Jackson said the decision had now put at risk an amalgamation that would have greatly benefited both aspiring footballers in the region and the community in general. “We always wanted this proposal to go ahead with the endorsement of the BFL because their competition would be strengthened as a result of such an alignment,” Jackson said.
“It is a decision that really disappoints us, and I’m sure many young footballers in Bendigo who aspire to play at the top level,” Jackson said. “An alignment between Essendon and the Bendigo Diggers would have provided an excellent pathway to elite level football for talented young players.”
“The BFL’s claim it had “nowhere near enough detail” on which to base a decision is simply nonsense. They have been well and truly kept informed throughout discussions. This has given them ample time to also seek explanations or clarifications on anything they were unsure about.”
Jackson said the alignment between the two clubs would have strengthened the Bendigo Football League. “We gave the BFL an undertaking that the amalgamated team would not field a reserves’ VFL side meaning that quality players not selected into the senior side would filter back into the local competition – there would be no player drain,” Jackson said. “Players who were members of the squad would have exposure to coaching at the highest level and if not selected they would return to the BFL better prepared and educated footballers.
“As it now stands, if the Bendigo Diggers can’t survive, why would aspiring young footballers stay in Bendigo. They will be forced to go elsewhere if they want to play in a competition that is closely monitored by AFL club’s recruiting staff. The district will now in all probability not be represented in Victoria’s premier competition and that should, and will, greatly disappoint many people in the area,” Jackson said.
“And the presence of a side with a direct link to an AFL club would have done terrific things for participation rates in the region. Essendon was prepared to work with the Bendigo Diggers, Football Victoria and local clubs to develop football in the region. In terms of football development it would have been fantastic and that opportunity could now be lost,” Jackson said. “And on top of all this, Essendon Football Club was also committed to making a significant investment into community-related programs in the region. All these opportunities have now been put at risk.” Jackson said Essendon Football Club’s board would now re-consider its options.
