UPDATE: Joel Donehue has been officially appointed as the new senior coach of the Leitchville-Gunbower Bombers in the Heathcote District League, a critical move announced earlier today. This decision finalizes the coaching roster for the 2026 season, with Donehue stepping into the role after several successful years as an assistant coach.
Donehue’s promotion represents a significant moment for the Bombers, as he brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience. The dual under-17 premiership coach from 2017 and 2018 expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m excited to be doing it, particularly having coached a chunk of the boys in 2017 and 2018.” His familiarity with the players is expected to foster strong connections and teamwork.
Under Donehue’s leadership, the Bombers aim to build on their recent successes, having reached the finals in the past three seasons under former coach Sam Keam. Donehue noted the team’s potential, saying, “At this stage basically 90 percent of the list has re-committed again, so I feel like we’ll be in a position to be pushing for finals again.”
However, the Bombers will face challenges with the retirement of key forward Chris Horman and the departure of assistant coach Sam Keogh, who is moving overseas. Despite these losses, Donehue remains optimistic about recruiting new talent. “We have a few on the hook that will, hopefully, come out in the next couple of weeks,” he revealed, indicating interest from former players eager to return.
The Bombers’ management praised Donehue’s calm approach under pressure, emphasizing his ability to connect with players. “Joel will be a fantastic figurehead providing stability and a team-first coaching philosophy,” the club stated in their announcement.
As the only other club in the Heathcote District League undergoing a coaching change is Elmore, Donehue’s appointment marks a pivotal shift for the Bombers as they prepare for a competitive 2026 season.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on upcoming recruitment news and changes within the team. The Bombers are gearing up for another exciting season, aiming to reclaim their place at the top of the league standings.
