Buninyong coach Joe Gilbert gets a kick away under pressure in this year's CHFL grand final. PICTURE: JUSTIN WHITELOCK
BUNINYONG coach Joe Gilbert will return to the helm for an eighth season in 2013.
The 32-year-old, who led the Bombers to the Central Highlands Football League grand final this year, has re-signed with the club.
Gilbert’s signature was somewhat of a formality after agreeing to a two-year term at the end of 2011.
The playing leader has coached the club since 2005, with a year off in 2007.
Gilbert said the team was sticking together after falling at the final hurdle last season.
“We’re right there now,” he said.
“The playing list is staying the same and they will be out to get bigger, fitter and stronger and better footballers all round.
“They are going to be better for the grand final experience because it’s the first senior grand final for about 18 of them.
“You can’t beat experience.
“If they don’t get hungry from that they are never going to get hungry.”
Gilbert said recruiting a couple of key forwards and a key defender were priorities during the off-season, along with securing the services of a number of players who have played with and against current Bombers Ned Gilbert, Sam Turner and Alex Bomitali.