Retired premiership ruckman John Barnes will be the Bombers' ruck coach in season 2002. Barnes' appointment was ratified at a EFC board meeting held last Thursday night. Barnes was a key to Essendon's record-breaking season 2000 but struggled with an achilles injury for much of last season before retiring. Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said Barnes' experience would be a great bonus for the club's younger ruckman. ""It is an area we want to strengthen and the likes of David Hille, Simon O'Keefe and Marcus Kenny will really benefit from having John around,"" Drain said.