A new era in VFL football became official today with the launch of the Bendigo Bombers. The Bendigo Diggers and Essendon’s VFL side have combined and will play as one in the VFL competition in 2003 and beyond. The amalgamated side will have its first official match against Sandringham on Sunday, April 6th with the side on show in Bendigo for the first time the following Sunday when it plays reigning VFL premiers, Geelong, at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Bendigo Diggers chairman Geoff Bowyer said today was the symbolic launch for a new generation of football in the Bendigo region. “Today really cements a career path for the footballing youth of our region into the highest level of football,” Bowyer said.

“We are very excited by the prospect of working so closely with the best managed club in AFL. This whole region will benefit from the exposure to Essendon Football Club on a number of different levels.”

Essendon chairman Graeme McMahon said it was an exciting new venture that Essendon Football Club was committed to making work. “We firmly believe this alignment will prove to be of great benefit to both football in this region and the greater Bendigo community,” McMahon said. “Football in Victoria needs regional centres such as Bendigo to thrive and we think we can play a significant role in ensuring this happens. It has been home to many great players and our own Dean Solomon played his junior football with the Bendigo Pioneers.”

“We have entered into this arrangement with the blessing of all interested parties – including the Bendigo City Council and the Bendigo Football League and that is important to the success of this amalgamation,” McMahon said. “By ensuring this new entity both survives and thrives we have created an excellent pathway for local football talent.”

“Football issues aside, Essendon also want to play a role in the Bendigo community and we are putting in place some plans at the moment that we believe will be of great benefit. We come here as a partner to the Bendigo community.”

How will the alignment work:

The Bendigo Diggers Football Club will retain its VFL license and as such will remain as an independent business entity and be managed under the control of its board.

The Bendigo Bombers will wear a black jumper with a red sash.

Seven of the side’s nine home games will be played at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Two home games will be played at Windy Hill.

There will be no Bendigo Bombers Reserves’ team.

Contracted Bendigo players not selected will return to their nominated BFL club.

A rookie squad comprising players under 21 years of age from BFL clubs will train with the Bombers to improve their football skills, fitness and knowledge.

The appointed coach will be based in Bendigo.

On top of the provision of listed and rookie players – which reduces the salary cap requirements of the Diggers by $60,000 - Essendon will also provide a cash grant of $110,000 to Bendigo, a team doctor, medical supplies to the value of $10,000 and player gear to the value of $10,000. Essendon Football Club will also pay a $25,000 license fee to Football Victoria.

Essendon also expects to spend up to $40,000 in the Bendigo region on football development and community programs. The details of these programs will be developed over the next few months.

A steering committee consisting of representatives of Essendon, Bendigo Diggers, BFL and the City of Greater Bendigo will manage the interchange of Diggers’ players to BFL clubs and oversee the Essendon promotional programs.