EXPERIENCED Bombers Damien Peverill and Jason Johnson have been told by coach Matthew Knights they'll receive "limited" senior opportunities this year, as the club looks ahead to the future.

Johnson, 30, has played his past five matches for the Bendigo Bombers, while Peverill, 28, was included in just two senior games this year before breaking his jaw in the VFL.

Knights said he hasn't completely closed the door on the pair, who have played a combined 318 senior games.

"I catch up with both men regularly and have told them opportunities at times won't be there and the reason is we'll be looking to give young players opportunity," Knights told the Herald Sun.

"I've been honest with them, but by no means does it mean they won't be selected down the track.

"They were both disappointed, but both were reasonably comfortable when I sat down and explained to them the reasons why."

Club chairman Ray Horsburgh indicated the club is backing Knights' decision to adopt a youth policy.

"My understanding is they have been told," Horsburgh told the Herald Sun.

"It's a very hard decision. They are wonderful club boys, Jason is a twice best-and-fairest and premiership player, both are warriors, but you've got to win the flag and they're not going to win us one.

"What 'Knightsy' has told them is they're going to play some games this year, they're not going to be never heard of again, but we're going to play the kids."