By Tara Murray
Thomastown has added some more experience as it seeks to close the gap between its best and worst in the Northern Football League division 2 competition.
The Bears played finals this year, but proved no match for the top sides who had their measure, and they were knocked out in the first week of finals.
Co-coach Sash Spiroski said that was their biggest focus heading into 2025.
“The biggest thing is we have beaten a team in the top three the last few years,” he said. “That is one of the major things that we want to tick off.
“We want that consistency and have had the ups and downs of three wins and then three losses.
“We need to be more consistent across 18 rounds.”
The Bears signed the majority of their playing list while they were still playing this year, with just one player departing.
Spiroski said having locked in the playing group made things a lot easier come the pre-season. He said it being their second season as co-coaches as well also helped.
“It has been good and like all pre-seasons it has been tough,” he said. “We’ve had solid numbers which has been good.
“With one under our belts you know what to expect and what to do. It’s been easier this time round.”
Spiroski said they had looked to fill holes they believed they had in their squad, adding a handful of players.
The club has announced four new signings on social media.
Spiroski said they had looked to bring in some players who had experience in big games.
“Having people with experience on grand final day, that helps,” he said. “When you get some of that experienced aspect it only makes the side better.”
Deakyn Smith is the biggest signing for the Bears so far.
Smith is Victorian Football League-listed with the Casey Demons.
“He is great mates with Youseph Dib and mates with some of the other boys,” Spiroski said. “He came down and had a look and he liked what he saw and the vision of the football club.
“He came down to the first couple of trainings before his VFL training sessions. He’ll be a huge asset for the club in 2025.”
Ruck Blake Ross and Luke Baniowski both cross from West Coburg, which has played off in three straight Essendon District Football League division 1 grand finals.
James Guicas crossed from Keilor Park where he was a goalkicker for the side.
The Bears kick off their 2025 season on April 5 against Panton Hill.
