Ford has signed a clearance with Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League club Maldon where his brother Rhys plays.

The MCDFNL is yet to make a final decision on its 2020 season and it's unlikely the Bulldogs would clear Ford to the Bombers until there is a guarantee the league would start.

North Bendigo coach Matt Dillon said he was confident Ford would play for the Bulldogs in 2021.

"Lachy will play with us next year,'' Dillon said.

"He might play a couple of games with his brother Rhys if the MCDFNL gets started this year.

"I have a good relationship with Lachy and I take him on his word.

"He feels as though North Bendigo is home now and he wants to finish his career here."

Dillon said Ford wouldn't be the last North Bendigo player targeted by clubs in leagues outside of the HDFNL.

"It's a reality that clubs will speak to our players if their competitions are going to play,'' Dillon said.

"We're in a strange spot because we're trying to sure up our list for next year without playing a game this year.

"All the players that I've spoken to so far have indicated that they'll be on board with North Bendigo next year.

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"We were pretty excited about where we were heading this year with a newish group. Our first practice match we thought the team came together really well and we don't want to just leave it there.

"Hopefully, we can retain everyone, but realistically it might only be 90 to 95 per cent because things can change with work and travel."

Despite losing seven senior experienced players off their list at the end of 2019, Dillon said the Bulldogs were well placed to remain at the end of the HDFNL.

"Our age bracket is fairly good compared to other sides,'' Dillon said.

"We have two or three guys over 30, but they are very fit and they've had a good run with injuries.

"We have a really good group of guys in that 24 to 28 age bracket. Even though the year off isn't ideal, those guys are in their prime.

"With the group in their prime, and a good group of younger guys in their early 20s, we don't think the year off will hurt us."

For now, the Bulldogs turn to preparations for 2021. That could start with training sessions this winter.

"We were planning to start training the week we could train in small groups, but as soon as the league made its announcement we pulled the pin,'' Dillon said.

"We're looking at training once a week through winter...as a social thing more than anything else to keep the group in touch.

"That won't happen until restrictions are lifted and we can use the rooms more.

"Our leadership group has been fantastic in keeping in contact with everyone. Our focus is shifting on what we were doing this year to next year.

"It would make it a lot easier for us if every league around here pulls the pin."

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