Tungamah Football Netball Club is eagerly anticipating the 2025 season with a substantial influx of junior talent in both netball and football creating a buzz with the year looking promising for the Bears.

Tungamah has successfully retained a significant number of senior players in football and netball which is a positive development for the club with the main goal to be competitive, aiming for finals and, ideally, challenging for the premiership over all grades.

With hard work, consistency, and determination, there’s a strong belief that the Bears can achieve great things this season.

On the footy field, co-coaches Sam Ferguson and Sean Johns once again take the reigns as the seniors have retained all bar one of last year’s list which left them in a really good position to go out and recruit for 2025.

Ned McKeown headlines the list of recruits, coming to the club from Swan Hill. He is a class act who can play forward or back and will be a great leader.

Connor Phibbs joins from Tocumwal, where he won the best and fairest last year and will play through the wings and half back.

Geoff Montgomery returns to the club from Yarrawonga, where he had a taste of senior footy last year and will be a great addition to our backline.

The seniors will also welcome back former premiership players Drew Haebich and Glenn Dominick who have been great on the track over the summer and will add leadership and experience to the group.

“Numbers have been really strong at training over the summer. The boys have really bought in and there has been a number of younger boys that have stepped up as leaders within the group and really driven the standards,” Sean said.

“We played against Shepparton East in our first practice match and won by 8 or 9 goals in a competitive match,” Sam added.

“We then had a great hit-out against Barooga where we won by 4 goals. The boys showed some really good signs and there were lots of positives, both as individuals and as a collective.

“We are looking forward to round 1.”

Sean and Sam will be joined in the coaching ranks by off field assistant coach Luke Ednie whilst 2024 Reserves premiership co coaches Travis Hayes and Matt Bourke take the helm again with Matt Lonergan and Ryan Walker lead the Thirds as Shannon Doyle and Luke Buerckener support the fourths.

Matt and Ryan have been hard at work during the preseason with the thirds boys, ensuring they are fit and ready for round one.

With their dedication and preparation, the club believe the boys are poised to make a strong impact this season.

In the fourths, despite a significant exit of last years top age players, the team has not seen a decline in numbers.

The Bears are thrilled to welcome many talented kids moving up from the under 11s resulting in a robust squad of 30 odd players.

Coaches Shan and Luke are eager to support these young athletes as they develop their skills and work towards becoming future football superstars.

The enthusiasm and potential within this group are truly inspiring, and we look forward to witnessing their growth this season.

This season at Tungamah on the netball court, there is a focus on building a strong sense of unity and improving individual skill.

The senior coaching team consisting of Molly Grant (A Grade), Kimberly Di Blasi (B Grade), Sherelle Vella (C Grade) and Sandy Dickie (C Res) are looking forward to introducing a few fresh strategies in training, focusing on improving courts movement, and fitness levels.

The coaching staff are looking forward to strengthening the bonds between team members to ensure a cohesive and supportive environment both on and off the court.

One player to watch this season is Keely Holcombe as she returns to the court after pregnancy during last year’s season.

Her leadership and skill on the court will be crucial for Tungamah’s success. Known for her agility and ability to read the game, she also brings a lot of energy to the team.

The Bears girls have made some exciting new signings that will add strength to their line-up. Maddie Cheek is returning after the recent birth of her baby boy and ready to hit the mid court with her speed and precision.

Defensive duo Olivia and Amy have also resigned ready to show their exceptional defensive skills again this season.

“We have a strong line up of versatile players this year,” A Grade coach Molly said.

“With some new additions and a strong existing core, the teams are looking to have a standout season and make a push for a finals position.”

The juniors are primed and ready to rumble this year with Mellissa Cummins and Molly Grant to take the helm of the Under 17s, Tahnee Pearce and Jenny Buerckner Under 15s, Bernadette Attwood and Leonie Agius Under 13s, Danielle Rennie and Bridie Hodgson Under 11s and Danielle Rennie Under 9s.

“We have great numbers again, many who have been here before but some new faces also,” Molly said. “Trainings have seen a lot of smiles as the teams start to gel and come together and the more, they turn up, the more they will develop.

“Looking forward to a fun and competitive year with the cubs.”

The Bears kickstart their season at home at Jubilee Park next weekend, Saturday, April 5 against Katamatite.

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Friday, 18th April 2025

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