There was plenty of optimism at Riddell Football Netball Club’s annual meeting last week, with Justin Belleville confirmed as senior football coach for 2020, and three talented recruits from Gisborne signed up.
The Bombers finished third on the Riddell League ladder in 2019, but ‘bombed out’ unexpectedly in an elimination final against Wallan, shattering premiership hopes.
The club has wasted no time in looking at its playing list, and expects to retain about 95 per cent of last season’s players in football and netball.
A strong attendance re-elected Andrew Power and Darren Bell as joint presidents, with junior club president Jason Nitz stepping up as vice-president.
Rod Kinter is secretary, Nic Hagan treasurer and Scott Trezise players’ welfare officer.
Strong interest resulted in 12 others being appointed to the new committee.
The meeting was informed that the Gisborne trio of young ruckman Josh Grabham, and on-ballers Callum Williamson and Jarryd Vernon have just been signed to boost the Bombers already talented list.
Power said Grabham had impressed in the Bendigo League ranks this season, and with a basketball background, was a similar player to Liam Read who shone for Riddell in 2018 and left last season in a bid to get on Essendon’s list.
Top goalkicker Dylan Tarczon, his younger brother Lochie, and Ethan Foreman have just re-signed with the Bombers.
A recommendation to install Nic Hagan and Trish Allen as the club’s newest life members was enthusiastically endorsed.
COACHING ROLES
Belleville, joint coach with long-serving Jamie Elliott last season, will be the 2020 senior football coach, with reserves’ coach Chris Meacham his assistant.
Elliott will still be involved with the Bombers, who are yet to appoint an Under 19s coach.
Netball coaching positions are still to be finalised.
At the Bombers’ recent presentation night captain Haydn Ross took out his second best and fairest award, with former Bowen Medalist Paul Sahlberg runner-up.
Kirby Elliott capped off a fine season with the A-grade best and fairest netball award.
