Bendigo’s general manager Peter Lodewijks yesterday said Skipworth’s signing was significant in the club’s bid to bolster its playing list for the 2010 season.

“Hayden had an exceptional year in 2008 when he won our best and fairest award (now known as the Nick Carter medal),” Lodewijks said.

Skipworth’s play earned promotion to Essendon’s list via this year’s pre-season draft at number three overall.

The 26-year-old played 11 matches for the red and black for an AFL-career tally of 55 before deciding to retire from the big league.

Delisted by Adelaide at the end of 2006, Skipworth revived his career via the VFL with the Bendigo Bombers.

The talented midfielder capped a remarkable comeback from a season-ending knee injury sustained in just his fourth match with Bendigo in 2007.

Lining up for a first year as Bendigo’s senior coach, Shannon Grant said the club was rapt to have Skipworth sign on as assistant coach.

“Hayden will be in a position to make a huge contribution to the development of the club’s young players in an on-field and mentoring and coaching role,” Grant said.

“On and off the field he’s continually demonstrated a terrific work ethic.

“The fact he came back so successfully after a serious knee injury to win a best and fairest at VFL level is a clear indication of his commitment to football and his determination to succeed.”

Skipworth’s return to play for Bendigo follows last week’s signings of Bombers captain James Flaherty and Jason Cloke for next year’s campaign.

Off-field the Bombers have appointed Daniel Schmidt as development coach.

Schmidt is a dual premiership-winning player with Kyneton and later played for the Bendigo Diggers and Bombers before joining Rochester Tigers.

He coached Rochester the past two years and was a grand final-winning coach in 2008.

Schmidt will be match-day assistant to Grant next season.