Paul Newman, a three-time premiership coach, will emerge from two years in retirement to steer the Bombers.
The revered mentor — who was at the helm during the incredible stretch when the Bombers only suffered one defeat in 84 matches — will take over the reins from current joint coaches Brad Edwards and Mick Mattingly who are stepping down.
Newman said he had taken on the job again because he felt refreshed after a two-year break from the game.
“I missed it (coaching) and I’ve got the passion back to do it again and I’m really looking forward to it,” Newman said.
Newman will have current star Lachie Smith and current Girgarre coach Billy Barnes as his playing deputies in 2022.
He revealed multiple premiership player Kayne Pettifer was locked in for next season, while midfield dynamo Zac Keogh was set to remain.
“There are a few more players I haven’t spoken to yet, but I’ll be getting around to all of them in time,’’ Newman said.
“I think everything is looking good for the future of the club and I’m excited about it.”
But one player who will not be at Newman's disposal is premiership winner Mattingly.
The gun on-baller is departing the club to try his hand in the SANFL for West Adelaide.
The 2019 Morrison Medal winner and dual interleague representative said leaving Kyabram — a club where he claimed his first senior premiership — was not an easy call to make.
“Kyabram have been unbelievable to me. It was a really tough decision,” Mattingly said.
“I moved up here not really knowing anyone and the club and, in fact, the entire community were very welcoming to me.
“I've loved my time here. The club has helped improve me as a player and as a person. I never really thought I would win a premiership, but the club helped me achieve that and I owe a lot to the club.
“It's going to be sad to move on, but I'm ready for the next challenge ahead of me.”
Mattingly, who is recovering from a ruptured ACL, said the itch to test himself at a higher level was one he wanted to scratch.
The former Coburg talent said he felt refreshed now after being out of state league action for multiple seasons.
“I've always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to have another crack at playing state league football,” Mattingly said.
“I kept in touch with West Adelaide over the past couple of years and then made the decision to give it another crack only recently.
“I felt a bit burned out from footy before I moved up here, but these years at Ky have made me feel refreshed and I'm looking forward to getting over there.
“I'm still focused on this year, whatever that may look like I'm not sure, but I'm committed to finishing out this season.”
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