Bendigo FL discussion 2026

[Chewman]

Again this is not the point I am making. I am well aware of Strath playing their kids and I have always been a fan of them for it. The only point I am making is that numerous players that werent playing Bendigo footy have all transferred to Storm after making a Pioneers list.

I have given you some reasons why these kids end up at Strath and Sandhurst, forget the conspiracy theories, it comes down to the program and environment. I understand it makes it hard on other clubs, but Storm, Sandhurst have invested in there program, perhaps at the detriment of dragging high priced recruits in from interstate, so they should also be rewarded.

 

[Trent from Pannoo Road]

I have given you some reasons why these kids end up at Strath and Sandhurst, forget the conspiracy theories, it comes down to the program and environment. I understand it makes it hard on other clubs, but Storm, Sandhurst have invested in there program, perhaps at the detriment of dragging high priced recruits in from interstate, so they should also be rewarded.

Thats laughable, and a poor reflection of other clubs junior programs.

Slightly off topic I did hear at the footy on saturday, one boy was overlooked for the vic country final squad as they attended a public school, with guys in a private school selected over them, when the practice match form didnt warrant it

 

[localfootyguru]

Thats laughable, and a poor reflection of other clubs junior programs.

Slightly off topic I did hear at the footy on saturday, one boy was overlooked for the vic country final squad as they attended a public school, with guys in a private school selected over them, when the practice match form didnt warrant it

The 'tap on the shoulder' from those involved at the Pioneers and GWV Rebels has been going on for years with 'officials' directing players to go and play at particular clubs if they wish to progress their career. I can name many instances where we at Maryborough FNC experienced this. In the last few years of our time in the Bendigo FNL, this became common place and those involved at the Pioneers especially were regularly informing players and their families to not play at Maryborough and go to certain Bendigo based clubs.

The agendas of those involved at the time was all about making them look good and showed no respect for us as a club. No wonder I have a dislike for the Under 18 Competition who have given nothing back to benefit country football over many years.

Then these clubs claim them as 'their own' if they are fortunate enough to progress their career further!

 

[Shinjuku]

I have given you some reasons why these kids end up at Strath and Sandhurst, forget the conspiracy theories, it comes down to the program and environment. I understand it makes it hard on other clubs, but Storm, Sandhurst have invested in there program, perhaps at the detriment of dragging high priced recruits in from interstate, so they should also be rewarded.

Its not a conspiracy theory and I think its naive to think the Pioneers play no part in players ending up at Storm. The facts are that over 80% of Pioneers listed players moving out of leagues in towns outside of Bendigo post 2022 go to Storm after being selected by Pioneers not as a result of their program ( which have always been very good). Lachlan Wright is the only Dragons player that fits this category since 2022.

 

[TheDon33]

It’s not a conspiracy theory and I think its naive to think the Pioneers play no part in players ending up at Storm. The facts are that over 80% of Pioneers listed players moving out of leagues in towns outside of Bendigo post 2022 go to Storm after being selected by Pioneers not as a result of their program ( which have always been very good). Lachlan Wright is the only Dragons player that fits this category since 2022.

It’s an interesting acquisition to make. So you’re saying that any talented players from Central Murray and Kyneton that make the pioneers list are then told by pioneers after making the list they should go and play at storm and that the handful that have done it over the past 5 years, handful.. are because of the pioneers influencing them to do so and not because of well explained exisiting connections or active recruiting by strath

I’m all for putting my tin foil hat on but that sounds a stretch to me.

 

[Shinjuku]

It’s an interesting acquisition to make. So you’re saying that any talented players from Central Murray and Kyneton that make the pioneers list are then told by pioneers after making the list they should go and play at storm and that the handful that have done it over the past 5 years, handful.. are because of the pioneers influencing them to do so and not because of well explained exisiting connections or active recruiting by strath

I’m all for putting my tin foil hat on but that sounds a stretch to me.

It’s interesting after 9 years of not posting any comments you’ve stepped up to the plate on this topic. I understand that this subject may not sit well and will strike a nerve with some but it’s happening and it will be happening at many Talent League clubs.

 

[Chewman]

Its not a conspiracy theory and I think its naive to think the Pioneers play no part in players ending up at Storm. The facts are that over 80% of Pioneers listed players moving out of leagues in towns outside of Bendigo post 2022 go to Storm after being selected by Pioneers not as a result of their program ( which have always been very good). Lachlan Wright is the only Dragons player that fits this category since 2022.

