Tigers in celebration mode

TANTANOOLA Football Club is celebrated a remarkable milestone at the weekend as one of its most dedicated and accomplished players Nathan ‘Marky’ Bell played his 400th senior game for the club.

A true club legend, Marky (pictured right) has been an integral part of Tantanoola for nearly three decades, with a career that showcases not only his skill on the field but his deep commitment to the club.

Marky first laced up his boots for Tantanoola as a skinny little eight year old and got his first taste of a premiership captaining the 1995 Junior Colts.

Making his senior debut in 1997 he has been a key figure in the club’s journey, with 2006 a definite highlight as he captained the A Grade to end a 20 year premiership drought.

In 2006 and 2007, Marky was named Best on Ground for the Mid South East Interleague teams and was selected in the Zone side in 2006 solidifying his reputation as one of the region’s top talents.

Over these years, he earned the Coach’s Trophy (2000), three A Grade Best Team Man awards (2003, 2006, 2007), and A Grade Most Consistent award (2008).

But it’s not just his playing that has defined his legacy at the club.

Marky’s leadership qualities have shone through in many different roles.

He took on the role of Junior Colts coach in 2008 adn under his guidance, the team went on to win the premiership and named the Mid South East Junior Coach of the Year.

Marky took a couple of seasons away from the club, spending time in Queensland and the Northern Territory, before returning to the region to play a season for South Gambier.

In 2011, he came back to Tantanoola as Assistant Coach of the A Grade side.

Then, in 2013, he served as B Grade vice captain during a premiership year, and in 2014, he captained the team to back to back premierships.

His leadership extended further into coaching, as he took the reins of the Reserves side in 2015, leading them to a preliminary final in his first season.

His commitment to the club was again evident when he guided the reserves to another premiership in 2016.

Marky’s accolades speak for themselves including winning the prestigious Walker Medal in 2014 the same year he was presented Tantanoola Playing Life Member.

A three-time Tantanoola Reserves Best & Fairest winner and four-time runner-up and he also received the 2025 Leading Goal Kicker and 2024 Barry Linton Memorial.

Despite these individual achievements, Marky’s greatest contribution to the club has been his unwavering loyalty and dedication.

He’s not just a player; he’s a leader, mentor, and role model to all who have come through the club.

Off the field, Marky plays a key role as the current (unofficial) Junior President, tirelessly working to ensure the club’s future remains bright.

The Bell name continues through the Tantanoola ranks with sons Kaden and Jobe, daughter Marlee and wife Chole, who has also been heavily involved with the club as a trainer and secretary.

Round 2 also saw the celebration of Chris ‘Bundy’ McCallum as he played his 150th senior game for Tantanoola Football Club.

A talented junior, Chris (pictured left) set the tone early in his career with a standout 2002 season.

He made his senior debut, won the Tantanoola Senior Colts Best and Fairest and was awarded the A Grade’s Best First Year Player.

In 2003, while still in the Senior Colts, Bundy played a full season of A Grade and earned the Senior Colts Coach’s Trophy, a testament to his growing influence on the field.

A key moment in his career came in 2006, when he was part of the A Grade premiership team that broke a 20-year premiership drought.

His efforts that season were recognised with the Coach’s Trophy, solidifying his status as a dependable and hardworking player.

Unfortunately, injury slowed Bundy’s progress in 2007 and 2008 and after a few seasons away from the region he returned to the club in 2019.

A tight-checking defender who rarely gets beaten, he has continued to be a key figure at the club.

His consistency was highlighted in 2022 when he claimed the Reserves Best and Fairest as well as finishing Runner Up in both 2021 and 2024.

He is supported by his wife Lara and their young Tiger Cubs, Rory and Elkie.

It was in Round 1 that Jami Hamilton (nee Walker) celebrated her 250th senior game with the Tantanoola Netball Club.

A born and bred tiger, Jami (pictured top right with husband Cooper & son Ellis) has played all her netball in the red and white and has Tiger blood running through her veins.

Jami’s first senior game was as a junior and it was clear then that she was a talent and asset to the club.

It’s not very often that you will see a player never stray from their home club and barely ever miss a game.

She reached her 200th senior game in 2023 and since then has played all her games in A Grade, only taking time away from the court and on the sidelines last year when she was pregnant with her little Tiger cub Ellis.

Throughout her senior playing career, Jami has earned herself many individual accolades, well supported by husband Cooper.

In Round 2, Tantanoola Football Club marked yet another major milestone as Jake ‘Bommer’ Bromley played his 300th senior game.

A Tantanoola junior Bommer (pictured bottom right) took home the 2002 Seniors Colts Best First Year Player and 2004 Coach’s trophy.

Making his senior debut in 2004 he quickly became known for his versatility, commitment, and team-first mentality.

Bommer’s contributions have been integral to the club’s success across multiple levels and was a key figure in three B Grade premierships, demonstrating strong leadership, including serving as vice captain.

In 2017, as a regular in the A Grade, he was awarded Neil von Duve Best Team Man award, a fitting recognition for a player who has always put the team above individual accolades.

Bommer’s individual awards speak volumes about his consistency and dedication.

From being named the B Grade Best Utility award in 2005 and Most Consistent player in 2015, throughout his career, his versatility on the field has been a major asset to all teams he has played in.

Recognised for his leadership and team-first attitude he was awarded the Barry Linton Award in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Beyond his playing achievements, Bommer has made a significant impact off the field as well.

His time coaching the Under 11’s and Junior Colts teams has helped nurture the next generation of Tantanoola players.

There was a large family contingent at the game to cheer him on including wife Kristy and their two children Kobe and Lidia.