Matthew Knights says Mark McVeigh is ready to make amends for a tumultuous 2009 season, saying a solid pre-season and a healthy attitude has him primed to make a big impact when he returns from suspension on Sunday to play Fremantle.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing him play a great season after he was dogged by injury and an off-field issue last year,” Knights said to Bomber.tv today.
“After having a great pre-season it was quite frustrating for him to have to sit out and watch the Geelong game last Friday night. He’s an experienced player and is needed out there so he will come straight back into the line up this weekend.
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“He’s got really high expectations of himself and it’s a great quality to have, but I think this year he’s struck a balance. His pre-season has been very measured and he has been really good with his leadership and support of Jobe, which is something I am really pleased about.

“Mark performed really well with Bendigo on the weekend and it will be great to have him back in the team this week.”

Another key inclusion for the Bombers this week will be David Hille after the 201cm ruckman was cleared by the match review panel for a bump involving Geelong’s Jimmy Bartel.

“After watching the vision three or four times it was quite clear that David’s intention was to go for the mark. It wasn’t until late that he braced and protected himself,” Knights said.

“We thought that there was a decent chance that he would not face suspension and thankfully that was the case.

“We thought that in his first game back we played well and got back into the swing of AFL football.”
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Promoted rookie Ben Howlett impressed the coach with a promising debut against an elite Geelong midfield and is expected to be rewarded for his efforts again this week.

“We’ve got a great story in Ben Howlett who came to the club through Peel Thunder and was then elevated off the rookie list,” Knights said.

“I thought that against the best midfield in the competition he handled himself well.”

Knights said emerging key position player Scott Gumbleton would be better for the run but isn’t placing too much pressure on the 21-year-old to have an immediate impact after three years on the sidelines.

“Scott was playing his first game in three years against the reigning Premiers and naturally was quite nervous,” Knights said.

“I’ve always said that we need to get eight to 10 games under his belt before he starts to flourish and I still truly believe that. We’ve got a lot of faith in him and believe he will come through.”