FAST FACTS
CO-COACHES: SAM FERGUSON AND SEAN JOHNS 2022 FINISH: SECOND (13-1) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ASHLEY SAUNDERS 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ASHLEY SAUNDERS (81) HOME GROUND: JUBILEE PARK NICKNAME: BEARS
PLAYER CHANGES
Ins: Sean Johns, Dylan Robinson, Brad Wilson, Cameron Magher, Cam Carling (Mulwala), Joshua Cheek (Wodonga Raiders), Dale Powell
Outs: Xavier Stevenson, Jhett Cooper (Shepparton)
2022 was a case of ‘so close, yet so far’ for Tungamah.
After producing a dominant home-and-away season, the minor premier Bears were overawed on grand final day, falling to Waaia by 45 points in what was easily their worst performance of the year.
While the pain of that loss still cuts deep, 2023 offers a fresh slate for what is set to be a new-look Tungamah squad.
With the departure of senior coach Xavier Stevenson to Shepparton, Mulwala premiership hero Sean Johns comes across to take the reins alongside promoted assistant Sam Ferguson.
Star on-baller Jhett Cooper will also trade Jubilee Park for Deakin Reserve in what many may see as a crushing blow.
But with Mulwala flag heroes Bradley Wilson and Dylan Robinson and classy Wodonga Raider midfielder Joshua Cheeks coming into the fold, Johns said he was confident the Bears had the star power to get over that elusive final hurdle.
“After losing the grand final last year I’ve come in and seen a real hunger among the group which has been great,” Johns said.
“List-wise I feel we are in a great position and in the off-season we definitely gained more talent than we lost which will put us in great stead.
“Being new to the club, I am really determined to build a culture of fun and success, and hopefully from that premiership glory will come.”