How Deacon Kalpakis rekindled love of footy and won a VFL contract

Deacon Kalpakis dreamed of being drafted in 2022 but when it all fell apart his local club, South Morang, and family helped get him back on track and a VFL contract.

Deacon Kalpakis in action for South Morang. Picture: Nathan McNeill

Everything was looking rosy when Deacon Kalpakis earnt Vic Metro under-17 selection in 2021.

When it didn’t work out, at just 18, he could have walked away but a return to his junior club South Morang rekindled his love of the game.

A premiership and two outstanding seasons of senior football now has him back on the path to elite football having won a VFL contract at Coburg.

The 195cm key defender has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Northern Football Netball League.

It saw him invited to Coburg pre-season training where he impressed enough to earn a list spot.

Kalpakis was thankful for the chance to test himself at a higher level.

“At the back-end of last year I had the opportunity to have a run around as a train-on player and it’s turned into a list spot,” Kalpakis said.

“I’ve been told I’m in-and-around the mark (to debut), so I’ll go back to local and keep putting my hand up.

“I grew up playing Northern rep footy and then into the (Northern) Knights program and Vic Metro under-17s.

“I’ve played some high-level footy, I went back and enjoyed my local for the last couple of years, but thought I was ready for another opportunity to test myself.”

As a promising key position prospect, Kalpakis counted the likes of Harry Sheezel, Cam McKenzie, Elijah Tsatas, George Wardlaw and Will Ashcroft as Vic Metro teammates.

In two trial matches he averaged 14 disposals and six marks, kicked one goal and had two score assists.

Hopes were high but niggling injuries and a falling out at the Knights saw him play just four Coates League matches in his draft year – averaging 12 disposals, 4.5 marks and 2.3 tackles.

Instead, he returned to South Morang and helped the club win a drought-breaking premiership alongside his brother, Mitch.

“My bottom-age year, I played two games for the Knights and was selected for Vic Metro – that carnival was cut short due to COVID,” he said.

“I thought it went quite well and I was getting a bit of confidence, I had an agent at the time and I thought I was a chance to get picked up.

“Then it all came crumbling down in my top-age year.

“I fell out of favour, I had a few little injuries, and I decided to part ways with the Knights program.

“I was told it was mainly due to my training standards, the coach and I had a falling out, and I still struggled to get back into the team.

“I thought what was best for me was to go back and find my love for footy again and play with my brother (Mitch) and my mates and we ended up winning a premiership in 2022.

“I played eight games and ended up becoming a premiership player, which was very special for me.”

Deacon and older brother Mitch have formed the backbone of South Morang’s defence.

The Kalpakis family has played a major role in getting Deacon back on track.

“My dad is my biggest inspiration, he got me into it from a young age,” Kalpakis said.

“He never put too much pressure on me and just loved the game and wanted to take me along for the ride.

Deacon Kalpakis in action for South Morang. Picture: Nathan McNeill

“He says he wishes he had a father that pushed him, his father was European and didn’t know much about football, so I’ve got massive respect for dad – he’s helped me become the player and man I am.

“And Mitch as well, just being there, he’s older but helped me fit in wherever I am, whether that’s football or school.”

Kalpakis played all 20 games for South Morang last season, earning nine mentions in the best, and polling strongly in the Coaches’ MVP.

The Lions reached the semi-finals in their first season back in Division 2.

The club is expected to improve again in 2024 following a strong off-season recruiting campaign and the continued development of its core of homegrown talent.

Kalpakis said there was a special bond at the club.

“I’ve been there since I was seven years old, all my mates are there, it’s a special feeling being able to run out with your brother,” he said.

“It’s a special club, it’s different to any other club, there’s a special bond – whether its under-19s, reserves or seniors.

“We looked quite good (in a practice match against Macleod) and we had a strong year last year, playing finals in our first year.

“We’ve picked up who I think is the best player in the division in Tyrone Leonardis and Kobe and Teague van Zwienen and Kyle Wheatley as well.

“We’re looking in good shape and I think we can finish top-two or top-three.”

While he has been overlooked for VFL selection in the opening two rounds, Kalpakis is hopeful once the NFNL season begins he can properly build up his match fitness and showcase his potential.

Coburg had a 41-point loss to Sydney in Round 1 and six-point defeat to Williamstown in the opening fortnight, has the bye and then faces Collingwood on April 21.

The AFL remains the dream but just playing one VFL match for Coburg would be a significant achievement for Kalpakis.

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“Absolutely, that’s everyone’s dream,” he said.

“I’d just be happy to play a game for Coburg this year, that’s my goal, and once you get one to try to hold your spot.

“As you’ve seen there’s a lot of mid-season draft (opportunities) and mature-age tall defenders coming out, so you keep your head down and work hard because you never know who’s watching.”

South Morang kicks off its season on Saturday against Lower Plenty at Montmorency Park.