Sport
8 May, 2026
10 flag players out and not a goal early
MARONG was held to its lowest score in at least six seasons in a shock 47-point loss to Pyramid Hill at Malone Park on Saturday.
MARONG was held to its lowest score in at least six seasons in a shock 47-point loss to Pyramid Hill at Malone Park on Saturday.
The Bulldogs dominated from the outset, leading by 51 points at half-time after keeping the four-time premiers goalless in the first half. Both Loddon Valley teams were significantly changed from their 2025 versions.
Marong had 10 players missing from its grand final team, while Pyramid Hill has dramatically turned over its list.
The Bulldogs were able to rely on a mix of old and new players in the win, with club stalwart Zach Alford and star recruit Jhye Baddeley-Kelly each kicking three goals.
Another player new to the club, Isaac Brill, has had an outstanding start to life as a Bulldog, and again highlighted his versatility in a best-afield performance.
Coach Jarrod Fitzpatrick lauded his playing group, “All did exactly what we asked them to do.”
Pyramid’s pressure caused the Panthers to turn over the ball at an alarming rate, with the Bulldogs executing their skills much more efficiently on the day.
They took their foot off the pedal in the last quarter, when Marong kicked three of its four goals, but cruised to a commanding victory.
Panthers coach James Flaherty said his team’s inability to defend across the board against Pyramid Hill after a good start to the season was crucial in the defeat.
The forward line barely threw a punch, with Cooper Hale goalless after kicking seven against Calivil in round three.
Marong has to rebound against unbeaten Bridgewater this week, with Flaherty confident in a better performance with some key players set to return.
Pyramid Hill travels to Calivil, and with Mitiamo to follow in round six, the Bulldogs are likely to be sitting at 5-1 in two weeks’ time.
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Inspirational coach misses clash with Eagles
MITIAMO’S early-season struggles have continued, with an 83-point loss to Maiden Gully in a game that was effectively over by quarter-time.
The Superoos are winless and anchored to the bottom of the ladder, with the club’s lack of player depth shown in stark relief by a scoreless game from their reserves, who were beaten by 171 points.
Maiden Gully was on top from the start, kicking 7.2 to 0.2 in the first quarter against a Mitiamo side missing its inspirational coach Luke Lougoon out with a hamstring strain.
Another seven goals followed in the second quarter, with Miti staring down the barrel of a 100-point defeat.
But the Superoos steadied after the main break, kicking six goals to the Eagles’ nine in the second half in a more competitive display.
In his first year of senior football, North Bendigo recruit Joey Mizzi was best for the Superoos, and he is putting together an excellent season.
The Eagles were potent in attack, with best-afield Mitch Hill and Tyler James each kicking five goals.
Read More: Marong, Pyramid Hill, Mitiamo