Tara Murray
A refreshed Peter Bugden is keen to get back into action having been appointed Thomastown’s new coach.
The premiership winning coach with both Whittlesea and Craigieburn was this week announced as the Northern Football League division 2 club’s coach for the next two seasons.
The Bears, who finished fifth this year, were coached by Mario Bandera before he stood down from the role. Daniel Bramich coached out the season.
For Bugden, it’s a return to coaching.
“I coached for 16 years straight including 11 as a senior coach, before I decided to have a break with how draining it can be,” he said.
I’m excited after a few years off coaching and I’m looking forward to it.”
Bugden is no stranger to the Bears. His son plays with the club as does his son in law.
He said he felt like he was on the same page as the club.
“It’s a great connection and I’ve watched them the last couple of year,” he said.
“The club fights above its weight and real working class, which I can relate to and love about them.
“There’s a group of players who are willing to give it a crack and have been really welcoming.”
Bugden said he had a good base to work with already at the club. He said Bandera said some really good work to put them in a good position.
“I’ve been around long enough not to make any predictions,” he said.
“From what I’ve seen they have the talent there. They worked hard under Mario and are really fit which showed through the year.
“We all have different game styles as coaches. Hopefully mine lends to get the best out of the boys.”
Bugden said the phone hadn’t stopped since his signing was announced, saying he was overwhelmed by all the messages.
While the 2022 season has just finished for the Bears, Bugden is already starting putting in the work for next year.
“I just want to get into it,” he said. “ Two weeks ago when I went through the process, I started doing a fair bit of research to get a good feel for the side.
“It’s different watching the replay of the game. I’m super confident the boys will buy in and we’re going to be okay.
‘We’ll do everything we can to get to the big day of the year.”
In the club’s social media post they said they were excited by what Bugden brings to the club.
Peter comes to us refreshed, motivated and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience,” the post said.
“His excitement and enthusiasm for our playing list and his vision for success in the not too distant future, are some of the key factors for his appointment.
“More importantly than all of this, is the respect Peter has amongst the football community in the NFNL and EDFL [Essendon District Football League].
