Heiner, who played his junior footy with the Bombers, will take on a leadership role as the talented young side bids to crack finals.

A knee injury limited his game time with the Bulldogs over the last couple of years but he's been tipped to make a huge impact back in the Tallangatta league.

"I'm excited to get Joel back," Bombers coach Damien Jones said.

"He's someone I've tried to get back a few times but he still had that desire to play the O and M.

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"Joel's physical; he doesn't die wondering.

"He'll lift our training standards and he'll demand a lot from the players.

"If he's back anywhere near his best, he'll be a ripper player back in the Tallangatta league.

"Presuming his knee's right and we get him for all the games, he'll get some massive jobs for us whether that's through the midfield or in the back line."

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