THE Camden Haven Bombers are hoping a new Cat at the helm can provide the first of nine lives as the club looks to expand even further in 2014.

Peter Gallagher, a Geelong man through and through, will take the senior reins from Brett Downes in the club's third year as a senior entity in AFL North Coast.

Downes led the Bombers to premiership glory last year in seniors, but through work commitments, can not maintain an active role in club officialdom this year.

Gallagher has fitted into the mix seamlessly and has had a small core of committed Bombers active and eager with a new mix of fitness and ballwork.

"It's great to see AFL thriving in the region and I got involved with the Camden Haven Bombers to help build the club," Gallagher said.

"Knowing how much work is involved not only to sustain sports clubs, but to build it up to be now fielding several junior sides and seniors, you would hate to see it stagnate for want of a few key personnel.

"After the great result the club achieved last year in winning the reserve grade premiership in its first senior year, all the club is excited and enthusiastic to be playing first grade this year and I am keen to just play my part."

Gallagher comes with a distinct AFL pedigree.

Having been born in Geelong, AFL blue blood heartland, Gallagher played junior football for his home town and then senior football with Geelong amateurs.

His family re-located to Bonny Hills in 1985, but as a resident on the Central Coast in the late 1990's, he got involved in junior football as sons Ben, Andy and Matt started to play the code.

"I have coached several junior premiership sides and rep sides, but one thing you won't find me doing is pulling on the boots," he joked.

"I remember pulling them on for one last season in 2000 aged 44, back then I was too old."

Gallagher is now looking forward to the coaching challenge in an area developing aussie rules.

"I want to nurture and teach the players that are new to the sport, of which there are many, whilst still extending and creating enjoyment for the more skilled and developed players," he said.

"Playing aussie rules is a revelation to most people who get involved and it caters to all shapes and sizes and abilities, I encourage anyone who may have given a passing thought about playing to come down to the club training."

The Bombers are looking to build a senior team around a core of up and coming youngsters who have been playing under 18s and junior football for the past eight years, and a core group of seniors such as Jack Tate, Dylan Rumble, Angus Crowley and Kingsley Pursch.

With under two months until the start of the season, Gallagher encourages anyone interested to come down to the oval on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to have a kick and a run around.

If you would like any further information about AFL, phone the Bombers president Todd Clarke on 0404 090 732 or "like" the Camden Haven Bombers AFL page.