Sullivan, a multiple interleague player and Victoria Country representative, has returned to the Hampden league after an eight-year exile to Townsville.

His stint up north was fruitful.

Sullivan claimed two premierships at Thuringowa Bulldogs and spent seven years at the Gold Coast Suns' academy - four as Townsville region coach and three as assistant coach of the AFL club's under 18 program.

He was also a supplementary player for the Suns' NEAFL list.

Sullivan told The Standard he'd grown his football nous in his Hampden league absence.

"It's not about being that person in the midfield who gets however many touches, it's more about providing guidance and helping the boys play good, hard footy," he said.

"I'm not as quick as I used to be - I'm going to have to use different parts of my game (to contribute). I feel like I'm a much better teammate now.

READ MORE:

"I was very driven as an individual when I was last playing at Cobden but being involved in an AFL system, you learn about really embracing the team and understanding that the better the team does, the better chances you have of moving up."

Sullivan, a teacher by trade, will commute for games and training from Geelong where he, wife Lisa and son Aston are based.

Sullivan said returning to on-field action - he spent four years away focusing on coaching - wasn't initially on his radar.

"I did a half-marathon on the Gold Coast and thought 'maybe I can do it'," he said.

"I was going to do some stuff with the (Geelong) Falcons but I caught up with Irish (coach Adam Courtney) and he explained the situation at Cobden, with the really young list and whatnot.

"My role is basically an on-field coaching role. I thought I probably don't have too many years left to play so I'd like to while I can."

Sullivan revealed the Bombers were keen to build a culture of success.

"We've found it hard to keep people around in previous years - they've either gone to AFL footy or moved away for university or work," he said.

"We want to show how special player retention can be to our players. We're looking at the 1997 and 1998 flags and analysing why they were so good and we want to make the club an even better place to be.

"You want it to be an attractive place to play footy. Wins and losses won't be a huge decider in if we've improved this year.

"We want to be seen in 50, 60 or 70 years as a success-orientated club."

Courtney said Sullivan was a welcome inclusion.

"His experience in football is great. He has a great pedigree and is still in really good shape," he said.

"Rick'll predominately play across half-back and help us with the defensive side of the game.

"I think he can help to reduce the scoreboard impact of other teams."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.