The Blighty Redeyes travel to Tocumwal in round nine of the Picola League senior football to take on the Bloods.

Blighty produced an admirable performance in the seniors against Tungamah, 9.8 (62) to the Bears 19.18 (132).

The score was Blighty’s highest total for the season.

They also won the last quarter with four goals and three behinds to Tungamah’s two goals and three behinds.

Blighty Redeyes head coach Dane Leyden said it was pleasing to see his team play well away from home.

He wants to see it replicated this week.

“I agree that we improved on the previous week in the sense that in the past we’ve played decent footy but for a shorter output,” he said.

“This past week, we played better for long periods.

“I felt, in the game, they capitalised putting on the scoreboard pressure early, winning some of their 50/50s.

“That is a goal of ours, for the games to be back and forth. It’s nice to be competitive in games.”

Tocumwal will be buoyed after coming off an 188-point win against Mathoura last week.

But Leyden said the Redeyes are hoping to get their first scalp of the season against one of the teams outside the upper echelon of the competition.

“Hopefully, we can improve as we go into play sides like the Tocumwal’s of the competition. No disrespect to Tocumwal, but the side is outside the really strong top four sides.

“We hopefully have a chance against them to get our first win of this year, and it should be a chance to surprise one of these teams.

“It’s definitely good motivation and good drive for the boys to get that first win.”

Perhaps a reason the Blighty senior side put in a better performance last weekend was the recent visit from former St Kilda forward and AFL legend turned mental health keynote speaker Justin Koschitzke.

Joining him for the wellbeing toolkit workshop were comedic duo The Nelson Twins.

The club said the aim of the night was to provide attendees with the tools to identify and deal with the challenges we all face on our individual journeys, all delivered with a wicked sense of humour.

The club gave a huge thanks to Chris and Justin Nelson, and Justin Koschitzke for coming out to Blighty.

While Leyden said he wasn’t able to attend the event, he said the feedback has been good, particularly regarding the topic of mental health.

“They really got the presence of the room.

“It is a great message, and everyone said the twins were hilarious.

“Lots of the boys learned something, which is great.”

“Looking after your mental health is really important and footballers tend to be a bit quieter about theirs.

“Hopefully, we can make them feel comfortable to share and reach out to get help if they’re going through a tough time.”

• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.

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Sunday, 12th October 2025

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