Hervey Bay Bombers’ coach names best players ahead of Brothers Bulldogs rematch
Hervey Bay Bombers coach Troy Ignatenko says there are a number of players in his squad who will make a difference this season, but names those few he believes will stand out the most.
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Hervey Bay Bombers coach Troy Ignatenko is no stranger to premiership success, having won 17 as a player and coach in a glittering career in the Wide Bay Aussie rules arena.
Ignatenko won 11 flags in 360 A-Grade games for the Bombers before taking out another six after turning to coaching.
He was assistant to Darren Baldwin as the Bombers defeated Brothers Bulldogs in the grand Wide Bay AFL grand final last year.
The Bombers also won the previous year’s grand final and have gone two years undefeated in the competition.
Unsurprisingly, Ignatenko is confident of more success this season but said the playing group had been working hard in defence of their premiership.
“We have had a great preseason,” he said.
“We have been in training since November and we have had great numbers for most sessions since then.
“The boys are getting a bit over training now and they want to get into it.
“We have great squad and there are some new blokes in town but we also have players who now have 60-70 games under their belts, which gives them more experience.”
Ignatenko said Across The Waves Eagles would be a threat this season, while Brothers Bulldogs would also want to avenge last year’s grand final defeat.
“They will have another good crack,” he said.
“We only conceded three or four goals a game in most matches last year and then Brothers kicked seven against us in the grand final.
“Both they and the Eagles will be tough this year.”
The Wide Bay AFL 2023 season begins on April 15, with the Bombers playing the Brothers in a grand final rematch, while Across the Waves Eagles will take on Bay Power.
The Bombers will take part in a practice match against BITS from Gladstone in Bundaberg this Saturday at 1pm.
Ignatenko said there were a number of players in his squad who will make a difference this season, but picked out four who he believed would stand out the most in this campaign.
Jay Andrews - rover
“Jay is definitely one of the top three players in the competition and is one to keep an eye on.
“He had a good season last year but I expect this to be a breakout year for him.”
Todd Baldwin - midfield/wing
“Todd is a former triathlete who is fit, has a great tank and can run all day.
“His ball skills have improved as has his ball-winning ability.
“He has increased his strength and has a man’s body now.”
Ben Holland - forward
“He’s only 18 and has had two years at the club. Kicked four goals in last year’s grand final and is just getting bigger, taller and better.”
Michael Lewis - centre half-back
“Michael was the captain last year and will continue in that role this season.
“He has had a great preseason and lost a lot of weight.
“He has prepared his body a lot better for this coming year and I expect him to have a top season for us.”
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