Thomastown coach Mario Bandera steps down after three years at the Bears
Thomastown is the second club to confirm a coaching change for 2023 after Mario Bandera decided to step down after three years at the Bears
Northern
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Thomastown is the second Northern Football League club looking for a new coach in 2023.
After three years at Main St Reserve, Mario Bandera informed the Bears this week he would step down from his role effective immediately.
Bandera was appointed in September 2019 and helped guide the NFL Division 2 club through two difficult COVID-affected seasons, including the cancelled 2020 campaign.
Thomastown president Rob Mazniovski released a statement on Thursday night confirming the decision.
“Mario has cited personal reasons and commitments as the catalyst for this decision and knowing he cannot give his all to the role feels now is the right time to step away,” the statement read.
“While the timing is never right in these situations he wanted to ensure the club had ample opportunity to explore potential coaching candidates or the 2023 season.
“The club would like to thank Mario for his contribution as senior coach over the last two years.
“His professionalism and work galvanising the group through the COVID period was a true testament to his character and something we will always be grateful for.”
After finishing third last season and a strong off-season recruiting push, Thomastown was considered a premiership contender this season.
However, results have not gone the Bears’ way this year, and they find themselves in seventh position with just three wins and a draw after 11 rounds.
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A series of close losses have cruelled any hope of playing finals.
The Bears have lost to Diamond Creek by nine and 14 points, Banyule by five points and St Mary’s by eight points and drawn with Lower Plenty.
Three games behind St Mary’s in fifth, Thomastown will host Eltham on Saturday hoping to keep its slim finals hopes alive.
Assistant coach Daniel Bramich will take the interim coaching reins from this week.
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