If you were a fan of a professional side and read that sentence you would likely assume the club was embroiled in turmoil, but nothing could be further from the truth at the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League powerhouse.
Tristan Zito led the Ibises to the first of three consecutive league titles in the 2022 season through a thrilling shootout grand final victory over rival outfit Shepparton South.
He would hand the reins to Thomas Corso, who repeated the dose with a big win over South in the 2023 decider before Zito returned for another stint as Tatura completed the hat-trick at Eaglehawk’s expense this past season.
Now, Cody Sellwood is the newest man named to lead the competition’s clear-cut benchmark team following the departure of Zito to become under-23 coach with Goulburn Valley Suns.
Sellwood, himself a former Suns captain who wore Tatura’s armband in 2024, is familiar with leadership roles, but this marks his first foray into senior coaching.
He describes the appointment as somewhat fortuitous.
“There was a little bit of happenstance involved,” Sellwood said.
“Over the last three years we’ve always had coaches who have been within the team.
“We’ve wanted to keep that theme, so the club ended up asking me and I said ‘why not’.”
To be perfectly frank about it, though, it’s a hell of a job to walk into with the club already at the peak of its powers with little foundational work required.
Sellwood recognises the privilege of taking the helm at such a successful outfit.
“We’ve really nailed down how we want to play,” Sellwood said.
“Over the past three years we’ve gelled together really well as a team, so it’s hard to think of things to improve on next year.
“The team has come along really strong, so I won’t have to work too much on style, plus Fred (Zito) and I work really well together.
“As pre-season kicks on, I’ll get a better handle of what we need, so my first order of business will be just to get the boys together and see what is needed.”
As he embarks on his maiden voyage from a coaching perspective, he’s got a raft of senior figures to count on for guidance, including Corso given his previous time in charge.
“I have plenty of support from the playing group and the committee,” Sellwood said.
“It’s a fantastic club and I’ve been playing here for years, so it’s just about organising it all. That will be the biggest challenge.”
Fred Zito will serve as Sellwood’s right-hand man, reinstated as senior men’s assistant coach once again.
Also reprising their roles at the Ibises next season will be Jose Rivera as reserves coach flanked by assistant Donny Cricelli, with announcements pending on the thirds and senior women’s staff.
