Essendon managing director, Peter Jackson, today reaffirmed his club’s commitment to the Bendigo Bombers alignment but said it was time the club started to generate results on and off the field.

""We entered into the alignment six years ago because we were firmly of the view it represented the best option for us for the development of our young players,"" Jackson said.

""We were also of the view that we could help create a pathway for local talent to the elite level and we are still very much of that view.

""We are still committed to, and believe, this alignment can work in the long term. It was always going to take some time but with the right people in place, and the right support from the local community, it is time to make that a reality.

""It is critical the local community provide real support for the Bendigo Bombers. It will underpin a club that has an important role to play in the development of football in the region.

""Sport, and sporting clubs, also have a critical role to play in the wider community and for that reason it is important that the Bendigo Bombers survive and thrive.""

Jackson said the team’s recent on-field struggles were the result of injury problems at Essendon which flowed through to Bendigo.

""It has been unfortunate to have the number of injuries we have had and it has had an impact on Essendon as well,"" he said.
 
""Given even luck we would envisage Bendigo would have 10 – 12 senior-listed players available each week. Last weekend there was just one and that is always going to make life difficult and it has done for much of this season.

""Better luck with injuries and some solid off-season recruiting should have the club in much better shape this time next year. We will support Bendigo in these endeavours as much as possible.""