After months of speculation about his playing future, Pettifer earlier this week signed with Goulburn Valley club Kyabram where his family is heavily involved.

The news is a blow for Albury and Yarrawonga which have been in regular contact with the classy forward since the end of last season due to ties developed at Richmond through Paul Spargo and Chris Hyde and Pigeon coach Craig Ednie.

Kyabram president Peter Croxford said yesterday the Bombers were thrilled to sign Pettifer considering the approaches he had received from Ovens and Murray and Melbourne clubs.

“It’s fantastic that Kayne has decided to come back to Ky,” Croxford said.

“Obviously he attracted a fair bit of interest from other clubs, but his two sisters play netball for us and his mum is also involved so we always thought we were a good chance.

“I was quietly confident that family ties and mates would see Kayne play at Kyabram, but you never know.

“He’ll be fantastic for us.”

Pettifer, who kicked 132 goals in 113 matches for Richmond before being cut at the end of last season, recently became involved in a business in Melbourne which may also have played a part in his decision.

Kyabram lost to Mansfield in last year’s GV grand final and has bolstered its playing stocks by signing Redan’s Brett Dickinson, Cairns forward Heath Barnett and Craigieburn’s Paul O’Neil.

Continued page 46

Pigeons aiming high — page 46