The Tungamah Bears entered the 2026 season under fresh leadership, with first-time coaches Luke Ednie and Ned McKeown taking the reins.
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With a mix of nerves and excitement, the pair had the side primed and ready to go. Both brought a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the group, already building strong belief that the Bear Pit will be the place to be this season.
Final Scores
Tungamah 10.5-65 def by Katamatite 16.11-107
Best players: Geoff Montgomery, Al Rielly, Jye Holcombe, Ben Beaton, Nathan Hill.
Goal kickers: Brush Haebich 4, Ash Saunders 2, Ben Beaton 2, Lachie Phillips, Ned McKeown, Mitch Adkins 1.
Taking on the reigning premiers, Tungamah came out firing in the opening term.
The Bears brought immediate intensity, with the midfield leading the charge. Wardy, Brush and Drew were outstanding, attacking the contest hard and giving their side first use.
Around the ground, the pressure was relentless, and the tone was set early.
Down back, vice-captain Geoff Montgomery was a standout, keeping his opponent to minimal possessions while organising a composed and disciplined defensive unit.
The second quarter saw Tungamah continue to match it with Katamatite, refusing to take a backward step.
Brae Grant delivered a major performance through the midfield, working tirelessly on the ball, while Al Rielly competed strongly in the ruck, showcasing impressive second and third efforts.
Recruit Nathan Hill made his presence felt across the backline, providing strong support in defence.
Ben Beaton also stood up, taking on a role outside his usual position and executing it brilliantly for the team.
There was also plenty to like from the club’s younger brigade, with Archie Doyle showing exciting signs.
The young up-and-comer demonstrated glimpses of what he can bring to the side, giving supporters plenty to look forward to as the season unfolds.
After halftime, the Bears showed great resilience.
Despite the pressure, they refused to give in, with the backline standing tall. Captain Jye Holcombe led from the front, working tirelessly and directing teammates to ensure the side remained organised and competitive.
Glenn Dominick also played a crucial role in defence, reading the play well, intercepting strongly and providing important rebound out of the back half.
In the final term, co-coach Ned McKeown led by example, pushing forward with intent and providing a spark when it was needed most. His efforts lifted the side and ensured the Bears continued to apply pressure right through to the final siren.
While Tungamah did not come away with the win, the performance showed plenty of promise.
The effort, intensity and willingness to compete against quality opposition highlighted the potential within the group.
All signs point to an exciting season ahead for the Bears, with a strong mix of leadership, emerging talent and determination already on display.
Reserves
Tungamah 13.9-87 def Katamatite 1.3-9
Like a commitment to quitting the darts at 2am, the side found itself back on the bandwagon and rolling out for Round 1 again. The group spent the off-season working on their “diabetes,” hitting the beers harder than the barbells—bloated, underdone and shamelessly optimistic.
Off-season changes saw Rangi and Patches hand the coaching role to Gooba and Mooka, while Saundy passed the captaincy to Connell and Jezza.
After scrambling around, the side rounded up enough players to field a team. It was a tight start, with only a point in it at quarter time. From there, the backs stood tall, conceding just one point for the remainder of the game.
Cam Nye finished with five goals despite some questionable delivery, while Saunders snagged one thanks to Liam’s tap work.
The final result was a solid win—bodies sore, egos inflated and just enough signs to convince everyone the side is a chance this year.
Under 17s
Tungamah 16.15-111 def Katamatite 3.5-23
It was a brilliant start for the thirds against a well-matched Katamatite. A strong first quarter set the tone, with excellent teamwork and ball movement leading to a four-goal advantage at quarter time.
The second quarter saw the side take control, extending the lead to 10 goals by halftime. The second half allowed younger players to step into key roles, and they did not disappoint, contributing to a convincing win.
Goals: Tague Saunders 3, Billy Doyle 3, Brodie Krywyn 2, Tyler O’More 2, Zeppelin Bramich 1, Jett Bamford 1, Ryan Johnson 1, Tom Lawrence 1, Taijan Ussher 1, Luke O’Brien 1
Awards: Doyle’s Socks: Jackson Prosser, Bamford Builders: Taijan Ussher, Central Murray Bank: Tyler O’More. Tungamah Shop: Darcy Hargreaves, Intersport: Ryan Johnson.
Under 14s
Tungamah 12.8-80 def Katamatite 2.2-14
Round 1 saw Tungamah host Katamatite with a heavily changed lineup. Despite missing several players, the young Bears stepped up impressively.
Strong midfield work from Judd Haebich, Chase Jarjoura and Ryder Kelly set the tone early, while the backline, led by Tyler Buerckner and Isaac McLarty, stood firm under pressure.
Ernie Buerckner starred with four goals in his debut, while several first-time players also hit the scoreboard. A great team performance saw the Bears run out convincing winners.
