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Why Bombers expect post-season storm to pass despite their 2025 from hell
By Peter Ryan and Marc McGowan
The Bombers expect the appointment of a new fitness boss and a clear strategy for improvement will help settle the concerns of contracted players open to being traded, following another frustrating season on the injury front.
West Coast fitness boss Mat Inness, who worked alongside Luke Beveridge at the Bulldogs, is in the frame to land the key job that was left vacant when Sean Murphy finished up.
The Bombers understand the reasons why talented defender Jordan Ridley – who is contracted until 2029 – raised the prospect of a trade in passing at his exit meeting. His hamstring injury in round 20 was a massive blow after his diligent rehabilitation.
The Bombers understand Jordan Ridley’s frustrations, but he is a required player.
However, they remain unmoved at the idea of trading the talented 26-year-old, while skipper Zach Merrett, who renegotiated his deal that expires at the end of 2027, is certain to remain despite the interest of rival clubs.
Darcy Parish and Kyle Langford also suffered frustrating seasons due to injury. The experienced and contracted pair are focused on travelling overseas in the off-season as part of their pre-season preparation for 2026.
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Ruckman Sam Draper is expected to leave as an unrestricted free agent, with the Brisbane Lions and Adelaide still considering themselves as potential destinations for the 26-year-old.
The Bombers, who hold picks No.4, 5, 22 and 25 leading into the trade period, could receive a selection at the end of the first round for losing Draper.
Uncontracted defender Jayden Laverde is one of about eight experienced defenders across the competition the Giants are scoping in the event that, as expected, Leek Aleer joins St Kilda at season’s end. Spots are tight on the Giants’ list, but they are exploring adding a defender to their list as a rookie.
Ben Hobbs’ future is uncertain as he is uncontracted and is yet to receive strong interest from other clubs, while Will Setterfield is also waiting on a new contract. The door remains open for Nik Cox to resume in pre-season after he was ruled out in July from playing for the rest of 2025 due to concussion.
Competition sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the Bombers would use their two top-10 picks to add talent alongside Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako, while NGA prospect Adam Sweid is likely to attract a bid early in the second round.
The Bombers’ horror injury run has made them a less than attractive proposition for players looking to change clubs at the end of the season.
Draper is likely to take his excitement outside Victoria to either Brisbane or Adelaide.
They did show interest in West Coast’s Liam Ryan and St Kilda’s Marcus Windhager, but Ryan is likely to join the Saints, while Windhager remains in discussions with his current club while considering an attractive long-term deal from North Melbourne.