Barnard said he was looking forward to life on the other side of the fence. “I really do believe this alignment has the potential to become a power of the VFL competition both on and off the field. I look forward to making that happen,” Barnard said. “The support for this club will only grow, particularly as we now have a three-year commitment.”
In announcing the continuation of the alignment, Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson said the arrangement had always been entered into with a view to the long term. “I think the alignment worked extremely well in its first year given the logistical challenges both on and off the field,” Jackson said. “Much has been learned from the experience and I expect the club to improve in all areas in the coming years.”
“We recognise Bendigo has a vibrant football community that we want to help develop. But we also want to contribute to the community as a whole and we have made some good progress in other areas as well.”
“Our On the Ball trial program, which we ran with Eaglehawk and Flora Hill Secondary College, aims to increase youth participation in sport. The trial received extremely positive feedback and based on that and the response from third parties, it now seems likely that it will run as a full pilot program in 2004.”
Incoming Bendigo Bombers’ chairman Warren Driscoll said the new three-year agreement was very good news for the local community. “The support for the Bendigo Bombers grew as the season unfolded and I think the city of Bendigo will continue to back the club,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Football Victoria and the Bendigo Football League for their ongoing support of the alignment. It has enabled this alignment to move forward.”
