That is why he has taken on the job.
A successful businessman who runs a workforce of 20 from the Kyabram base of RIVPOLY — a poly welding and pipeline company — Learmonth believes the Bombers have the right structures already in place to build an even stronger foundation for the club to take it well into the future.
‘‘I see my role mainly as developing and improving on what is already there and hopefully adding a bit of polish,’’ Learmonth said.
But Learmonth already has extra missions in mind in his role as the club’s supremo.
‘‘The junior development program and establishing an active past players group are two projects I want to really push hard,’’ he said.
Learmonth also wants to retain the tradition of Kyabram being a strong family club.‘‘I’ve got a couple of young boys coming on who love their football and cricket, so family in sport is big for me,’’ he said.
Learmonth, 47, is no stranger to Kyabram.
He played in the club’s drought-breaking 1996 premiership side under coach Peter White and spent two seasons with the Bombers.
He then moved on to play in Darwin and also had seasons with Finley in the Murray League, where he coached the senior side for two years.
His employment then took him to Hay, where he was based for 15 years and was active in the sporting scene in that town, serving terms as vice-president of Hay Football Netball Club.
He returned to Kyabram 12 months ago to centralise his business.
‘‘I had business bases at Cohuna, Hay and Finley so I have brought them all together at Kyabram,’’ he said.
Learmonth did not take long to display his leadership qualities when back in Kyabram, taking on the role as Kyabram Fire Brigade Cricket Club’s coach.
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