Sport
19 June, 2026
Not quite the comeback for Mean Machine coach
IT WASN’T the homecoming that Bridgewater coach Lachie Sharp wanted. Macorna born and bred, and a product of the Tigers’ junior program, Sharp didn’t have a shock defeat for his ladder-leading side on his 2026 bingo card.
IT WASN’T the homecoming that Bridgewater coach Lachie Sharp wanted.
Macorna born and bred, and a product of the Tigers’ junior program, Sharp didn’t have a shock defeat for his ladder-leading side on his 2026 bingo card.
But that’s how it turned out, with Macorna holding on for a three-point win over the Mean Machine in a frantic final term.
A big third quarter saw the Tigers go to the last break with a 22-point lead, which in the conditions looked to have given Bridgewater an insurmountable task.
Macorna, carrying a couple of injuries, stopped scoring, while Bridgewater found its rhythm and the comfortable lead evaporated, with the Mean Machine getting within a kick late in the game.
But in a thrilling finish, the home side hung on a for a famous victory despite managing just 0.3 to 3.4 in the last quarter.
The Tigers have been a revelation in their first season in the Loddon Valley and sit in fifth place with a strong percentage.
If the one-point loss in the previous round to Pyramid Hill had been reversed, Macorna might already be a shoo-in for the finals, which few would have predicted before the season began.
This week, the Tigers are at home again, with one of the other chief finals’ aspirants, Maiden Gully, heading north.
Against Bridgewater, ruckman Matt Colak, who has emerged as arguably the league’s best big man this season, again dominated.
Despite his hulking appearance, Colak is highly skilled below his knees, and his endurance is exceptional as he barely has a spell on the bench during matches.
Sharp marked his return to Macorna with seven of his team’s 13 goals, but Bridgewater’s midfield depth is being sorely tested.
Captain Harry McKinley’s season-ending knee injury and the retirement of Bo Alexander have stretched the Mean Machine’s onball resources.
The result toppled Bridgewater into third place on the ladder behind Marong and Pyramid Hill in a mighty battle for top spot and a precious week off in the finals. With the season’s only bye behind them, clubs now have a punishing nine-match run to the finals.
Finishing on top will be the only way for teams to have a week off.
While the Mean Machine have slipped a game behind the other two teams, the percentage gap between the three sides is less than 10 per cent.
Bridgewater travels to Newbridge on Saturday for the Gary Ablett and Gary Rohan face off, needing a win to keep in touch with the top two.
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