Tatura’s Andrew Ciavarella has been re-appointed senior football coach for 2027.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The Bulldogs are backing in their senior coaches.
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Tatura Football Netball Club has announced the re-signings of football senior coach Andrew Ciavarella and netball A-grade coach Stacey Thompson for 2027 after their maiden season in their respective roles.
While Ciavarella’s men have yet to produce a senior win this year, data suggests the club is headed in the right direction for 2027 under the playing coach’s leadership.
Compared to the 2025 season when Tatura parted ways with former coach Paul Barnard, the Bulldogs have already produced a greater season in attack with three games to spare, while the club would have to concede nearly 700 points across its final three fixtures if it is to have a worse year defensively.
Triple-figure losses have been significantly cut in 2026 also, down to four compared to 10 at this time last season, while four losses have been less than 40 points or less – a feat the Bulldogs did not record once in 2025.
While the “optimist” in Ciavarella was hoping to have banked a few premiership points to this stage in the season, the re-signed helmsman states the growth is undeniable.
“Internally we know how much we’ve grown as a club ... I’m excited to go on again, there’s plenty of unfinished business,” Ciavarella said.
“There’s plenty of tangible aspects where we’ve improved, such as the scores for and against.
“Obviously we’re not in the position we want to be just yet, but we’ve certainly had some improvement.
“The optimist in me thought we may have had a couple (wins) by now, but that’s a credit to the rest of the teams in the GVL.
“I think a few of our performances would’ve gotten us over the line last year, but everyone in general has upped their game, which is always good for the quality of the competition.”
Ciavarella reinforced the importance of the club’s community spirit and how his aims for the club’s growth have been focused off-field just as heavily as on it.
“I haven’t had one thing in general I wanted to narrow in on, but I have always been a strong believer in the club’s culture,” he said.
“That’s our one wood and it’s what drew me to the club initially when I first came to Tat.
“I’ve seen the most growth in how happy everyone is and, at the end of the day, it is a community club.
“People come to watch or volunteer or play at the club to be happy and have that enjoyment, so it’s been great to see that.”
Meanwhile on the asphalt, Tatura is charging towards yet another finals berth.
After three consecutive seasons finishing fourth, the Bulldogs are likely to finish around the mark again under the leadership of Thompson.
Tatura A-grade coach Stacey Thompson will lead from the sideline again in 2027. Photo: Tatura Football Netball Club Facebook.
Tatura stated the decision was “easy” to place Thompson in charge in 2027, while Thompson said she had thoroughly enjoyed the move to red, white and blue.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Tat this year,” Thompson said.
“The club, as a whole is an inclusive place, and the girls are so positive and connected with one another, they enjoy the behind the scenes work and getting better as a team.
“Obviously we’re targeting finals this year and we’re hoping to keep building on that in 2027 and, as a club, we’ll aim build strong depth across all five teams so it pushes all players to work hard and fight for their spots.”
Tatura’s bid for netball finals and a senior football win continues against Shepparton United at Tatura Park on Saturday.
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