Shadbolt has taken the reins as Bombers’ coach after a season in which Leitchville-Gunbower won one game in the seniors, but its under-17s were premiers.

Shadbolt has previously had three years coaching experience at Wycheproof-Narraport in the North Central Football League, which included leading the Demons to the flag in 2010.

Only two years earlier in 2008 before Shadbolt took over as coach, the Demons had been wooden-spooners, just like the Bombers were this year.

Joining Shadbolt – who has also had a stint at Bendigo Football League club South Bendigo – at the Bombers will be Cameron Carter, who has previously coached Mount Pleasant to two premierships, as well has having spent the past two years coaching Calivil United.

“Between the two of us we’ve got a bit of coaching experience,” Shadbolt said yesterday.

“The club has got a lot of good young kids coming through so hopefully, we can add a few more bigger, experienced bodies around them.

“The under-17s won the premiership this year, so we’ll be looking to develop as many of them as we can and keep them around the district.”

The Bombers have spent the past three years in the HDFL after joining from the Central Murray Football League and have finished seventh, sixth and ninth, during which they’ve won 11 of their 48 games.

As well as Shadbolt and Carter joining the club, the Bombers will also have Joel Donehue back from the Bendigo Pioneers and key position player Troy Parker has signed, while Jye Keath, who has previously played in the WAFL, is returning to play.

“Jye has played 40 or 50 senior games in the WAFL and he’s really keen to get involved, so he will provide some good leadership for these young kids as well,” Shadbolt said.

“So we’ve brought in a bit of experience already, and if we can finish up with eight to 10 experienced players it will help us improve.

“But we’ll have a focus on making sure we keep bringing the young kids through.”