Six under-17 players – Darcy Hogan, Jack Hickmott, Josh Freeman, Jye Walter, Wade Francis and James Pipkorn – featured among the Bombers’ senior line-up in Saturday’s win against Pimpinio. Three were debutantes. 

It came five years after the club placed a strong emphasis on its junior program.  

Senior coach Heath Francis said the club’s past five under-17 captains were playing in the same side. 

“Only one player in the senior side (Dave Elliot) hadn’t come through the junior ranks,” he said. 

“It’s great to see progress with juniors filtering into the senior ranks.” 

Francis gave credit to everyone at the club and said facility upgrades helped attract families and retain young footballers. 

He said experienced players such as Shane Oakley and Jason Kerr were great role models.