Travelling to Avenel Recreation Reserve, Merrigum was hopeful of recording its first win against one of the more in-form sides in the competition — and for the first quarter, things looked good.
Going goal for goal with the Swans through the opening stages, it was Avenel’s extra behinds that gave it a five-point lead at the quarter-time siren.
Merrigum was contained to just 1.1 in the second period, which allowed the Swans to flourish down the other end, nailing eight goals to lead by 50 at half-time.
A goalless third term all but guaranteed the loss for Merrigum, which added just three behinds while Avenel continued to spread its wings, kicking 6.8.
While the Bulldogs were able to finish their day with a couple of goals, their defence fell apart, allowing Avenel to kick a staggering 10 goals down the stretch to almost crack the 200-point mark.
The final score was Merrigum 7.7 (49) to Avenel 28.23 (191).
Tom Cooper was adjudged best-on-ground for Merrigum, with Shelby Ludlow-Lambrick, Brayden Hall, Joshua Catalano, Luke Last, Troy Pearce all having good games.
Merrigum returns home to face Nagambie in round nine.
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