COBDEN leader Nadine McNamara is confident two new faces to the Bombers' open grade side in 2019 can fill the void left by departing star Sophie Barr.
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Barr has returned to Geelong Football League side Newton-Chilwell, a club she played at before moving to the Bombers last season.
McNamara, who was joint Hampden league best and fairest winner with Barr, said she would be a big loss to the side, which finished runner-up to Koroit last season.
"It's disappointing to lose her but personally she needed to do it and she will be supported by us," the 27-year-old said.
"From a team structure she is a great player and will definitely be missed."
McNamara said Jessica Wheadon, who is returning from having a child, and Rebecca Dendle being promoted from division one side could fill the void.
"Both of them played in the division one premiership last year and are very competitive and hard at every contest they hit," the osteopath said.
"They can play across defence and the mid-court. Both have been great this pre-season and performed well in the practice matches."
McNamara, who stepped down from the coaching role to allow Mel Starr to take the reins, said extra work in the off-season would be key to her backing up her standout year in 2018.
"I've been trying to keep fit and doing extra court sessions in Colac so hopefully I can have a competitive season," she said.
"Mel sent us extra sessions, with lots of interval running, which has been quite good."
Cobden opens its season at Reid Oval against Warrnambool on Saturday and McNamara said not much had changed with Starr leading the Bombers.
"It's been similar and she has tried to run similar structures and still try improve a few points too," she said.
"She has been great at training and to have someone on the sideline and pick things up and give on the spot feedback has been great.
"I'm excited to have a new coach and see if she can take us to a new level."
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