COACH: Michael Pilcher (new)
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LAST YEAR: Premiers – 18-1
LEITCHVILLE-Gunbower is ready to embrace the challenge as the hunted as it embarks on 2018 as the reigning premiers.
Following back-to-back grand final losses to North Bendigo in 2015 and 2016, the Bombers finally reached the pinnacle last year when they defeated the Bulldogs to capture their first premiership since 1995.
The Bombers will go into their premiership defence with a new coach at the helm in Michael Pilcher, while the club has retained 18 of its grand final team.
“We’ve spoken about trying to have a winning culture that lasts more than just a couple of years. We want to maintain our position at the top and create a bit of a legacy,” Pilcher said.
“It was painful to lose in 2015 and 2016, but the success we had in 2017 projected us in the direction we want to keep going.”
A pair of Tasmanians are among the Bombers’ recruits in new ruckman Russell De Groot – which will free up Pilcher to spend more time forward – and top-line on-baller Jack Gleeson.
Brothers Nick and Marcus McKenna will add further class, Bart Walsh is returning, plus the club boasts an exciting array of young talent from its under-17 premiership team of last year.
Quick wrap on the Bombers
ARRIVALS
Russell De Groot, Jack Gleeson, Nick McKenna, Marcus McKenna, Jacob Gordon, Bart Walsh.
DEPARTURES
Steve Pretty, Jackson McEwen, Adam Decicco, Ayden Walton.
THE BASICS
Sportsbet flag odds: $3
Player points: 43
Last flag: 2017
FIRST MONTH
R1: v North Bendigo (h)
R2: v Elmore (a)
R3: v Heathcote (h)
R4: v Colbinabbin (a)
PAST FIVE YEARS
2017: 1st - 18-1
2016: 2nd - 15-3
2015: 2nd - 16-2
2014: 3rd - 11-8
2013: 5th - 8-9
