Barnes was unveiled as the replacement for outgoing coach Matt Daniel on Sunday, taking up his first senior coaching appointment since leading KDL club Girgarre from 2019-21.
A former Geelong VFL and Western Australian state footy representative, Barnes has four premierships to his name in stints with clubs stretching from Victoria to WA.
Barnes won’t be alone at the top, however, with a familiar face joining him as the Blues’ senior assistant — Kyabram legend and former Carlton star Wayne Deledio.
Daniel has also indicated he’ll also be staying on at the club in 2024.
Outgoing football operations manager Paul Cox said Barnes’s addition had caused a “buzz” around the club.
“The club’s excited moving forward with Bill on board, and there’s a bit of a buzz around again which is good.
“It’s a change, we’ve had in-house coaches prior to that, so this is an opportunity to have a change-up and get some fresh eyes in, which will be good.”
The move marks Tongala’s next step in its rebuild, with the Blues finishing 11th this season.
Barnes will finish the season with Kyabram as the Bombers launch into the 2023 GVL finals series before settling into his new role.
The Blues announced A-grade coach Grace Hammond’s reappointment prior to finals.
Murray Football League reappointments have kicked off in earnest with Moama reappointing Sam Sheldon as senior coach alongside Jye Warren, while Farran Priest has also recommitted at Echuca United.
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