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PLAYER CHANGES
INS: Aaron Hayes (Natte Bealiba), Rhys Clark (Southport/South Cairns), Jack Sinclair (Tongala), Reuben Rode (Werribee/Greenvale)
OUTS: Archie Watt (West Coast WAFL) , Liam Ogden (Pascoe Vale), Eamonn Ogden (Pascoe Vale), Tom Holman (Tongala), Nicholas Jephson (Newton and Chillwell)
ONE TO WATCH - CHARLIE BARNETT
Turning 21 late in the 2025 season, Barnett had a breakout year to remember, kicking 53 goals for the Bombers as well as claiming a premiership medal - but the young gun has the potential to explode again.
Three Bombers kicked 50 goals or more in its flag campaign, but with Tom Holman departing, Barnett could be targeted more inside 50 this season and potentially make a leap in his output to challenge for the league’s leading goalkicker crown.
COACHES CORNER / COREY CARVER
What’s the biggest focus for your group in 2026?
Maintenance. We’re looking for a continuation of things we did well, following the systems and structures that worked last year.
What will supporters notice about this team?
It will be overall similar, we’ve lost a couple young guys but when VFL opportunities and things like that come up you can’t begrudge them, but the people coming back are Ky people anyway so locals will recognise them.
What’s your side’s greatest strength?
We think our midfield again, we had a talented and well-structured midfield we hope will continue to be strong with the stoppage work. Our forwards were able to get on the end of that last year and we had about three guys kick over 50 goals from it.
What still needs the most work?
Nothing specifically, we’re rehashing a bit of everything really and fast tracking the new guys to our system. The main thing is that we look to keep improving and keep that hunger.
What does success look like for this group in 2026?
Team-wise, we’d love to play off (in a grand final) again, but the other part is the continual development of our young guys. We want to play those under-18s, first year out of thirds guys, and reward our local young ones like we were able to last year.
PULL QUOTE
Once you’ve won, you don’t want to fall away and lose that drive. We’re still hungry for success.
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