The new leaders will follow on from the work of outgoing coach Xavier Stevenson, who takes the senior coaching role at Shepparton Bears after leading Tungamah to a Picola and District League grand final this past season.
Hoping to continue on from a successful two years since joining the PDFL, Bears president Steven Buerckner said he was confident Johns and Ferguson could help the club jump the final hurdle.
“Both men are school teachers and work together in Shepparton so it is a great fit,” Buerckner said.
“They will be fantastic developing our young playing list and hopefully we can go one step further in 2023.”
Ferguson steps up into the top job after an excellent 2022 campaign with the Bears, finishing runner-up in the club’s best-and-fairest.
Johns comes to the club after an impressive six-year stint with Murray League club Mulwala, where he helped lead the club to a drought-break premiership.
Buerckner spoke highly of the pair’s football resumes and was excited about what they would bring to the club as senior coaches.
“Sam has been a fantastic addition to our club, his on-field performance was brilliant, finishing runner-up in our best-and-fairest and he is a natural leader,” he said.
“Sam has played at the Shepparton Swans, captained Congupna for four years, winning a best-and-fairest there and has represented the MFL on six occasions.
“Sean is looking forward to the next phase in his career stepping into the coaching role.
“He captained the Murray Bushrangers and represented NSW/ACT in the under-18 championships. He has also played at the Wangaratta Magpies, and Strathfieldsaye, helping them to their first premiership.”
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