2005 was a landmark season in the Bendigo Bombers short history. A new coach was introduced with immediate results taking the team to its first preliminary final. The introduction of a Bendigo reserves' team into the VFL competition was another first. It certainly was a season to remember and it has provided the perfect platform for long-term success.

The club is very fortunate to have been able to keep the leadership group together. Jordon Doering, Simon Rosa, Justin Blumfield and Callan Beasy are back to support captain Nick Carter in their quest for the ultimate prize.

Kris Pendlebury has committed to the club once again after showing rapid improvement in the second half of last season and Matthew Knights is excited about his future development.

""It is a testament to the professional environment being created in Bendigo and the successful alignment with Essendon. It is a club, and a city, that the players want to represent well in the VFL competition,"" new Bendigo Bombers' general manager Matthew Allan said.

Skin fold readings and fitness standards have been exceeded in most cases since the Christmas break with the experienced players showing the some 15 – 20 new faces what is expected at this level.

The season kicks off at the QEO on the 8th April at 5.30pm against Werribee.