At this year’s club presentation night, the announcement was made that senior coach Dave Bate was stepping back to make way for Kade Rowe.
Rowe will create a new role for himself as he steps into the side as a playing-coach.
After playing for Tungamah in the Murray League in 2019, where he helped his team reach the first round of the finals, Rowe has come to lead the senior team to a new era.
Tocumwal president Dennis Sutton spoke of Rowe’s manner in his coaching interviews as a major contributor to why he thought he was fit for the job.
‘‘In our interviews for the coaching position he really impressed me,’’ Sutton said.
‘‘He wants to step into the position and turn the senior side around, something I believe he can do with the professionalism he carried in his interview.’’
The Bloods had a horror year in 2019, failing to win a game and finishing on the bottom of the ladder.
While the results during the year were tough to watch, it was certainly a busy year off the field.
A lot of work throughout the season went into scouting for the club’s 2020 senior coaching staff to the credit of the hard work from Bate, who also serves as the club’s football operations manager.
‘‘Throughout the season Dave (Bate) sent people along to watch Kade play; they were really impressed with how he carried himself on the field,’’ Sutton said.
‘‘Dave did a great job throughout the season scouting for the next coach.
‘‘Kade believes he is ready to lead the side.’’
Also entering the coaching arena for the senior team is Luke Congram, who takes on the role of assistant coach.
Congram played for Yarrawonga reserves this season and after his team was scheduled for a bye, he used the opportunity to play a game for the Tocumwal reserves.
‘‘He really impressed us with his leadership skills among the younger players,’’ Sutton said.
‘‘He holds himself with high integrity and professionalism on the ground which will fit very well in our club.’’