Sport

No luck for dogs in 13-and-under

By Matthew Kappos

Sep 12, 2026

Hayley Chant works it through mid court for Merrigum. Photos: Jordan Townrow.

Despite a competitive showing, Merrigum could never get its nose ahead in the 13-and-under final on KDL grand final day.

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The Bulldogs faced up to Tallyagroopna after a tight 32-29 loss in the qualifying final, and kept pace with the Redlegs early on in a tense first period.

The scores were locked at 5-all at the first break, but Tally eventually found an edge in the second, sneaking ahead 9-7.

A single centre pass still separated the sides at the half, 14-12 and the while the Bulldogs scrambled to try and close the gap the Redlegs remained just out of reach.

Tally looked to have final broken the resistance, going up six in the last but the Bulldogs had a final run left in them, cutting it back to three late before ultimately falling short 31-26.

The defensive work of the Redleg’s Harper Down earned her the best on court nod, while Merrigum will be proud of a strong season that ended narrowly short of the title.