Van Florestein arrives at the Bombers after coaching Heidelberg West to sixth place in division three of the Northern Football League this year.

He's also had experience as an assistant coach with Kilsyth in the Eastern Football League.

"I've been keen to play some country footy for a few years and this opportunity came up,'' Van Florestein said.

"The coaching job was available as well, so I did my research and was happy with what the club had to offer.

"The club's not happy with where they finished this year and they want to go further. They've been on the front foot recruiting wise, so I thought this was a good opportunity for me.

"I'm looking forward to getting involved in a big country club where my family will fit in."

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After winning back-to-back premierships in 2017 and 2018, the Bombers lost several experienced players and their young group missed the finals in 2019.

Van Florestein, who said his best footy in Melbourne was played at centre half-back or in the ruck, hopes to lift the Bombers back into the finals in 2020.

"I've already started doing some groundwork on a few mates of mine in Melbourne to bring them up to play as well,'' he said.

"We'll know more over the next few weeks. Ideally, I'd love to bring in a few players with senior experience that are around that 27-28 age bracket."

Most of the Bombers' 2019 playing list has committed to the club for 2020, however 2018 premiership vice-captain Liam Guinan has put in a clearance to move to Echuca United.

"The boys have been doing a little bit by themselves already,'' he said.

"We've got a meet the coaches day next weekend and then we'll get a few sessions in before Christmas.

"We'll come back pretty early after Christmas and get into it."

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