Sorry Shinjuku, time to take the tin hat off, why not go and ask some of these kids why they choose certain programs, I think you will find it is a number of reasons, (a) friends already playing there, (b) Club has reached out or shown an interest in the kid, (c) they have a professional program that potentially is similar to the TAC Cup environment.
Any Club could do the same, however they choose not to for a number of reasons e.g. cost, time invested, or have a different recruiting agenda.
Do you think these programs direct kids towards Storm or Sandhurst simply because they want Storm and Sandhurst to gain an advantage. There are other Bendigo League Clubs with much stronger representation within the Pioneers network, they would not let this happen if it was.

 

[TheTruthHurts23]

Its not a conspiracy theory and I think its naive to think the Pioneers play no part in players ending up at Storm. The facts are that over 80% of Pioneers listed players moving out of leagues in towns outside of Bendigo post 2022 go to Storm after being selected by Pioneers not as a result of their program ( which have always been very good). Lachlan Wright is the only Dragons player that fits this category since 2022.

I don’t know each player’s circumstances so I can’t comment directly but 4 or 5 players over 4 years doesn’t sound like an epidemic.
Sounds like someone like chew man is involved at strath and has an explanation for some

Would love to hear what you really want to say Shinjuku, you obviously have a gripe with someone that would be good to hear what the inside scoop is.

Again hate to bring out the history books again but there have been dozens of people holding positions of influence in school footy and pioneers that have strong ties to local bendigo clubs.

 

[Shinjuku]

Sorry Shinjuku, time to take the tin hat off, why not go and ask some of these kids why they choose certain programs, I think you will find it is a number of reasons, (a) friends already playing there, (b) Club has reached out or shown an interest in the kid, (c) they have a professional program that potentially is similar to the TAC Cup environment.
Any Club could do the same, however they choose not to for a number of reasons e.g. cost, time invested, or have a different recruiting agenda.
Do you think these programs direct kids towards Storm or Sandhurst simply because they want Storm and Sandhurst to gain an advantage. There are other Bendigo League Clubs with much stronger representation within the Pioneers network, they would not let this happen if it was.

I always think if you use the tin hat line to kick things off your argument is either weak or your too close to the issue which you seem to be Chewman. It’s a decent enough premise that I am wrong as it’s my opinion but the same rule applies to you.

 

[Back in my Day]

I do think there are some relatively good points in all of the above discussion.
Some of the Pios kids moving to Strath could be as simple as knowing or having some connection with someone at Strath and going for the familiarity of at least knowing someone.

It also could be a little bit of a deliberate recruiting strategy from Strath. South Bendigo’s strategy is racking up frequent flyer points and flying blokes from QLD. Square tried that too with less success.

The club environment also comes into play. People are drawn to success. Strath and Sandhurst have proven to be successful and strong clubs over long periods of time. The expectations and standards would have to be high. Some people want that level of standard to help them improve. For goodness sake I’ve seen Strath flying a bloody drone at games. I imagine there would be some serious analysis of games if they are going to that much trouble.

There are factors that work against other clubs for sure there is no denying that. If a country kid coming to Bendigo to play pios wanted to play at the highest standard they could and leave their home league and move to BFNL why would they pick Flat over Strath or Sandhurst? Are they going to choose to go play for a team outside immediate Bendigo area? Probably not without a strong connection so that works against Castlemaine, Maryborough types.

What do people want? Should there be caps on pios kids going to BFNL clubs that aren’t their “home” club? Is there really a problem with what’s currently happening?

 

[Mad Jack]

Sorry Shinjuku, time to take the tin hat off, why not go and ask some of these kids why they choose certain programs, I think you will find it is a number of reasons, (a) friends already playing there, (b) Club has reached out or shown an interest in the kid, (c) they have a professional program that potentially is similar to the TAC Cup environment.
Any Club could do the same, however they choose not to for a number of reasons e.g. cost, time invested, or have a different recruiting agenda.
Do you think these programs direct kids towards Storm or Sandhurst simply because they want Storm and Sandhurst to gain an advantage. There are other Bendigo League Clubs with much stronger representation within the Pioneers network, they would not let this happen if it was.

110% fact that these programs direct kids towards Strath and Sandhurst. I’ve seen it first hand, on more than one occasion.
If a kid gets recognised and selected from their current club, then the player/club must be doing something right, I struggle to understand why they’d would then be encouraged to leave that environment. Players going to a “stronger” club doesn’t always make them better. It can, and does, have the opposite effect in many instances.

