Next year will be O'Loughlin's fourth in charge and his third actual season owing to the COVID-19 affected 2020 season.

READ MORE SPORT:

Buninyong football manager Wayne Morgan told The Courier O'Loughlin was a clear choice in their process.

"We're rapt, very pleased to have Shaun re-sign for another year as our senior coach, very happy," he said.

Morgan praised O'Loughlin for how he has handled the challenges of the 2021 season.

"I think for everyone it's been a really tough year as we all know with the stop-start nature of the season," he said.

"Particularly for coaches, to keep their players involved as a group.

"The way Shaun and the coaching group and the leadership group have done that has been fantastic."

For O'Loughlin, it was an easy decision to return.

"I've really enjoyed getting back involved in a club that I grew up playing at ... living in the town it does become something that you really enjoy being involved in the community ..." he said.

"It's been great for my family as well, my kids love going down to the footy and going to footy training and getting involved in it too and our players are just always so good with our kids that are around the footy club.

"It was a pretty easy decision."

After a minor premiership in 2019, this season Buninyong presented a host of new young players, a look to the future at the club.

With some experienced heads still in the side such as Jarrod Morgan, Jarrod Rodgers, Derick Micallef among others, the Bombers played some strong footy on their way to an 8-3 record and fifth-placed finish on the ladder.

"It's probably a part of the coaching that I enjoy the most is the development side of it," O'Loughlin said.

"They've had a good taste of it now, lots of them have played pretty much the whole season this year that they could play, so there's been some really good growth in them.

"I think with a good pre-season ... I think we've got a lot of good senior players coming through in that age-group."

O'Loughlin said midfield depth and some scoring power is what the side is seeking in the off-season.

Nick Stephen and Tyrone Ross will return as assistant coaches, Ross in a playing role as he did this year.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.

Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.