I recall Bombers early press conferences, dorky as was out of his depth in the big boys league, however he has improved immensely and gained confidence so much so that I am proud how he now handles himself. I reckon the same applies to his coaching and players have the belief in him.
He's had Flanno's roster, second rate assistants, plagued by cap restrictions and injuries to stars, successfully blooded juniors whilst still getting us in top 8 in both years and on track this year. Not many coaches can boast that, even some of the super coaches did not have a start like that. You don't become a super coach overnight, it takes a few seasons to build a roster then the art of rolling it over as players will leave for bigger $$$ or retire and having emerging talent ready to replace them.
People talk about coaches attracting big name players but there is more than that, a coach must be good at developing junior talent which Bomber seems to be doing well. They love playing for him.
Bomber is lowest paid coach yet better than 8 others so to say. He took the job on for peanuts (I would do same) just for the opportunity to prove himself and with success the $$$ will follow. On one of the footy shows (can't remember which) they said the club was taken aback when his management approached them wanting a 3 yr deal @ $700k per year. That is about 1/2 what the super coaches are on and we could have the next super coach at a bargain. Bomber has remained loyal as he could have pushed for an extension last year with the possibility of getting a gig. The Cows and Dogs would have had a look at him had he put himself out there. Unfortunately for him, no coaching musical chairs this year and similarly fortunate that there are no other realistic coaches out there (Bellamy or even a Bennett) won't come and frankly don't want them as likely to drop dead at any time. Flanno is the only experienced coach but I think the club wishes to distance themselves from him. No current assistant coaches have the 1st grade experience or success that Bomber has had, therefore let's sign him and roll the dice, he has done little wrong and has us up there. I would like to see him with his own roster with no restrictions.
I like what I see and believe we are in for some good times with Bomber at the helm. I predict he will be a 10-15 yr coach and bring us a few successes, hope I live long enough to see it.
