Riddell’s exciting young list was what attracted Jamie Elliott to the Bombers senior coaching role.
Having previously coached Diggers Rest in the Riddell District Football League, Elliott has spent the last couple of years at the Sunbury Lions as an assistant coach.
“Being under Rick [Horwood] the last couple of years, it has made me want to get my teeth back into a senior coaching role,” Elliott told the Star Weekly.
“My kids are at an age where I’ve got a couple more years left in coaching before I go and concentrate on family commitments.”
Elliott, who coached the Burras to the 2013 RDFL grand final, said like the Lions, the Bombers young playing group was exciting.
“That appealed to me greatly,” he said.
“I only attended one RDFL game in the last two years and that was between Riddell and Macedon.
“I was impressed by the footy and there are some very exciting young kids. Speaking to Glen Elliott the under-18 coach there’s still a lot more players to come through.”
Elliott said the club was likely to have some handy inclusions for next season, but he was currently focusing on this year’s group, who finished minor premiers before being knocked out in the semi finals.
“It’s been mainly meetings and getting my head around everything so far,” Elliott said.
“Personal wise there is some players who have come in.
“For me though, I’m excited by the younger players like Matty Panuccio and the Jimmy Nolan.”
Ben Said is one confirmed signing, with the forward following Elliott across from the Lions.
He said there was likely to be few retirements and players leaving the club.
Matthew Darby could be one loss with the defender looking to join Essendon’s VFL side.
Elliott said the league hadn’t changed much over the last two years when he had been away from it.
“Personal has changed, but I don’t think the footy has changed too much
“The top end of the competition has always been pretty good.”
