A freak work-related accident has denied the star recruit the chance to return home this weekend.

Rixon was due to play alongside Melrose coach and brother, Kade, at club level for the first time since 2004.

Kade revealed Trent, a builder, got his knee caught on a gang nail which cut him open and required at least four stitches, meaning the pair will have to wait a little longer to reunite on the field.

After a 5-2 win against Cobram in the season opener, Melrose should still start clear favourties against the Greens on Sunday who drew with St Pats, 1-1, but will need Kade and Adam Waters to fire in the forward half once again.

Kade scored a hat-trick, while Waters finished with a double, which, incredibly, was the first Melrose had managed to find the back of the net against Cobram since it joined the AWFA in 2016.

“It’s a bit deflating, but it just means he’s going to have to watch me play up front this weekend again,” Kade laughed.

“I got a message five minutes after the game (last week) saying ‘Cobram must be weak if you’re scoring three’, so the banter has already started with him.”

Just four players remain from United’s starting line-up last season, but goalkeeper Marty Chambers admits it gives the club’s younger talent a chance to step up.

Caleb Martin and Aidan Rees both pulled up sore last weekend, but trained through the week, while Bailey Waters is in the mix to return after an injury during the pre-season.

Chambers was impressed with returning defender Jonah Schneider, who had a year away from the sport, while left back Sam Mason was also solid.

Sunday’s clash also doubles as the third mental health awareness round.

The concept was the brainchild of former Melrose defender Liam Mackay.

“I think Liam is only 20 this year and he’s been doing this for a couple of years,” Rixon said.

“He got a lot of respect internally and it’s something our club, my family and I are really close with.”

Mental health stalls will be set up on the day, as well as jumping castles, a water slide, face painting, balloon art and raffles. 

“Mental health round is in its third year and has just gone from strength to strength,” Chambers said.

“Bethany (Seidel) from Centacare has taken it on for us and done a massive job to organise a really great day.

“It’s not about raising money, it’s about raising awareness for mental health.

“It’s probably brought our clubs closer together because we work together.”