One of the longest droughts in Australian football came to a stunning end on Saturday when Ardmona won its first game in 2121 days.
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A loud rendition of the Ardmona team song, one that had not been sung since July 2015, was belted out after Shane Crawford's outfit defeated Longwood 25.22 (172) to 6.9 (45).
Players may have struggled with remembering the words to the song, however, the passion in their voices shook the brick walls at Ardmona Recreation Reserve.
Beloved figure Beau Jackson had a day out with six majors, while Cameron Hall (three) and Paul Scanlon rounded out the better players for Ardmona.
Olympic gold medallist Steve Hooker even got in on the act in his third appearance with the club and showcased his talents in the air.
Longwood was spearheaded by Reece Dimech and Nathan Watson, while Tom Rennie was the Redlegs’ only multiple goal-scorer with three.
Crawford may not have promised premierships before the season started, but he did hope to help win Ardmona some games and that's exactly they did in the Kyabram District League round five encounter.
“It was an amazing win for the club. It gives everyone a bit of hope going forward,” Crawford said.
“I got a feeling everyone will celebrate tonight. Six years is a long time without being able to sing the song.
“Footy is great. Community football is what it's all about. It's really important we get behind and help these clubs out.
“Longwood are struggling a bit this year and we need to get behind them. They fought it out until the end and they had plenty of young kids out there.”
Even if you were unaware of Ardmona's struggles in recent years, one glance of the tears and hugs shared among life-time supporters following the 127-point triumph gave you all the evidence you needed of how important the victory was to the Bush Cats’ clan.
One club figure in particular, is life member Greg Wilson.
A loyal supporter of Ardmona, the 99-year-old was swamped by the players when they left the ground and before they burst into chorus.
Crawford said the win was dedicated to people like Wilson.
“He's 99 years of age and he comes to each training and every game each week,” he said.
“He obviously hasn't seen a win in a long time, so it's really special to make people like that happy.
“It's just a good win for the club.”
● Merrigum continues to turn heads following its dominant win over Violet Town.
The Bulldogs have jumped into third spot on the ladder following the 17.6 (108) to 8.9 (57) upset.
Jack Sinclair was best afield with four majors, while Josh Smith went one better on the scoreboard and registered five for the day.
Matt McCarty (three goals) was the standout performer for the Towners.
It was a memorable afternoon for Nagambie's milestone men Daniel Haysom and Ben Hutton.
Haysom chalked up his 200th senior match, while Hutton notched his 300th club appearance in the Lakers’ 50-point win over Shepparton East.
The duo, which is a four-time premiership hero, each kicked a goal in the 17.11 (113) to 9.9 (63) win.
Avenel and Lancaster remain unbeaten atop the ladder.
The Wombats sit in top spot following their 177-point romp over Rushworth, where Zach Cerrone slotted seven majors.
And a flood of goals in the last quarter helped Avenel record a 29-point win over Murchison-Toolamba.
Braydon Avola (four goals) was best afield for the Swans, while Josh Wild starred for the Hoppers.
Dookie United cruised to a comfortable win over Girgarre.
The Thunder breezed past a depleted Girgarre outfit to the tune of 82 points.
Jack Threlfall was damaging for the victors, along with Tom Sennitt (five goals) and Liam Hernan.
And Stanhope delivered Tallygaroopna a 109-point drubbing in the other match of the round.
Jack Young was the Lions’ top performer, while Luke Mann and Jono Pearson combined for nine majors.
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