SFNL: Dominant ruckman Shem Tatupu has joined a Division 1 contender

A Southern league contender has propelled its premiership chances after the competition’s best big man had a change of heart. See the latest details.

Shem Tatupu. Picture : George Sal

It’s a huge boost for Springvale Districts.

The Demons have geared up their Southern league Division 1 premiership credentials by locking away dominant ruckman Shem Tatupu.

Tatupu was originally set to play for Port Melbourne Colts but had a change of heart and ultimately decided to turn towards Newcomen Rd.

It’s understood Tatupu has friends at Springvale Districts and reached out in the new year.

Tatupu played 11 games for St Kilda City in 2023 before injuring his knee.

St Kilda City confirmed on Friday that it had approved Tatupu’s clearance to Districts.

The former Hawthorn-listed rookie bolsters Districts’ big-man stocks that already includes Team of the Year ruckman Toby Arms.

Shem Tatupu. Picture : George Sal

Toby Arms. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The addition comes after the the Demons suffered a heartbreaking elimination final defeat to Port Melbourne Colts in 2023.

Springvale Districts has improved in each of its past five seasons and after that elimination final defeat, coach Kris Thompson said it had expectations to do so again.

“We want to win a premiership, if you’re a team that plays finals and your goal the following year isn’t to win the premiership, well, I don’t know what it is,” Thompson said in September.

“Every year we have finished higher on the ladder, five years in a row, so why shouldn’t that be happening next year (2024).

“Our player retention is always super, we will go forward with a similar squad and are looking to bring in some top end recruits as well.”

Springvale Districts kicks off its season on April 6 with Dingley at home.