Courtenay Dempsey was a shining light for Bendigo this afternoon as the VFL side went down to Frankston by 57-points.

Dempsey gathered plenty of the ball and ran the game out well to suggest he is not far off a return to the senior Essendon side.

Dempsey was well supported by one of Bendigo's most consistent young players, Cale Hooker, while experienced pair James Flaherty and Hayden Skipworth were also good in this afternoon's loss.