It is a daunting assignment but Coach Adrian Hickmott believes Williams will learn a great deal from playing on such an accomplished AFL footballer.

“Sometimes you don’t know if these guys are actually going to play but if Scott West plays I’ll get John Williams not to tag him but just to run with him.

“To me, that’s what these games are about because he’ll learn more from a few quarters playing on West than anything I can teach him,” Hickmott said.

In recent weeks Bendigo has struggled against sides with a host of AFL listed players as Essendon’s long injury list takes it toll on the club’s VFL affiliate.

Bendigo were left with only four Essendon listed players for last week’s game against Box Hill and Hickmott said it has been the major reason for the recent run of defeats.

“Most definitely injuries at Essendon level have been a major part. Last week we had four AFL listed players and other sides have up to 15 so whether we like it or not in that situation it is going to be difficult,” he said.

“The difference is the AFL listed players train full time at the elite level and the VFL guys are together really only one night a week,” he said.

However Hickmott was quick to praise the efforts of the local Bendigo boys that have come into the side and is excited with the experience they have been getting.

“On a positive note it has been great for Bendigo, aside from the fact that we are not winning for the community there is no real downside.

“The community has a side that is competing in state level competition and local guys like Nathan Meade, Johnathon Gawthorp and Steven Stroobants are getting a chance which is a fantastic thing to take away,” Hickmott said.

It has been a difficult period for the club in terms of results but Hickmott ensures the mood around the club remains positive and optimistic at all times.

“I’m a pretty enthusiastic and optimistic guy so it’s pretty easy to get these guys up each week. I just don’t tolerate any whingeing or guy’s feeling sorry for themselves,” he said.

Bendigo will be looking to the experience of Jason Johnson and Hayden Skipworth, both good players last week, and Captain James Flaherty to guide them to another win in the remaining rounds.