Tongala begins a new season against Nathalia on Good Friday. Photo: Jordan Townrow.
There’s no substitute for round one.
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Tongala has been hard at work over the offseason, making signings and developing its list, but the true test of its pre-season work comes this Good Friday as it heads into its opening round Murray League contest against Nathalia at Tongala Recreation Reserve.
Club veteran and returning seniors coach Jordan Souter feels good about his first pre-season back at the helm, but knows the side needs game time under its belt to see what it is truly capable of.
“Our main thing is about connection and (getting), all on the same page,” he said.
“We feel like we’re in a fairly good position, but I reckon we’ll take a few weeks to really get going as a team.
“We've got a fair few new players and obviously, (I’m) back coaching this year, so we've got a different game plan and a little bit longer to click, but the sooner, the better, and hopefully, it can click pretty soon.”
Along with bringing on graduates from the under-17s side, Souter has a significant list of recruits to add to the considerations, including incoming Echuca pair Joe Guiney and Riley Smith, as well as headline signing Tom Holman, who arrives as one of Kyabram’s grand final heroes in the Goulburn Valley League decider last season.
“(Holman’s) a great pickup for us on and off the field,” Souter said.
“He’s on board as assistant coach too, so he gives us a lot of direction out on the ground.
“He won’t be judged on how many goals he kicks for us for the year, it’s what we’re getting out of him through development of the younger players at training and all that too.”
Holman kicked 50 goals for the premiership Bombers last season, including three in a quarter in the decider against Rochester.
Tom Holman, one Kyabram’s premiership stars in the GVL, has made the jump to Tongala in 2026. Photo: Megan Fisher.
Tongala has missed the finals for the past few seasons, finishing 2025 in 10th with a 5-13 record.
Although realistic about the improvements that need to be made, Souter says every side should be aiming for finals ahead of round one.
“We know we’ve got a lot of work to do and things have got to get right, but (finals is) our goal,” he said.
“We want to be really competitive for as long as we can in every game.”
The Blues begin their campaign with a traditional Good Friday clash with Nathalia, a consistent finals force, and the same club that defeated Tongala in the 2019 grand final during Souter’s previous stint in charge.
“We always play on Good Friday, it always creates a good crowd and good vibe,” Souter said.
“We know they’re a good side, and it will show us, come Friday arvo, where we’re actually at.”
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