COBDEN’S 2018 stocks have grown even stronger with Paul Hinkley set to return as a playing assistant coach next season.
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The star defender last played for the Bombers in 2014 – a season when he represented Vic Country and won the Hampden football MVP award – and spent two years at Geelong Football League club Newtown and Chilwell before heading overseas this year.
Hinkley will be valuable support for Bombers coach Levi Dare, who will serve the second year of his contract in 2018.
Cobden president Chris Walsh said the club was thrilled to secure the 29-year-old’s services for next season.
“He’s a quality footballer and also a quality bloke that can really help out our development of our young senior list,” Walsh said.
“Hopefully, with his experience and with Levi’s experience, he’ll be able to bring through some good habits into our young list.”
He’s a quality footballer and also a quality bloke that can really help out our development of our young senior list.
- Chris Walsh
Bombers recruiting manager Brett Taylor and current assistant coach Wayne Robertson – a former coach of Hinkley’s – have kept in touch with the key tall since he left the club, and were able to lure him back to the Hampden league for his return to Australia.
The Bombers will be hoping to build on the strong foundations they have put in place this season, which will see them return to finals for the first time since 2013.
Cobden has already booked its spot in the finals, but is behind third-placed South Warrnambool on percentage alone and is eyeing off the double chance.
“The next two games are crucial to get third spot,” Walsh said.
“We really want that third spot.”