Tongala superstar Cam Ilett was called up to provide his classy skills for Essendon in its clash against Southport.
But his heroics, along with former Richmond premiership player Alex Rance, were not enough as the Bombers suffered a heartbreaking four-point loss.
Ilett, a Northern Territory football legend, was influential with 19 disposals, seven marks and a goal in the 10.11 (71) to 11.9 (75) loss.
Former Tatura talent Tom Miller chipped in for Southport in the win.
Essendon, based in Queensland due to Victoria's recent lockdown, was depleted ahead of the round 15 clash with only 11 AFL-listed players available to play.
That left the outfit to issue a SOS to any available footballers.
Which paved the way for Ilett and Rance to suit up for the Bombers.
Rance is no stranger to one-off appearances after he made a surprise visit to Goulburn Valley League outfit Seymour earlier this season.
Ilett, based in the nation's Top End, has featured three times for Tongala in 2021.
The Blues currently sit on top of the Murray league ladder after 12 games.
● In other state league news, there is still no confirmation on when the VFLW finals will be rescheduled.
AFL head of talent pathways and state league competitions Tristan Salter said last week that the AFL hoped to get a season completed for both competitions.
“The AFL is committed to playing as many games as possible and confirming a finals series for the best performing teams to award a premiership,” Salter said.
“The health and safety of the community remains the highest priority and we acknowledge the role the VFL and VFLW plays in keeping our community safe.
“We will continue to liaise with all clubs and make decisions that ensure the season can progress when it is safe to do so.
“A fair balance of home versus away games and match-ups is a challenge for the remainder of the season, but the priority is to play matches.
“A number of scenarios are on the table and we are working with all clubs to deliver a season and play a grand final.”
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