O&KFNL

THE Bonnie Doon Bombers have named the new coaches of their seniors and reserves sides for the 2024 season after Ken Murray stepped down from the position at the end of the highly-successful 2023 season.

Campbell Smedley will take the reins as head coach while Sean Campitelli will head up the reserves side.

Both played in the premiership-winning seniors side this year, bringing home their first Ovens and King Premiership flag.

Bonnie Doon Bombers Football Netball Club President Luke Jenkins congratulated the two on their appointment.

“The club is very excited to have Campbell and Sean on board to coach for season 2024, both are very talented footballers and really looking forward to improving on the work that Ken has done with the boys over the last five years,” he said.

“Campbell is a tough and talented footballer and is excited to bring his high standard of football to the playing group to be stronger in 2024.

“The senior team is driven to be another strong competitor for next year and with Campbell leading the way we stand a good chance of doing so.

“Sean has been at the club since 2018 and captained our senior team for the last six years,” Mr Jenkins added.

“He is greatly respected from all players and to now have him giving back and bring his football knowledge to the reserves to improve on what has been done the last two seasons. “

Mr Campitelli is excited for the opportunity and is confident the teams will continue to improve.

“I’m really excited to jump into the deep and really have a crack at it,” he said.

“Bonnie Doon is a place where you want to come and play with your mates and have fun.

“At the same time, we want to achieve.

“The seniors have had a taste and the reserves are not far off.”

Mr Campitelli will also still play for the seniors where possible, balancing his commitment between both sides.

“The transition time is very minimal,” he remarked.

“I'm still contracted as a senior player and will play when I can but I've also got an obligation to coach the reserves, so will probably take a step back to focus on them.”

Mr Jenkins said he is positive the coaching team will take the club from strength to strength.

“It’s [Smedley and Campitelli’s] first season in a coaching role and it will come with its challenges but the club will support and assist both of them with everything they do and are really looking forward to being stronger in 2024,” he said.

“Also looking at another strong season with Netball once again as we will have Michelle Tanner as head coach of Netball for 2024.”