Weston Bears FC

After qualifying for the semi-finals against expectations in the 2005 season, the 2006 season was expected to be difficult for the Bears.

The losses of Brad Swancott and James Monie to Broadmeadow Magic FC and Azzurri FC respectively were major blows for Weston, however the fans still held out hope that the young Bears team would be able to compete in the State League.

Weston struggled to string wins together throughout the season. Weston at times started to look like they had hit form, with wins such as the 4–1 victory over South Cardiff Gunners in Round 6, however they would often follow up with a lacklustre performance, such as the 7–0 defeat against Azzurri in Round 7.

Three-quarters of the way through the season, Weston looked as though they might be about to be dragged into a relegation dogfight with Adamstown Rosebud, however a win against South Cardiff in Round 15 followed by a 2–1 victory against Azzurri in Round 16 ensured the Bears would be in the State League for another season at least. Weston finished the season in 8th position.

The highlight of the 2006 season was the finals campaign of the Reserve Grade team. After finishing 4th on the table, the Reserves defeated Broadmeadow and Hamilton to qualify for the Grand Final, which they won 5–0 against Azzurri FC.

The Bears U19s team nearly made the semi-finals, finishing the season in 5th place.

The 2006 season was the last for Bears coach Trevor Morris who decided to step down after 4 years in the top job.

The 2007 season saw several new coaches join the club, with Michael Boogaard coaching 1st Grade, Chad Dobson mentoring the Reserves and Paul Waters taking the Youth Coach position. The coaching transition came along with six teams instead of five with a new junior team coming in, the new U/ 13s. In 2007 the Bears also upgraded to a special centennial strip which all six grades will wear. With a strong finish to the season the Bears came in 7th, just 2 wins outside the top 4. The Reserve and Youth teams didn't fare any better, finishing 9th and 10th respectively.

During the season the Bears celebrated the 100-year milestone for the club. Over 300 supporters, officials and ex players attended the dinner which saw the Team of the Century named. The team featured 14 Bear legends – Jack Avis Snr, John Bond, Jack Gilmore, Warrren Halverson, Roy Johnson, Dennis King, Jack Manion, Jim McNabb, Tom Oliver, Tom Snedden, John J Turnbull, John T Turnbull, Jim Wilkinson, and Jim Williams.

The 101st season for the Bears would prove to be a very successful one. The young side had been kept together and continued to improve and fight out results against the top teams in the competition. Former Bear Steve Turnbull took over reserve grade and Steve Thomson coaching the new 17's team. The Bears also revealed a new strip reverting to thick black and white vertical stripes.

First Grade were the surprise packets of the competition, finishing 4th. Although the Bears went into the finals with high hopes they were outplayed in the first leg by Minor Premiers Broadmeadow Magic losing 3–0. Needing a victory by 4 goals, chances of progressing seemed impossible. Most people did not give the Bears a chance but going into half time with a 2–0 lead gave hope to the Bears faithful. Broadmeadow struck back almost immediately after break, meaning Weston needed another 2 goals to advance. A penalty to the Bears put them up 3–1, Magic replied 2 minutes later ending the Grand Final hopes for the Bears.

Reserve grade started the season strongly and were right in the mix for the finals but results did not go their way and they finished equal 5th with Edgeworth just 3 points outside the 4.

The under-19s had horror start to the season with 8 straight loses putting pressure on the team. Their first win was very emotional, it put some self belief back into the team and they improved on last years performance finishing 9th on 13 points.

The 17's weren't expected to be much trouble in this competition, but with a core of players playing together for the past several years they upset many teams and had 2 losses in the first 14 rounds of the competition. But a string of draws and loses in the final rounds saw the young Bears miss out on the finals on 1 goal difference.

There was also some personal recognition for the Bears with striker Rhys Tippett being named NBN State League Player of the Year, also with him, Tim Pratt and Nathan Morris were selected in the NBN Select Team for a trial against the Newcastle Jets.