They certainly know how to cook up a good barbecue at Tungamah and the chefs weren’t going hungry!
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Les_Garbutt
A month into the Tungamah football pre season, hopes are high to keep pushing towards the ultimate success.
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“I’m happy how things are going – we’ve got a good foundation,” senior coach Xavier Stevenson told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“Obviously it was disappointing the way last season finished and we’re looking forward to 2022.”
Returning to the Picola and District league in 2021, Tungamah chalked up 11 wins and two losses to be sitting second on the ladder before the season ended before any finals could be played due to Covid-19.
It was Stevenson’s first year at Tungamah, having been recruited as playing coach from Shepparton Bears where he was vice-captain and assistant coach. Bears to Bears, different leagues.
The name Stevenson is revered at Jubilee Park Tungamah. Xavier’s uncle Peter Stevenson coached Tungamah in 1997 and 1998, and Xavier’s Dad Phil Stevenson coached the Bears to the 1986 premiership.
Tungamah football’s 2022 coaching line-up: Fourths co-coaches Shannon Doyle and Ryan Walker, Thirds coach Jeff Goldman, Seniors coach Xavier Stevenson, and Reserves co-coaches Alan Richardson and Justin Saunders.
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Les_Garbutt
“There’s definitely some nostalgia here, particularly with my Dad coaching the club to a premiership,” today’s 28-year-old dynamic midfielder coach and physiotherapist in Shepparton said.
“That was a key reason for me coming here but there are other key reasons too. I’m keen to make my own mark on this great club.”
Having played in a premiership and being part of the leadership group at Shepparton, and keen to further improve the Tungamah Bears, Stevenson is dedicated and committed to seeing his team become a strong premiership contender.
The club has recruited Rennie ruckman Liam Connell, Jhett Cooper, a forward/midfield from Shepparton United and backman James Lawless from Melbourne.
“We could have at least two more recruits early in the New Year,” Stevenson said.
Bears’ senior coach Xavier Stevenson with recruits Liam Connell (left) and Jhett Cooper (right).
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Les_Garbutt
Tungamah Football Netball Club President Josh Buerckner said: “We’re in a really strong position going forward.
“We have a lot of junior numbers and recruited really well for our Thirds who were light on last season. Our netball is going really strong too.”
Senior netball coach Jayanna Sharp and all netball coaches are keen to see how season 2022 unfolds.
A Grade finished in the lower part of the eight last season before Covid-19 hit and the 22-year-old Cobram District Specialist School employee Jayanna, with assistant coach and strong A Grade player Annie Seccull, said: “We’re hoping to make improvements to push for the top five.”
Jayanna was struck with a bad ankle injury last season. But with a fit playing coach, that top five is a distinct possibility.
Tungamah netball’s coaches for 2022: C Reserve Sally Eales, Under 17 co-coaches Grace Whitelock and Jorja Goldman, Senior coach Jayanna Sharp and Under 15 co-coaches Ally Cooper and Penny Thomson.
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