The reigning premiers returned to the field of battle to begin their 2019 season in a new guernsey and with a new lineup on Saturday, with the Bombers claiming a 14-point victory against Mount Pleasant.
But Saturday’s grand final rematch (at home) against North Bendigo will be a better gauge.
Returning gun Tyler Jones was big in the forward line, kicking four goals in his first outing since leaving Moama.
New coach Danny Teskera said it was a great return to the field for the club.
‘‘It was a terrific win for the club,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s always great to begin your season at home and to get a win in front of our own crowd is exactly what we want.’’
Teskera said the home crowd had loved the new look lineup.
‘‘Our side isn’t as heavy on the Melbourne players as we have been in the past,’’ he said. ‘‘The team we are going with has a lot more of a local feel to it, we have backed in the quality players developed in our towns and are going to give them more of an opportunity to be the leaders of the football club.
‘‘It’s something the whole community is really able to get behind as well, because when they come and watch their team play, they are seeing people they know who are a real part of their community and it really reinforces the community feeling of our football club.’’
Importantly, the new look side performed.
‘‘We stuck to the game plan and structures we have put in place,’’ he said. ‘‘There were a few moments during the match where we let them back in, but that comes down to our boys having not all played a lot of football together, so we will continue to work on those issues and work them out as the season gets going.’’
14°C