LW: Doley, what an amazing story unfolded at Wednesday's AFL rookie draft when Tyrone Downie from the Bendigo Gold was picked up by the Gold Coast Suns.
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I wouldn't say the Gold has had the last laugh with Tigga being picked up by the Suns because it's no longer around, but it's certainly a poignant reminder again to the opportunity that has been lost here in Bendigo.
For all those who knocked the Gold over their two stand-alone years in the VFL - and there were plenty - here's the story of a 26-year-old who has been settled in Bendigo for eight years and hasn't had to leave to earn his berth on an AFL list.
ND: Remarkable feat by Tyrone to earn selection as an AFL rookie.
A superb mark for his size, great kick for goal and showed outstanding leadership in his time with Bendigo Gold and previously as a player and then coach at Kangaroo Flat. Tyrone has shown that despite being 26, it's never too late to give up.
Was rapt to see Billy Evans head to Brisbane Lions where Bendigo Pioneers clubmate Jaden McGrath from Kerang headed to earlier in the week.
LW: As much as Tigga is a fantastic story in being drafted at the age of 26, more kudos is added to it when you look back at the injury setbacks he has had to overcome.
Knee inflammation arthritis, broken collarbone, foot stress fractures and a broken scaphoid show Tigga's path to the Suns has been one of remarkable resilience.
The same as that of the Brisbane-bound Jaden McGrath, who has spent more time in the rehab room than on the field with the Bendigo Pioneers over the past two seasons.
ND: No doubt that Tyrone Downie has plenty of mental toughness.
Same can be said of McGrath.
Injuries will test any player, whether it be short or long-term.
Support from those around you is really important when things are not going so well.
LW: Speaking of support, the cricket community continues to stand together as one in the wake of the Phillip Hughes tragedy.
A terribly sad day on Wednesday watching Hughes' funeral on TV and it's still near impossible to fathom that he died playing the game of cricket.
Once again Michael Clarke was stoic in his leadership at the funeral, as he has been all the way through.
ND: Leadership takes many forms. Michael Clarke showed it's not just about scoring runs, taking catches or talking tactics is all a captain has to do.
Michael Clarke's thoughts about his "little brother" and the eulogies by those in the Hughes family were incredibly moving.
For the Test players the focus now switches to the start of the series against India in Adelaide on Tuesday.
It will be an emotional time for all involved.
LW: As Michael Clarke said - we must play on.
A couple of big games in the Bendigo District Cricket Association starting this weekend.
There's the grand final rematch between Bendigo United and Golden Square.
But that game is upstaged by the clash of two of the form teams in Strathdale-Maristians and Strathfieldsaye.
The Jets are up and about with four wins in a row, but this match will show just how serious we should be taking them as a contender.
