After a draw in round two, Murray has waited eight weeks for more points on the ladder, this time earning the full reward.
Playing away at Highgate Recreation Reserve, the Bushies came up against a three-win Cannons outfit, but despite their underdog positioning, ground out their maiden win on Sunday afternoon.
The 12.9 (81) to 9.13 (67) result was the largest lead of the game by any side, depicting the tense back-and-forth affair that transpired across four quarters of round 10 of the Talent League.
Murray coach Justin McMahon was pleased the squad earned reward for effort after a challenging start to the season.
“It was good reward for the boys, they’ve been really engaged in the program,” he said.
“We’ve felt we’ve been doing good things but lacked that consistency to win games, but it all came together across four quarters on Sunday.”
Shepparton products headlined some of the Bushies’ best in the 14-point victory, with Bears boys Lincoln Brand and Archer Hueston kicking last quarter goals to seal the win.
Brand finished with 28 disposals, a team-high six inside 50s and the aforementioned goal, while Hueston snagged two majors on the day.
McMahon stated Brand’s performance came off the back of a shackles-releasing game following restricted minutes to start the season after preseason injury niggles.
“Linc had a really interrupted preseason with a shoulder injury at the back end of last year and back issues early this year,” McMahon said.
“When he was fit to play he’s had some game time management but we’re seeing weekly improvement now.”
Cobram 16-year-old Eamon Hyde was named best-on-ground for his 20-disposal, 10-mark display, kick-starting transition off half-back, highlighted by seven rebound 50s, while another bottom-ager Alex Whitlock’s 15-disposal game was well played on season debut.
“Eamon Hyde was outstanding on the weekend, he played a really strong game,” McMahon said.
“Alex has been biding his time with a couple minor niggles, but he was really solid in his debut.
“We’ve had a fair few injuries - 15 sidelined at the weekend - but it’s allowed us to give a lot of our squad a chance, and it’s highlighted the depth we have, even in our bottom-agers.”
Hunter Howells’ 12 disposals were also influential, earning the Bear a spot in the best.
Shepparton’s Jack Mellington continued his consistency at Talent League level with 23 disposals and a goal, while Rumbalara’s Jamaron Atkinson also featured on Sunday.
In the under-18 girls Bushies, Northern Territory Academy claimed a 39-point win over Murray, 6.12 (48) to 1.3 (9).
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