mmg.com.au

Kyabram’s most celebrated new recruit is not expected to play for the Bombers for at least three months.

In a cruel blow, former Brisbane Bear Sam Sheldon broke his ankle last Saturday playing for the Tiwi Bombers in the Darwin League.

‘‘It’s very disappointing to lose Sam at this stage, but we have to stay focused with what we’ve got and he’ll be a bonus for us when he gets back,’’ Bombers coach Dave Williams said on hearing the news.

‘‘We’ll involve him on match days, so he’ll be around the club till he gets back playing.’’

The son of triple Carlton premiership player and St Kilda coach Ken Sheldon, the star midfielder played 43 games with the Brisbane Lions up to the end of last season.

He agreed along with his cousin, Tom Sheldon, who played in Nathalia’s premiership side last season, to play with the Bombers this season.

Despite the setback, Sheldon has still committed to play with the Bombers along with Tom.

‘‘He still wants to be part of the club and get back to playing as soon as he can,’’ club secretary Max McKenzie said yesterday.

The Bombers host Essendon and District Leaue club Pascoe Vale in their first practice game for the season on Saturday at Kyabram.

There will be a reserves game starting at noon and the senior game will start at 2pm.

New recruit Tom Sheldon and former players returning to the club Chris Atkins, Simon Seddon, Josh Linton, Bernard Wearden and Ryan Emmett are expected to play, along with other newcomers Brett Davis, Beau Reynolds and Jordan Briggs.

The Bombers also have home practice games lined up for Saturday week against Eaglehawk before their final hit-out against VFL side Bendigo Gold at Kyabram on Good Friday.