Recently we’ve been welcoming new players for 2024. Such is the nature of the off-season, we also have those whose time in the jumper has come to an end. This year we have the retirement of some long-term servants who have been enormous contributors to Mulgrave.

None more so than Dean Siakoulis, who is hanging up the boots after a stunning career.

Dean first came to Mulgrave in 2011 from Waverley Park Hawks and Oakleigh Chargers. He had a reputation as a young player, but nobody would have predicted the imprint he’d leave on our club in the years to come.

Dean’s list of individual accolades makes impressive reading and includes:

• 203 senior games (one of just 7 players to play 200 senior games for MFC)
• Senior captain 2015 – 2021
• 6x Senior Best & Fairest winner (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
• Runner-up EFNL League B&F 2017 (pipped by teammate @hendo_seb by one vote)
• 7x EFNL Team of the Year (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022)
• MFC Life member

Dean is without doubt one of the finest and most decorated players to have ever pulled on the Mulgrave jumper. His legacy will be enormous and will echo around the club for many years to come.

“What a player. For someone of his size he was as tough as they come. Led with his actions, skilled on both sides, kicked goals when it mattered. What an honour it was to play alongside you for so long.” - Senior captain Sam Kassianou

“Dean is skillful, tough, loyal and a little lippy. He’s one of the best players I’ve seen. I’ve played the most games with Dean and it’s been an absolute pleasure.” – MFC champion Adam Booth

Dean, all your mates at Mulgrave, past and present, wish you the very best in retirement. Our loss is Stacey and Lenny’s gain as you enjoy some more free time. We look forward to seeing you on the deck with a well-deserved can on Saturdays.

And a quick word for the longest-serving umpire escort in MFC history, Tim Siakoulis. Quarter time won’t look the same without you in the fluoro vest, though you’re welcome to continue in the role! Thanks for so many years of support for Dean and the club.