Brendon Goddard is confident the Club’s new recruits will have a positive impact on the team this season.

The Bombers have confirmed the signatures of former Docker Ryan Crowley and three-time Geelong premiership player James Kelly.

The Club is in discussions with other potential recruits, including Kelly’s former teammate Matthew Stokes.

"Not only do they have great experience, we all know about Pops Kelly and Stokesy about their premiership success, but the club is really confident we’ve got some great people as well," Goddard told SEN.

"It’s a clear direction the Club wanted to take with getting experienced guys and good people in to help with the development of the younger guys and to fast track things.

"Obviously the other side of it too is being competitive on field. We're really confident we've done that."

The Bombers have until March 15 to finalise up to ten new recruits to help cover the loss of the 12 players sidelined by the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling earlier this month.

Goddard, who was appointed Captain last week in place of Jobe Watson, said the players are still coming to terms with the ramifications of the ruling, but had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the response of the fans.

Hundreds attended training in the aftermath of the CAS decision and thousands have signed on as members.

Goddard said it was important for the players to return to their normal routine quickly and continue their preparation for the season.

“It’s quite weird.  As we know it’s an unprecedented situation, but at the same time you’ve got to find the silver lining,” he said.

“We feel for the guys, not only as teammates, but mates.  We’re a really close group considering what has happened the last three years.

“With respect for those guys we’ve got to pack-up our stuff and move on.  The footy world doesn’t stop for anyone.

“I know you prepare for the worst case scenario and hope for the best, but I really thought in this case and along with everyone else and the players themselves that we wouldn’t really be in this position.

“I think it was shock in the beginning and it still is to be honest.

“The season will go on so it’s important we pick ourselves up and pick up the pieces and move on.”