Matt Darby grew up wanting to play for Riddell and be involved in the senior program in the Riddell District Football League.
He came through the ranks before heading to play at higher levels, including in the Victorian Football League.
Having returned to his local club last season, Darby will now take the next step and coach the side next year.
Darby replaces two-time premiership coach Arron Bray, who stepped down from the role.
Darby said it was pretty special to coach a club he has spent so much time at.
“It’s pretty exciting and it should be good fun,” he said. “I’ve been interested in coaching and I grew up at Riddell and come back.
“When I was growing up I would watch the seniors and thought they were superstars and It’s pretty awesome to now be able to coach the club.
“I was hoping to eventually coach and the opportunity came up.”
Darby said it’s not too often you get the opportunity to take on coaching a side that has won the past two premierships.
He said despite that, he had to think before taking on the role.
“We’ve just had twins,” he said. “I had to give it a bit of thought, but we’ve worked some things around.
“We’ve got a lot of help. It worked out perfectly.”
Darby said he hoped to be a playing coach, as he still loved playing the game.
A knee injury ruined his 2025 and when he tried to rush his rehab it put him back even further.
“It feels good,” he said. “It’s a bit of a longer rehab.
“I’ve got pre-season to get it right. If not, I’ll coach from the sidelines.”
The Bombers have already had a number of premiership players sign elsewhere for next season.
The most recent players announced playing elsewhere are two of the sides biggest names in Dean Galea and Dylan Tarczon.
Darby said they still felt like they had a really good squad which he would add to.
He said he would look to use his connections within the league and other leagues, to try and bring in some players.
“Every year it’s rare to play with the same 22 the next year,” he said.
“We should be able to gain a few and hopefully push for a third one.
“There’s a few locals we would like to get back. The 19s are growing, the juniors are growing and there’s a few coming through.”
Darby said the work had already started as they prepare for pre-season.
