not kick them.

But in 2023 it’s different.

The Tullamarine star put on a stunning goalkicking display with nine goals in his side’s 18.14 (122) to 8.11 (59) victory over Glenroy on Saturday afternoon.

While Micallef’s performance might have been a surprise to some, it was no shock to Demons coach Ben Tankard.

“He was a Team of the Year defender last season for a reason and we’re very fortunate to be able to have him in that swingman role,” he said.

“Dom was pretty happy with his performance. Over pre-season he’s played down there a few times and when we lost one of our other forwards on Anzac Day we knew we had to move a couple of boys around.

“We put a big focus on the start of the game and he came out and kicked three goals in the first eight minutes, he was marking everything that came his way.

“Our chemistry hasn’t been great in the forward line but there were some definite improvements down there on Saturday.”

Matthew O'Dwyer of Tullamarine.Photo: Hamish Blair

The Demons were able to break the game open with a nine goal to zero second quarter to stretch the margin to 55 points at the main break.

Matt O’Dwyer also had a strong impact on the scoreboard with three goals while Steve Vocale, Dylan Watts, Dean Simmons and Dean Bartrop also impressed.

It continued on a strong week for Tankard’s side who accounted for Westmeadows by 33 points just several days earlier.

“We got a bit of whack across the head in Round 1 against West Coburg and it was important for us to respond which we did,” he said.

“Some of the older guys had to back up off the short break which we weren’t planning to do, but to their credit they gave themselves every chance to perform well.

“We’re not the same team on paper as last year. We want to be a side that is hard to play against every time we walk out on the ground.”

Next up for Tullamarine is a trip to take on Deer Park, another Division 1 premiership contender.

“I think it’s a pretty even competition at the moment,” Tankard said.

“We’ve still got a few soldiers out but if we stick to our goal of everyone buying in, we’re going to be in most games.”

Jake Young was best afield for Glenroy with four goals.

The Roys will next face Westmeadows.