By the time the next AFL season rolls around, it will be six long years since Bendigo last hosted a pre-season match.

That's just not acceptable.

Given Bendigo's proximity to Melbourne and rich sporting history, it's amazing to think the city would be overlooked so many times.

Cities such as Ballarat have been forging ahead and appear likely to soon host live AFL matches.

Bendigo can't sit back and let other cities get so far ahead.

So it's encouraging to hear there is serious work being done to convince the AFL it's Bendigo's turn for a pre-season match.

There's little doubt such an event would draw a huge crowd from the Bendigo region and beyond. 

It would give the city yet another great opportunity to showcase its ability to stage major events.

Perhaps the success of such an event would kick-start a serious push to try and make up some of that ground Ballarat has opened in relation to an AFL relationship.

Let's hope the community supports AFL Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo in getting this match to our city.