Brendon Lemon presents as somewhat of a throwback: an old-fashioned soul in a modern world. It's easy to picture him in flared jeans, a disco shirt and platform shoes, getting down to Stayin' Alive on the dance floor.
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At a sun-bathed No 1 Oval on Saturday, the 38-year-old got down to one of the things he does best: ruck work.
And what a wonderful time it is in his life: back home in Gunnedah after eight years away while in the Royal Australian Air Force, and back in the Bulldogs jersey he wore with distinction during another stage of his life.
Now married to Catherine and with two-year-old twin girls, Edie and Clara, Lemon listened to his wife when she said it was time for a change - and that has also been the Bulldogs' gain: he plays with vim, possesses a good skill set and is dripping experience.
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"[Catherine] told me that I was spending less than 100 days at home, and it was time to come home," he said.
Lemon left Gunnedah in 2011 - the same year his father, Neville, died suddenly of a heart attack - and was initially stationed at the RAAF base in Richmond.
Catherine also hails from Gunnedah, with the couple married in the town in 2013.
Before the life-changing decision to leave the military, he had lived in Townsville for four years - working as an airfield engineer in the 65 Squadron and playing footy for the Air Force and the University Hawks.
He now works at Gunnedah Shire Council as a senior water operator for infrastructure and sewerage.
On a glorious day at No 1 Oval on Saturday, Lemon helped the Bulldogs make it three dominant wins from three rounds this season - the final score 26.20 (178) to 2.5 (17).
It was the memorial match in honour of the Roos' late president and player, Zeb Taylor, who died of injuries sustained in a motorbike accident last month. Eleven retired or part-time Tamworth players featured in the clash, in a tribute to Taylor.
Lemon, a former Bulldogs best and fairest recipient, said he had never been in a side who gave the Roos such a touch-up.
"I've been on the other side of a thrashing [from them], but it's the first time I've been in the thrashing," he said.
Gunnedah have amassed 323 points this season, and conceded just 82, while the Roos slumped to their second-straight loss (they called off their first-round match on July 18 due to Taylor's death).
Against the Roos, Gunnedah's lethal new signing, Victorian Jaydon Stiles, booted eight majors - while Andy Mack kicked seven.
The Bulldogs are red-hot favourites to win back-to-back premierships and their third title in four years. Their blistering form is a statement that reads: "Stop us if you can."
