Former RDFL Rising Star Tim Walsh returns to Riddell from Gisborne

A former RDFL Rising Star and Team of the Year defender is returning to Riddell in a significant boost to the Bombers’ backline.

Tim Walsh in action for Gisborne. Picture: Aaron Cook

Riddell has bolstered its defence with a favourite son.

Tim Walsh will return from Bendigo league outfit Gisborne for the 2022 Riddell District season.

The 2016 RDFL Rising Star, two-time Team of the Year and interleague star was a Bomber from 2016 to 2018, playing in two losing grand finals.

A Gisborne junior, he spent the last two seasons with the Bulldogs.

Riddell coach Justin Belleville was rapt to have Walsh back at Riddell’s Creek Reserve.

Tim Walsh during his first stint at Riddell. Picture: Aaron Cook

“It’s fantastic to have him back, he’s certainly someone we needed,” Belleville said.

“Timmy played here for three or four years and I think he’s getting to the stage where he’s got a young family and didn’t want to travel in the Bendigo league.

“He’s still friends with all the players, he’s never been far away, we always look for connections with past players and get them back.

“We’ll slot him in somewhere, I’m sure we can find a spot in the 22 for him.”

Walsh joins former Gisborne teammate Josh Grabham at Riddell with the ruckman re-signing for 2022 following an impressive debut season at the club.

He will complement the Bombers’ young list and provide much-needed leadership.

“Timmy will be invaluable,” Belleville said.

Riddell coach Justin Belleville. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Our age group, the average age is around 22, they’re very young which is what we went after this year to build the club back up.

“When Meach (Chris Meacham) and I looked at it, we aren’t going for a one or two-year thing, we want the right blokes who will still be there in four or five years.”

The Bombers are looking to bounce back into grand final calculations next season after a rapid-fire rebuild.

The club finished fourth this season with six wins and a draw in 10 games.

Ben Sonogan and Cal Williamson were both named in the Team of the Year after impressive campaigns.

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Despite ongoing restrictions between metro and regional areas, Belleville said the senior playing list had recommitted and was looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season.

“It’s been good, we’ve retained pretty much all the players but it’s still pretty tough,” he said.

“We’re still restricted between travel from metro to regional, I’m down here in Sunbury and the boys are up there in Riddell, so there’s a lot of Zoom meetings.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with all the boys soon.”