The Bendigo Bombers have a huge task ahead of them taking on unbeaten Williamstown at QEO this weekend.
The Bombers who are chasing their first win of the season and are desperate to get some points on the board.
Following the inclusion of veteran Essendon forward, Scott Lucas, in last week’s VFL game against North Ballarat, coach Adrian Hickmott said he’ll be looking for the champion 31-year-old to help communicate and develop cohesiveness between the players.
“We need some unity from the boys. With their satellite training sessions I don’t feel that they are bonding well. This is our goal for this week and the following three games leading up to the bye,” said Hickmott.
“Scotty played really well last week; he kicked four goals, four points. We are looking to him to take these young players along with him, talk to them and teach them a thing or two.
“He’s been playing with Essendon since 1996; most of the Bendigo Bomber players were kids then and looked up to Lucas when they were young. He has an aura and we need him to use it to communicate to the younger players. If he speaks, these guys will listen to him.""
Supporting Lucas in the forward line this week could be Leroy Jetta - returning from a knee injury – and Bendigo player Simon Weekly.
Making his VFL debut this weekafter showing outstanding form in the Bendigo reserves will be18-year-old, Jack Redpath, recruited from Kyneton.
“Jack is a huge ruckman. With Bellchambers moving into the Essendon side for the last couple of weeks, we want Jack to move in and become a support in the ruck. We can’t wait to see what he has to offer the team,” Hickmott said.
“This week I’m looking for our captain James Flaherty to step up and speak out to the boys. As a coach I’m trying to teach him to take his leadership to the next level and get these guys communicating well to each other.
""He is such a hardworking guy, on and off the field. His values are in the right place for him to move us forward.""
Other exclusions this week include John Williams, who is out for two weeks with a broken index finger, Blair Homes out for a week with a hamstring injury and Lachlan Delahunty.
This weekend’s clash starts at 2pm at QEO in Bendigo.
Following the game, the players will be down at the Shamrock Hotel in the Seery Lounge and invite all fans to join them for a meal, a chat and a chance to unwind.
