Merrigum will have to wait another week for a chance at a first win for the 2025 Kyabram District Football League after falling to Longwood in round six.
Travelling to Longwood Recreation Reserve, the Bulldogs kept pace with the Redlegs through the first quarter, trailing by just three points by the first break.
A huge second period effort that consisted of four maximums leapfrogged Merrigum into the lead, while Longwood were held to 2.2.
Leading by nine points at half-time, the prospect of a first victory for the Bulldogs appeared to be a legitimate possibility.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be.
Longwood came out strong in the third term, drilling 9.3 goals to leave Merrigum reeling, the side managing just 1.1 in the same time.
The Bulldogs would have to overcome a 41-point deficit down the stretch if they were to finally get on the board for 2025.
However, Longwood was simply too much, with its attack firing on all cylinders, nailing eight goals in the final frame to sink Merrigum, who tallied just 1.2 in a last-ditch effort.
By the full-time siren, the Redlegs 21.10 (136) had gotten away from the Dogs 8.5 (53) and notched a dominant 83-point victory.
Matthew Macansh (3) continues to be productive for Merrigum, earning best-on-ground honours for his work in his 50th game for the club.
While the Bulldogs continue to inch closer to that illusive first win, they will have an interesting contest in round seven, when they return home to face red-hot Rushworth.