Minyip-Murtoa’s Thomas Cooper and Horsham Saints’ Nathan Byrne have returned to the Bombers after successful stints in the Wimmera Football League across the last several seasons.

Byrne played in two consecutive premierships with the Saints while Cooper featured in Minyip-Murtoa’s runners-up finishes in 2016 and 2017.

Cooper has also taken on an assistant coaching role at Noradjuha-Quontong and said he was excited to be returning to his home club.

“I’ve always wanted to have a leadership role and to come back and have that at essentially my home club is pretty exciting,” Cooper said.

“My last year here was in 2012 but I’ve always had ties to the club and have thought about coming back.

“I’m really just trying to bring the young kids forward, asking a little bit more of them and seeing where we can go this season. It’s pretty exciting.”

The Bombers have also signed highly touted goal-kicker Matt Walsh from the Bellarine Football League. Walsh, 38, boasts an impressive resume including representing Victoria Country in 2004 and Queensland Country in 2006, 2008 and 2012. 

Walsh booted 42 goals and made the Bellarine Football League’s team of the year last season.

Although he will not be available every weekend, Walsh has committed to the club and Noradjuha-Quantong were excited about having him on board.

Youngsters Clayton Jardine from the Warrack Eagles and Corey Williams from Edenhope-Apsley have also signed on for the upcoming season.

The Bombers finished eighth last season, six points outside of a finals berth behind Natimuk United.

While the side is determined to push for a finals spot this year, Cooper said he would not be satisfied with just making up the numbers.

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“One of the things I want to bring back is don’t just be happy with making finals – we ultimately want to cement a spot on the big day,” Cooper said.

“If you work hard towards something and everyone has that common goal to not just be satisfied with finishing sixth, it can happen.

“If we push hard – and the boys have already been training really well this pre-season – I’m all for us being there and pushing to make the big dance.”