Merrigum skipper Shelby Ludlow-Lambrick gets his kick away in the loss. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Merrigum Football Netball Club welcomed home one of its favourite sons on Saturday, as former Richmond AFL player Kayne Pettifer returned to Merrigum Recreation Reserve to help take on Longwood in the round 10 Kyabram District League senior football clash.
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But the Redlegs spoiled the former Tigers’ homecoming, claiming a 13.14 (92) to 9.4 (54) victory on the road to notch win number six for the year and move a game clear of their nearest challengers below and safely cement themselves inside the top six.
On a day that saw Pettifer, who played 113 games for Richmond at the highest level, return to his home club alongside good mate and AFL legend Matthew Richardson, who was the guest speaker at the sportsman’s lunch, Merrigum also celebrated the club’s premiership sides of 1986, a momentous year in which the Bulldogs completed the senior and reserves double.
With such a big occasion to play for, the Bulldogs, who entered the clash winless, looked more than up for the fight early against a Redlegs side looking to make a deep September run, and backed by the firepower of Pettifer’s boot, entered the quarter time huddle ahead 2.3 (15) to 1.5 (11).
Having made it to the first break with an advantage for the first time all season, the Bulldogs looked to kick on, and while they relinquished the lead by the main break following a two-goal-to-five second term, the 27-42 deficit ensured they were well and truly in with a shot come the second half.
Longwood continued to press in the third term, though, and while the visitors peppered the goal face to record seven scoring shots, they were unable to take full advantage, kicking 2.5 while the Bulldogs showed plenty of grit, with their two scoring shots both being majors as they continued to contend, going into the final break down 39-59 and making life uncomfortable for the Redlegs.
It was a brave defence from Merrigum, but eventually the dam wall could no longer withstand the onslaught, as Longwood finally broke through in the final term.
Five goals to three pushed the margin out beyond five goals to seal the 34-point victory, although what looks to be a comfortable margin belies the fight the Bulldogs brought all afternoon, with the home side always lurking within striking distance.
Skipper Jye Formosa led from the front as is often the case for the Redlegs, again delivering a best on ground performance in the win, while the likes of Flynn Cook, Dillon Hardy, Brayden Klemke, coach Jordan Formosa and William Pointer were also influential, the latter booting a game-high four goals.
James Ross was best on for the Bulldogs in the brave loss, while Pettifer slotted a team-high three goals in what was a real team-lifting performance despite the result.
Marrigum’s Kayne Pettifer catches his breath after kicking a team-high three goals.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
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Merrigum’s Kayden Davis braces for impact.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
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Merrigum’s James Ross evades Longwood’s Dakota Pellegrino.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
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Brayden Hall sends the Bulldogs forward.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
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Merrigum’s Aidan Carroll and Longwood’s Rabih Rachrache do battle in the ruck.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
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Longwood skipper Jye Formosa collects another possession under pressure during his best on ground performance.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
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Longwood’s Brayden Klemke claims a mark.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
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Merrigum’s James Ross gets a kick away.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
There were some huge results around the grounds, too, with two league heavyweights going toe-to-toe in a matchup that should feature at some stage in September.
Reigning premier Murchison-Toolamba, having dropped two games early this season, reminded everyone just how potent they can be with a statement performance, handing Nagambie its first loss of the year, and on the road no less.
Travelling to Nagambie Recreation Reserve, the Hoppers claimed a 13.8 (86) to 10.10 (70) victory over the Lakers, removing any doubt over their ability to chase a third straight flag this year.
It also leaves Lancaster as the only unbeaten side remaining in 2026, as the Wombats claimed a huge 20.16 (136) to 7.8 (50) victory over Rushworth at Ironbark Stadium on Saturday, although they will remain in second on percentage for the time being, having played one less game than the Lakers to this point.
Elsewhere, Shepparton East notched a tidy 16.19 (115) to 12.8 (80) victory over Avenel, Stanhope trounced Tallygaroopna 21.17 (143) to 4.8 (32), while Undera prevailed in a thriller over Girgarre, hanging on for an 11.18 (84) to 11.10 (76) victory despite kicking only two behinds in the final term.
