THE TIDE is turning for the Bendigo Pioneers, with six players drafted out of the TAC Cup club this year– the second most from all the feeder clubs around Australia.

The six players taken in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft from the country-based Pioneers was three shy of the Eastern Ranges' haul of nine, with Dandenong Stingrays (five), Sandringham Dragons (five) and Sturt (five) also achieving plenty of success.

The Pioneers' draft haul was highlighted by No.3 pick Paddy Dow to Carlton, with the smooth-moving midfielder being joined by Pioneers teammates Lochie O'Brien (pick No.10) and Angus Schumacher (No.70) at the Blues, loosely continuing the traditional Carlton-Bendigo zoning link from the past.

As well, top-rated key defender Jarrod Brander was taken in the first round by West Coast at pick No.13, and Brent Daniels went to Greater Western Sydney at pick No.27.

Bendigo talent manager Stephen Sharp told AFL.com.au that it was a terrific result for the program, considering the physical distance separating the players in the squad.

"We essentially had five training bases and we never got all the kids in our squad together to take a team photo even, let alone train together," Sharp said.

"The challenges that we face are just that. We don't complain, we know what it is and just deal with it. To be able to get a result like that, from all parts of our region, was sensational."

Bendigo had four players selected in the national draft last season after two in 2015 and none in 2014 and 2013.

The Pioneers had players in the Geelong region – with four of their top draftees boarding at Geelong Grammar and spending time training with Geelong's VFL team – and the majority of the players in the Bendigo district, with others in Mildura, Swan Hill and Echuca.

Sharp acknowledged the level of talent of the players the program had coming through this season, but also pointed to the collaboration between the different regions across the wider district in helping the Pioneers achieve the success they did.

"We're trying to have our program in Bendigo mirrored through the other regions with regard to strength and conditioning, medical and rehab," Sharp said.

"It's a big job to manage it but we think we're getting there with that. We think that's a big reason as to why we're improving, but we can't shy away from the fact that we had some top kids coming through as well."

Sharp hopes the fact the Pioneers have had 12 players drafted in the last three seasons will provide inspiration for more prospective talent to join the program.

"We're excited for these kids now, but we're also really excited for the future. Kids in our region are going 'Hey, this is the program that we want to be in,'" Sharp said.

The fact that the Blues selected three players from the Bendigo region – the heartland for the club's famous zoning region before the system was abolished in 1986 – was not lost on Sharp.

"It's really a bit romantic isn't it," Sharp said. "It's great the three boys will start their AFL journeys together."

Feeder clubs with the most draftees

Eastern Ranges – nine
Bendigo Pioneers – six
Dandenong Stingrays – five
Sandringham Dragons – five
Sturt – five
Claremont – four
Geelong Falcons – four
Subiaco – four
Northern Knights – three
Oakleigh Chargers – three

Famous 'Bendigo Blues'

Geoff Southby (268 games)
Peter Dean (248 games)
Rod Ashman (236 games)
Trevor Keogh (208 games)
Ken Sheldon (185 games)
Jim Buckley (164 games)
Peter McConville (140 games)

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