As the last coach of the VFL team in Bendigo, and make no mistake it will not be resurrected, it is important that we focus on the positives.  

The club has produced an endless list of quality players, coaches and administrators at local level and that will come to an end.

Our playing group has more character, courage and resilience than I have ever come across. 

I have genuine belief they will positively influence the community in years to come. 

To think we were able to make the decision and inform our players prior to the June 30 transfer deadline and not have 1 player ask for a clearance is proof enough of the culture we have built in a very short time.

Personally, I am happy to wear any personal criticism about tactical strategy and a genuine lack of commitment to  purely defend the scoreboard at the expense of letting players demonstrate their natural ability.

I have met some of the best people involved in footy  the past 18 months. 

Tim Dickson is as good as any.

As chairman of Bendigo Gold, Tim’s personal contribution should never be questioned and if it is, it is by people without knowledge or fact. 

I have watched first hand what a local person with little personal or previous connection to the club, feels a VFL presence should mean to the region. 

People in greater positions of power than myself and with knowledge of business integrity have welcomed his amazing honesty.

He will be a huge loss to footy in the region – and that is an understatement.

If I had enough words, I would go through our entire list of quality people that have allowed the club to function with their commitment and sacrifice. 

That will continue to happen within our club and at our major celebration events to come.

How many clubs have the ability to make such a courageous decision before the scheduled end of transfers and not lose a player? 

We do, we are proud of that, we have a culture we are proud of and we are a lesson to other clubs that morals and ethics do still exist in our great game.

Gold has the bye this weekend. Next hit-out for Bendigo Gold is on home turf at Queen Elizabeth Oval against Casey Scorpions on July 12 from 2pm.

Gold's most recent game ended in a five-point loss to Northern Blues. Aussie Jones and the bench is pictured in the final minutes of the clash.

Meanwhile, Bendigo Gold's gala ball, Touch Of Gold is on  July 12 at The Hangar, MyJet Charter in Victa Road, East Bendigo.

Tickets are $60. Bookings close July 4. Contact Laura Naughton on 0400 532 090 or email laura.naughton@aflcentralvic.com.au