Riddell secure three players from Gisborne in off-season recruiting spree
Perennial RDFL premiership contender Riddell has bolstered its line-up for 2020 with three strong additions after a disappointing elimination final finish this season.
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Riddell has loaded up in an attempt to end its six-year RDFL premiership drought.
The Bombers have secured a trio of players from Bendigo league preliminary finalist Gisborne, including star ruckman Josh Grabham.
Grabham, Callum Williamson and Jarryd Vernon have crossed for 2020 as Riddell looks to improve on its elimination final exit this season.
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“It’s a huge boost … they’re all around the age group we want to build around,” Bombers coach Justin Belleville said.
“We’re not happy with finishing the way we did and it’s been a while since we won a flag.
“We’re not going to sit back and wait for it to happen we’re going to have a real crack.”
Belleville will guide the Bombers solo this season following Jamie Elliott’s decision to step down after co-coaching the team this year.
Grabham played 16 games for the Bulldogs this season, named in the best on 12 occasions, and jointly claimed the club’s best in finals award.
Williamson played nine senior games, averaging a goal a game, while Vernon managed five appearances booting 13 majors, including three in the preliminary final loss to Eaglehawk.
After the recruiting hat-trick Belleville didn’t believe the club would make many more recruiting moves.
“(Josh) was the ruckman we missed last year, he had an outstanding season, so he’s going to be great for us,” he said.
“He grew up in the area, he watched us a few times this year when (Gisborne) had the bye, so he’ll fit right in.
“We’re talking to a few players but, to be quite honest, our group is quite good as it is.
“Rupertswood won by 350 points in the last round to tip us out of third, you wouldn’t hear about it anywhere else.”
Riddell dropped from third to fourth on percentage after Rupertswood defeated Rockbank by 361 points and were eliminated by eventual grand finalist Wallan in the first week of finals.
The Bombers have also retained star goalkickers Dylan Tarczon and Ethan Foreman.
Tarczon finished the season with 69 goals in 17 games, while Foreman added 43 majors.
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