The Bushrangers go alright when they play in Shepparton.
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Murray’s girls held its clash against the Bendigo Pioneers at Deakin Reserve in round three of the Talent League season, putting together a cohesive four quarter display.
The Tyson Saunders-coached group have been clinical to start the season, boasting a percentage of 272.4 following its two wins, with its latest encounter on Sunday seeing the Bushrangers put on a stylish display.
The burgeoning draft prospects led Bendigo by 10 points at both sirens in the first half, although they had stacked on double the scoring shots than the Pioneers, leading 4.6 (30) to 3.2 (20).
With conversion the key to breaking the game apart, the Bushrangers exploded in the second half as Bendigo struggled to hold territory, the home side kicking four goals to a single behind, drastically extending the lead to 34 points.
The Bushrangers’ efforts defensively continued in the final term, holding the Pioneers goalless for the latter half as Murray ran out the game with a wet sail.
In the final term, the game opened up across Shepparton’s hallowed turf, with six majors piled on to Bendigo’s three behinds to win 14.8 (92) to 3.6 (24).
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Murray Bushrangers listen to one final instruction pre-game. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 12
Murray Bushrangers' Charlie Gibson stretches for the Sherrin. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 12
Murray Bushrangers' Skylar McPherson is caught in a rare tackle, after a 31-disposal, three-goal display. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 12
Murray Bushrangers' Skylar McPherson lowers the eyes inside 50. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 12
Murray Bushrangers girls heading out onto the ground. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 12
Murray Bushrangers' Latoya Holdsworth clunks the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 12
Murray Bushrangers' Cian Davis breaks away from Pioneers tacklers. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 12
Murray Bushrangers' Isabella Klein spins with possession. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 12
Murray Bushrangers' Nikkita Nixon and Skylah McPherson celebrating a goal. Photo by Megan FisherImage 10 of 12
The Bushrangers brought out the fun celebrations in its rampant victory. Photo by Megan FisherImage 11 of 12
Murray Bushrangers' Isabella Klein spoils. Photo by Megan FisherImage 12 of 12
Murray Bushrangers' Rose Milthorpe releases a handball. Photo by Megan FisherSaunders stated a response to Bendigo’s first half pressure was the key to the second half blitz.
“I did think we started really well, it was a pretty hot contest in the first half and Bendigo brought a lot of pressure,” Saunders said.
“But we weren’t bringing that accountability with our own pressure, and that’s usually a real strength of ours.
“We asked the girls to respond and they did, and it made it a tale of two halves in a sense.”
Shepparton United products Leila Creevey and Lana Carroll featured again in the backline for the Bushrangers, helping restrict Bendigo to its goalless second half.
Saunders lauded the Demons for their coachability and selfless play on the field, as Carroll earned a vote as one of the best on ground on Sunday.
“They’re both ripping players, they’re a coach’s dream,” Saunders said.
“You give them a role and they execute, week in and week out.
“They do the little things really well as players, and Lana spat forward and in the midfield for stints as well... they’ve both been reliable for us.”
The Bushrangers squad - both boys and girls - fly interstate to face the Gold Coast Suns Academy at the AFL venue People First Stadium next week in an opportunity Saunders states the club will relish.
“We’re heading up as a club which is awesome because it gives players and coaches more time to connect,” Saunders said.
“That’s important for us because we don’t get as much time as metro Talent League clubs or academies do with their players, given our large geographic catchment.
“We’ll fly out on Saturday and organise some team bonding for that day, and then we’ll play on Sunday and fly home after the game.”