 

[BGOFootyNuff]

110% fact that these programs direct kids towards Strath and Sandhurst. I’ve seen it first hand, on more than one occasion.
If a kid gets recognised and selected from their current club, then the player/club must be doing something right, I struggle to understand why they’d would then be encouraged to leave that environment. Players going to a “stronger” club doesn’t always make them better. It can, and does, have the opposite effect in many instances.

I don't fully agree. I am of the opinion that the higher standard you play and train the better you will get as a player. There has to be some responsibility on yourself too you have to put in the work at the level you want/are playing at.

I think you’ll find a good number of these kids would be of similar opinion. Do you really get better if everything is easy all the time?

For the few that you might feel don’t get better or it didn’t help them moving to a stronger league/club could it be they didn’t do the work required? Did they commit to the standard? Or possibly maybe they just weren’t up to the higher level and struggled. I know plenty of footballers over the years who were naturally very good footballers very skillful etc but they didn’t have the motivation or care to commit and train and play at the higher level and either stopped playing or are happy playing bush out of major leagues.

 

[ringo1]

Just on this; there was never any direction for players to go to certain clubs when involved in the past, certainly under Ray Byrne. Simply have a mini draft for players that have relocated. That would solve a lot of these issues.

 

[Jack Kelly]

Humiliating is what it is. Credit to them for fronting up each week.

No 35 goes alright.Needs someone to hit it to at centre bounce.Forwards do not chase,reminded me of Chris Dunne.Fix the little things.

 

[Mumknowsbest]

No 35 goes alright.Needs someone to hit it to at centre bounce.Forwards do not chase,reminded me of Chris Dunne.Fix the little things.

What is Chris up to these days, he could play, from memory he went up to Balranald but could be wrong

Doona will know

 

[TheTruthHurts23]

Just on this; there was never any direction for players to go to certain clubs when involved in the past, certainly under Ray Byrne. Simply have a mini draft for players that have relocated. That would solve a lot of these issues.

Imagine the s show a draft would cause

Surely the kids and their parents choose where they go? These aren’t kids moving from Darwin, they are mostly kids that have connections already here and can make their own decisions and enquiries.

That’s how it was done in my day, influential parent or player would board players when they stay in bendigo and encourage them to their club.

I honestly don’t see it more than strong clubs have strong connections coupled with good coaching, facilities and a chance to win more often than not they are going to attract more talent it’s pretty simple

if there is a coach of gm of pioneers saying kids MUST go to strath then that is disgraceful and needs to investigated.

If it’s coach or GM of pioneers being asked by a parent is strath a good well ran club for my son he says yes then that’s a different story

 

[TheTruthHurts23]

110% fact that these programs direct kids towards Strath and Sandhurst. I’ve seen it first hand, on more than one occasion.
If a kid gets recognised and selected from their current club, then the player/club must be doing something right, I struggle to understand why they’d would then be encouraged to leave that environment. Players going to a “stronger” club doesn’t always make them better. It can, and does, have the opposite effect in many instances.

Care to give an example I’d be so interested to know.

Surely payers leave for geographical considerations and to play higher standards not because someone is saying their environment is bad

 

[Trent from Pannoo Road]

Easy fix is drop the Coates league. It now causes far more problems and is past its used by date.

When the bombers first started they made guys play bfl, we had mark brown at Eaglehawk, gilly at Castlemaine, Nathan lovett murray at flat, worked really good.

Maybe as the geographical area is so big, get them to play in tne bfl if they arent playing pios or just get rid of it

 

[Mad Jack]

Care to give an example I’d be so interested to know.

Surely payers leave for geographical considerations and to play higher standards not because someone is saying their environment is bad

Not naming names, been asked not to. One example goes like this. Kid plays at a regional club inside a 75 minute drive from Bendigo. On baller, very good player. Gets convinced he should test himself at a higher level as it would “open doors” for him to further himself inside the Pioneers program. Takes the bait, leaves club for a “big” Bendigo club, where he has no real connection. Gets there, they play him in a foreign position as he’s seen a behind 5-6 others as on-ballers. Played out of position, stymies his development, surprise surprise he doesn’t make Pio’s. 12 months later and he’s done with football.
Not saying this is always how it pans out, but it happens more than people realise.

 

[Lastmanstanding]

Easy fix is drop the Coates league. It now causes far more problems and is past its used by date.

