PLAYER CHANGES
IN: Cameron Ilett (Nightcliff), Nate Dear (Beaumaris), Angus Harrington, Oscar Harrington (Tallygaroopna), Daniel Maher (Stanhope), Jimmy Cullum (Bay Power), Bailey Waasdorp (North Heidelberg), Jack Hammond, Jesse Williamson (Cobden), Ryley Cowley (Girgarre), Mitch Heywood (Tatura), Matthew Daniel (hiatus)
OUT: Mitch Gugliotti, Billy McLay (Kyabram), Billy Barnes, Tom Cooper, Jack Sinclair, James Ross, Angus Scoble
Last season was one of mixed fortunes for the Blues.
A refreshed group started strongly under Billy Barnes, jumping out to a 4-2 mark, but the side couldn’t maintain its early momentum.
Having proved itself better than the bottom group in 2024, Tongala is bringing a heavily reinforced squad back to the league this season, new coach Stephen Hammond with plenty of fresh options to work with in his return to the club.
Having led the Blues to the 2022 reserves flag, Hammond’s return to the club has helped lure a number of former faces back to Tongala Recreation Reserve.
“I made contact with all them blokes before I was even appointed to see if I took the job on, would they come back or were they interested,” Hammond said.
“So the seed was already sown, and then I got the job so it went from there.”
Hammond feels the influx of new players should see Tongala return to contention in the Murray League in 2025.
“(If) we don’t get injuries, and we don’t finish top four, I’m not doing my job,” he said.
“I’m very happy with the list that we’ve got and (it’s) very exciting at the moment.
“Injuries can change any club but touch wood we have a bit of luck this year.”
12°C