Shepparton co-coaches Jason Wells and Xavier Stevenson are leading the charge for the upsurging Bears
Shepparton co-coaches Jason Wells and Xavier Stevenson have masterminded a faultless start to the new GVL season - overseeing three straight victories in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Last season saw the Bears finish in sixth place in the league ladder, before running aground in the first round of the finals at the hands of Mansfield in a wounding 22-point defeat.
Behind the scenes, that premature end to the campaign against the Eagles heralded a changing of the guard too, as senior co-coach Ted Lindon moved on from his post at the end of the 2025 term.
However, as the old adage goes, when one door closes, another opens and his successor, Wells has wasted seldom time putting his own stamp on Shepparton since assuming the reins.
While the new GVL campaign is in its infancy, there is no doubting the intent that has been demonstrated by the Bears in the early weeks, with their first three games having seen them dispatch of Shepparton United, Seymour and Mooroopna.
Meet Jason Wells
Jason Wells has made a major impression in his early weeks in the Bears co-coach post.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
A highly-experienced operator in his own right before taking the co-coach post at Deakin Reserve, Wells impressed in his six years as part of the Murray Bushrangers program.
In addition, the highly-credentialed level coach has served as an assistant for Victoria Country’s under-16, under-17 and under-19 teams in the past, alongside the coaching theGVFL Under-18s before today.
Moreover, Wells put in the hard yards as a player in a 30-year career on the field, starting at under-13s level before embarking on a journey that took him all the way to senior football.
His efforts were also recognized back in 2019, as he was honoured for his contributions with election to life membership of the GVL.
His recent arrival in the co-coaching hotseat has saw him successfully exert his influence over the side and it is clear that the league legend is enjoying life at Shepparton.
“It’s a credit to the boys, no-one cramps and they’re all very fit,” he said, giving his verdict on his team’s early-season exploits.
“We’re very lucky and we’ve got a list of about 55, with seven or eight injured at the minute who are putting the pressure on for when they come back.
“It’s great, everyone loves being around it - our development side has some really talented players in it that are pushing for senior selection.
“The mood is good, the club environment from netball through to football has so many families involved and it makes it an easy place to want to be!”
“It’s onto the next - the Shepp Swans are very similar side to us, who love to run, there’s no easy games this year and the competition is really even,” he concluded.
Meet Xavier Stevenson
Xavier Stevenson continues to go from strength to strength as Shepparton Bears coach.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Alongside Wells in the dugout is Stevenson, who has earned his stripes diligently at Shepparton, juggling his role as a player-coach with distinction since 2023.
Having guided Tungamah to the grand final during his time in the PDFNL, the key midfielder brings an enviable list of credentials to his role as Bears co-coach.
The eyes and ears of the side on and off the field, the No. 5 - who was named GVL Senior Coach of the Year for 2024 - sets the tone by leading by example in both capacities.
Alongside his leadership qualities on the park, it is clear that Stevenson’s stint serving alongside previous co-coach Lindon has stood him in great stead this season.
“We’re really pleased to be three from three as we know how hard it is to come by wins this year but we feel we’re a true work in progress,” he said.
“I’m always process-driven and about taking each game as it comes, I’ve said that within the group and publicly - the ceiling for us is whatever we want it to be.
“We’re always going to have faith in our group in what we can achieve but we know there’s things we need to work on to be considered a really consistent football team.”
“We know if we stick at this level, it isn’t going to be good enough - so we need to grow and improve as the season goes.”
“We’ve put in a huge amount of work in the off-season and our first three weeks have been showing of that.”
Shepparton faces neighbours Shepp Swans in round four of the GVL campaign, broadcast on One FM 98.5 from 3:30pm on Saturday, April 25, live from Deakin Reserve. Then, catch the Avenel and Murchison-Toolamba Kyabram District League Sunday action, live from 2:00pm on One FM 98.5 on April 26.
