New Tullamarine coach David Connell has long-term goal in mind

NEW Tullamarine leader David Connell envisages that this will be his last senior coaching position — but don’t expect it to be a short stay.

Tullamarine and Airport West locked horns in the EDFL Division 1 elimination final at the weekend. Picture: Jamie Morey

NEW Tullamarine leader David Connell envisages that this will be his last senior coaching position — but don’t expect it to be a short stay.

Despite only signing a one-year contract, Connell — who spent the past four seasons in charge at Essendon District Football League Division 1 rival Westmeadows — has grand plans for the club, which involves a focus on building from the ground up.

“Most times when you take on a senior coaching job, the sole focus is the senior side and the list you want, but for us the focus is on the foundation moving forward,” he said.

David Connell has spent the past four seasons coaching Westmeadows. Picture: Tim Carrafa

It is somewhat of a grand return to Leo Dineen Reserve for Connell, who spent the last seven years of his playing career at the Demons, including two years as an assistant coach and the reserves coach.

“I wanted to further my coaching career, so I stepped away from Tullamarine and have been away for nine years at three different clubs,” he said.

“I learnt lots of things at those clubs, what to do and what not to do.”

Part of his emphasis will be on growing the juniors.

Under-17 coach Peter Labbad did a tremendous job in transforming a team which only had two players in January to finish with 27, and go from being defeated by 20 goals for four weeks straight to win every other game, before falling in the weekend’s grand final.

Now Connell is aiming for about 50 juniors, enough to fill an under-17 and under-19 side — something the club has not had for many years.

The Demons finished their season on Sunday after losing to Airport West by five points in the elimination final.

With not much player turnover expected, there will also be a focus on recruiting reserves players.

“The senior side has been really consistent for 10 years but they don’t bat very deep,” Connell said.

“Any time you win a premiership, you need 30-32 players fighting for spots in seniors. That’s what we need to do.

“Unlike previous years, three or four under-17 kids going up to under-19s will push straight away for seniors, which is good for young kids to potentially play senior footy and help that growth.”

Tullamarine president Michael Fiteni said the club selected Connell after going through its recruitment process.

“David comes with extensive coaching experience from both outside and within the EDFL,” he said.

“We wish David and the support team all the best as we plan for the future.”