When the bombers first started they made guys play bfl, we had mark brown at Eaglehawk, gilly at Castlemaine, Nathan lovett murray at flat, worked really good.

Maybe as the geographical area is so big, get them to play in tne bfl if they arent playing pios or just get rid of it

Not sure it would be the best thing forcing kids to move clubs but I am sure Bendigo clubs would love to say that Harley Reid or Cody Walker were drafted from their club.

Just get rid of it would be best.

 

[Quarry Hill]

Not sure it would be the best thing forcing kids to move clubs but I am sure Bendigo clubs would love to say that Harley Reid or Cody Walker were drafted from their club.

Just get rid of it would be best.

Time for this stupid, plastic, artificial Coates competition to end and the joy of seeing an exciting young guy playing senior football in the likes of the Bendigo League return for club supporters.

1. This would also a much better acid test of whether the kid could play at a higher level.

2. It would end all the arguments/claims/rumors that Strath & Sandhurst are exploiting the Pioneers.

 

[Trent from Pannoo Road]

Time for this stupid, plastic, artificial Coates competition to end and the joy of seeing an exciting young guy playing senior football in the likes of the Bendigo League return for club supporters.

1. This would also a much better acid test of whether the kid could play at a higher level.

2. It would end all the arguments/claims/rumors that Strath & Sandhurst are exploiting the Pioneers.

Totally agree

 

[Shinjuku]

Time for this stupid, plastic, artificial Coates competition to end and the joy of seeing an exciting young guy playing senior football in the likes of the Bendigo League return for club supporters.

1. This would also a much better acid test of whether the kid could play at a higher level.

2. It would end all the arguments/claims/rumors that Strath & Sandhurst are exploiting the Pioneers.

Apparel suppliers throughout the local area won't appreciate the reduction in hoodie orders Quarry

 

[TheTruthHurts23]

Not naming names, been asked not to. One example goes like this. Kid plays at a regional club inside a 75 minute drive from Bendigo. On baller, very good player. Gets convinced he should test himself at a higher level as it would “open doors” for him to further himself inside the Pioneers program. Takes the bait, leaves club for a “big” Bendigo club, where he has no real connection. Gets there, they play him in a foreign position as he’s seen a behind 5-6 others as on-ballers. Played out of position, stymies his development, surprise surprise he doesn’t make Pio’s. 12 months later and he’s done with football.
Not saying this is always how it pans out, but it happens more than people realise.

Interesting, was he promised a senior game at 16 or 17 years of age in at a bendigo club?

The club must not have been a top 3 or 4 team at the time if he was that young and no certainty to make the pios list you don’t have to blind Freddie to realise he might struggle to get a game in seniors

 

[GoodNessMe]

Totally agree

Wins all around..... Thoughts and ideas on restructure.

1. Strengthen Local Engagement​

Local clubs benefit immediately when emerging talent stays in the system

• More community interest and attendance (“we’ve got this kid coming through” effect).
• Increased bar/canteen revenue from local supporters.
• Players bring mates and networks, lifting overall club involvement.

2. Interleague Identification System​

Introduce a structured round-robin interleague competition across key regions

• Bendigo, Geelong, Goulburn Murray (Shepparton), O&M, Northern areas.
• Age groups: U19 and U23
• Scheduled throughout the season as talent ID opportunities.
• Players may miss up to 5 club games — considered acceptable trade-off

This creates ongoing exposure rather than a one-off selection moment.

3. VFL Alignment Model​

Each regional competition could align with a non-AFL-affiliated VFL club:

• Maintains clear and accessible progression opportunities.
• Prevents pathways being fully controlled by AFL-aligned systems.
• Broadens recruiting exposure for players outside traditional elite channels.

4. Reallocate Talent League Investment​

Redirect some existing spending:

• Reduce costs on uniforms, camps, and presentation programs.
• Increase investment in recruiters attend local matches regularly.
• Proactively identify “diamond in the rough” players.
• Acknowledge growing evidence that elite talent exists outside academy systems, success stories in mid season draft.

5. Extend Player Lifespan in the System​

• Currently, many players are effectively told at 17–18 they won’t make it. Or clubs are being asked to pay well over market value to keep them engaged once out of the system.
• This leads to early disengagement from the game.
• Extend the meaningful pathway to age 22–23.
• Players remain motivated knowing they can still be identified or recruited later all while supporting local clubs.
• Retains talent, depth, and participation across all levels.