Leading the way: Shepparton United talent Oscar Ryan. Photo: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos
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Graham Denholm/AFL Photos
Murray Bushrangers have the next four weeks to regroup and regather following a tough 44-point defeat to Geelong Falcons at the weekend.
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A slow start to the round four Coates Talent League contest at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval proved costly for the Bushrangers as they coughed up a two-goal-to-nine first half.
The Bushies were playing catch-up at the main half and with improvement on their intensity and endeavour, managed to walk away with some positives following the 5.8 (38) to 12.10 (82) defeat.
Bushrangers coach Mark Brown labelled the defeat a “good lesson” for his talented crop of teenagers.
“I thought it was a bitterly disappointing first half,” Brown said.
“We were just way off on our intensity. It doesn’t matter how well you execute the fundamentals, it’s all made redundant if you let the opposition break through tackles, outnumber you around the contest.
“The scoreline at half-time was an accurate reflection on our performance ... but to the boys’ credit they embraced that feedback we gave them and their intensity increased and they got the game back on our terms.
“We just didn’t capitalise in front of goals as well as we should have. It was a good lesson for the boys; there are no easy games in the Coates league and hopefully they take some learnings from that.”
In the zone: Euroa’s Darby Wilson. Photo: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos
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Graham Denholm/AFL Photos
In terms of Goulburn Valley talents, Seymour’s Angus Murray (17 disposals) enjoyed a fine day out to be one of Murray’s top performers.
Euroa’s Darby Wilson played a lockdown role on Geelong livewire Tom Anastasopoulos and earned praise from Brown for his ability to “limit his impact” on the game.
Off and running: Shepparton Swans’ Oliver Warburton. Photo: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos
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Graham Denholm/AFL Photos
Mooroopna’s Coby James was a highlight in a midfield brigade that was “well-beaten” by Geelong and the tough in-and-under on-baller finished with seven tackles and 16 disposals.
Shepparton United ball-magnet Oscar Ryan chalked up 24 disposals and nine bruising tackles to continue his impressive campaign.
Under pressure: Mooroopna’s Coby James gets wrapped up in a tackle.
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Graham Denholm/AFL Photos
The Bushrangers now face a month off the park which has opened the door for two of their talents to put their hand up for Vic Country selection.
Ryan and James are off to Sandringham on the weekend for Country selection trials ahead of the upcoming National Championships.
Brown is once again involved with the Country outfit as a forward-line coach.
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