Final score: Tungamah 80 defeated Katamatite 12
Best: Judd Haebich, Chase Jarjoura, Noah Lawless, Alex Morgan, Isaac McLarty, Tyler Buerckner.
Bear Cubs
Full of excitement and nervous energy, the boys and girls were up early and ready to play. Both teams showed great enthusiasm, with all players getting involved and having a kick.
Mark Connell was strong in the ruck, while Dom Knox and teammates worked hard at ground level. It was a great effort by all, and most importantly, everyone had fun.
A special thank you goes to the Tungamah Cricket Club for sponsoring the awards this year.
Awards: Mark Connell, Logan Kolodziej.
Netball
A Grade
Won 49-33
The Bears kicked off the season in style with a strong win in their first game under new coach Stacey Parks. With fresh faces Kristie James and Sophie Coghill joining the side, and the welcome return of Chloe Lawless and Chloe Elliott, the team showed great cohesion from the outset.
It was a full team effort, highlighted by relentless second and third efforts that created crucial turnovers. Defensive pressure and a willingness to work for each other across the court set the tone.
The coach was particularly pleased with the team’s communication, with players consistently backing each other and maintaining positive energy throughout all four quarters.
Awards: Players’ player: Kristie James, One Zach: Bella Cavka, Jaycees: Molly Grant, Richglen: Chloe Lawless.
B Grade
Won 51-22
The Bears opened their season in dominant fashion, defeating Katamatite under new coaches Tahnee Pearce and Brodie Gissing. The side came out firing, establishing an 11-goal lead by quarter time.
Positional changes through the middle stages allowed the team to settle into structure, extending the margin to 23 goals at the final break. A composed final quarter sealed a 29-goal victory.
It was also great to see Stacey Parks make her first appearance. Coaches were pleased with the team’s communication and attack on the ball, with consistent pressure leading to numerous turnovers. Amy Reilly’s defensive pressure was superb, earning her players’ player honours.
A thank you goes to Elli, Laila and Emily for stepping in to assist the team.
Awards: Players’ player and Purtle’s Award: Amy Reilly, Hemphill Family Award: Mollie Walton, Jaycees: Mariah Duffy, Miss Dolly: Stacey Parks.
C Grade
Won 33-21
Final score: Tungamah 33 defeated Katamatite 21
Despite being a new-look side, the C Grade team showed strong cohesion from the outset. From the first whistle, the players were determined to put their best foot forward.
Jorja, Sarah and Chelsea worked tirelessly in defence, applying strong pressure and reading the play well to generate turnovers. The midcourt—Eliza, Claudia, Amy and Adelle—worked hard on timing and space, leading to impressive passages of play.
The attacking group of Chloe, Madi K and Maddi S combined beautifully, with their support and communication making goal conversion look effortless.
Awards: Jaycees: Claudia Cruikshank, Players’ player and Judds: Madi Kelly, Richglen: Sarah Govan.
C Res
Won 22-13
The side entered the first game full of excitement against Katamatite. Ball movement through the court was strong, supported by accurate shooting and excellent defensive pressure.
The players worked well together, showing strong team spirit and encouraging one another to secure a nine-goal win.
Awards: Mimi Barnett – Free as a Bird, Tash Beaton – Miss Dolly, Charlotte Goudie – Judds Mensland.
Under 17s
WON 82-2
On a sunny but chilly morning, Round 1 began with high excitement despite only nine players being available. Elli drove play through the centre to debutant Melia at wing attack, who impressed with an outstanding all-round performance.
Laila and Emily were strong in defence, with Laila later moving to goal shooter and helping the team surpass their 67-goal target to finish with 82.
Kiera and Chloe’s accurate shooting proved crucial, while Abbi was steady in wing defence. Claire stepped confidently into centre, and Chaye showed great versatility across defence and midcourt.
Injured teammate Lillie supported from the sidelines, contributing to a memorable first game.
Awards: Players’ player: Laila, Wingate: Chaye, Central Murray Bank: Melia.
Under 15s
Won 37-3
The Under 15s took to the court ready for Round 1, adapting impressively to positional changes and working well in all combinations.
Torah and Billie anchored the defence, supported by Asha, while the midcourt group drove play forward with pressure and determination. Their work created strong opportunities for the shooters, who converted well.
Awards: Doyle’s Sock: Billie Buerckner, Tungamah Shop: Lyla Payne, Bamford Builders: Madi Cassidy.
Under 13s
Won 60-1
It was a great start to the season for the Under 13s, with a strong 60–1 win over Katamatite. The team brought great energy and applied their training well, with strong passing, movement and defensive pressure.
The players adapted well to positional changes, showing versatility, teamwork and excellent communication throughout the game. It was a true team performance, with contributions from all players.
Awards: Best Fit: Milli Pearce, Richglen: Mia Broesder. Tungamah Shop: Eliza Prosser.