PROLIFIC goalkicker Darren Bradshaw has followed former Howlong premiership coach Marc Almond and signed with Dederang-Mount Beauty.
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In a major coup for the Tallangatta league club, Bradshaw joins the Bombers after spending the past two seasons with Howlong.
Bradshaw booted over 100 goals last year but was sidelined for most of this season with an elbow injury sustained in round 3.
He made a successful return late in the season and booted six goals in two finals appearances before the Spiders were bundled out of finals.
The power forward then made a shock appearance in the Howlong reserves and kicked six goals in the preliminary final.
Bradshaw also played in the decider where he kicked a match-winning nine goals to deliver the Spiders their first reserves flag.
In a further boost for the Bombers, Bradshaw will be joined by cousin Stephen Bradshaw.
Stephen is expected to hold down the Bombers’ No. 1 ruck role after performing a similar role for Howlong this season.
Midfielder Joel Barker has also crossed to the Bombers from Howlong.
“We are rapt to have them on board,” new Bomber coach Almond said yesterday.
“Darren’s record speaks for itself and I expect him to be the premier forward in the competition.
“After missing finals for the past few seasons the club identified a power forward, ruckman and a key defender as recruiting priorities.
“Darren and Steve tick two of those boxes and we are close to landing an Ovens and Murray backman who I think will prove to be the premier defender in the league if we can sign him.
“We aim to play finals and the list has underachieved for the past couple of seasons which is no secret and it is time to step-up.”
Stephen has been appointed senior assistant coach with Mark Sims also remaining as an assistant coach.
“I wanted to appoint an assistant who harbours coaching ambitions in the future and not somebody who just wants a title,” he said.
Scott Montgomery has crossed from Lavington as chairman as selectors.
He coached Lavington thirds last season.
“Both Steve and Scott have got coaching ambitions and I intend to give them every opportunity to gain experience,” he said.
Dederang will commence preseason training on Monday at Baranduda.
