Former Tiger Kayne Pettifer will pull on the boots for his father’s old club Merrigum.
Bulldogs 1986 premiership stars will be barking from the sidelines on June 20, but on the field, a former Tiger will be roaring.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Merrigum’s senior side will feature 113-game Richmond forward Kayne Pettifer in its round 10 Kyabram District League clash against Longwood as the Bulldogs celebrate 40 years on from dual premiership glory in the reserves and seniors.
The Dogs defeated Avenel in both grand finals four decades ago, with the club hoping to draw back premiership teammates to home turf and enjoy a lunch hosted by Pettifer’s former star teammate and close friend Matthew Richardson.
Richardson kicked 800 goals in his playing days at the top flight and holds the record for the most booted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (464 goals), but has since become a renowned media and broadcast personality and expert.
A tight family connection with the Bulldogs, Pettifer will run out donning his father’s old number, a much-loved Merrigum person who died in a car crash in 2009.
Pettifer said it would be a “great”, but “emotional”, occasion to represent his father in the match against the Redlegs.
“My dad was a born and bred Merrigum boy,” Pettifer said.
“The coach of the premiership side ‘Choppa’ and Greg Pell approached me and asked if I wanted to be involved with the day and, later, they asked me I wanted to have a run around.
“It will be great to wear Dad’s number, there’ll be some emotions, but it will be great.”
A country boy at heart, Pettifer stated his love for local bush footy draws him back to play after a courageous career at Punt Road, with stints at Yarrawonga and Kyabram, before lately filling in at clubs in the KDL and Murray league.
“I’m a country boy, I love my country footy,” Pettifer said.
“I was fortunate enough to go to Yarrawonga and then have a successful run at Kyabram.
“I wish I could play forever.”
Pettifer will pick up Richardson from the airport after the Tigers legend flies in from interstate media duties for the game on the Saturday, with Pettifer acknowledging Richardson’s commitment for the anniversary celebrations.
“He’s got a great knowledge of the game and, obviously, he was a fantastic player – he does like to bring up the MCG record.” Pettifer said.
Matthew Richardson will host a lunch at Merrigum on its dual premiership anniversary.
Photo by
Nathan Dyer
“It’s great commitment for him to come down. The luncheon will be a good time, he’ll go through a lot of footy stories, and I’m sure I’ll cop the brunt of a few jokes, we’ve spent plenty of time together over the years.”
While “Richo” can snag the goals, Pettifer was known for his high-flying marking ability in his Tiger days and promises he’ll try get up for a highlight-reel hanger – if his body allows it.
“I played an over-35s game last year and you’re not allowed to mark with your knees up,” he said.
“I took two pack marks jumping like that and they said the next one I’d get sent off.
“So we’ll see if it’s still in my kit bag, I might be jumping on the lower back rather than the shoulders, but I’ll give it a crack.”
Merrigum hosts its dual premiership reunion on Saturday, June 20 against Longwood, with Pettifer set to run out in the Bulldogs strip at 2.15pm.
10°C