A FORMER Richmond footballer has overcome personal tragedy to win back-to-back flags with Kyabram, a day after the Tigers booked their first AFL Grand Final berth in 35 years.
Kayne Pettifer, who played 113 games for Richmond between 2001 and 2009, was the Goulburn Valley Football League's leading goalkicker this season with 93 in 21 games.
The 35-year-old's uncle and aunt were killed in a car accident in northern Victoria a fortnight ago, only two weeks after another of his uncles died in similar circumstances.
Pettifer's father, Mick, also lost his life in a car crash near Wagga Wagga in the ex-Tiger forward's last year at the club.
He celebrated Kyabram's historic victory – its 42nd on the trot – at Shepparton's Deakin Reserve with a handful of family, including his sisters, Sarah and Abby.
"It's been tough for my family and my wife, and you wouldn't wish what happened to us in the last month upon anyone – they were three absolute tragedies," Pettifer told AFL.com.au.
"I just want to thank (coach and former Melbourne rookie) Paul Newman and the footy club for their support.
"To come back to my home club and win back-to-back premierships … I'm going to cherish this dearly."
Pettifer also played in a Grand Final for Kyabram in 2010, before spending time at East Perth, Montrose, Montmorency and Yarrawonga – winning a flag alongside Brendan Fevola in 2013 – then returning to the Bombers last year.
He remains friends with Richmond stars Dustin Martin and Jack Riewoldt. Pettifer, retired Tiger champion Matthew Richardson and Martin still catch up once a month for dinner.
Pettifer, who kicked 132 AFL goals, was thrilled to see Richmond beat Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night to advance to the Grand Final.
He missed out on playing finals in his time, being dropped before the post-season in his debut season in 2001.
"I was happy they played at 4.45pm, so I wasn't sitting up all night sweating, but it's just unbelievable and I'm so happy for them," he said.
"(They need) one more next week, and I'll be there in the crowd cheering them on.
"The Tiger Army is just an absolute weaponry force when they're up and about … my wife's got a shop on Swan St, so we'll see all the diehard Tigers supporters and they'll be cutting sick."
Pettifer felt for former teammate-turned-Giant Brett Deledio, another Kyabram product, who was on the wrong end of the preliminary final result.
"I feel for Lids – it's very sad and disappointing for him," he said. "Obviously, he copped a bit of flak for leaving and to lose last night must be tough for him."
