Murray Bushrangers prospects shine in under-18 national title thriller

The Murray Bushrangers had names to keep eyes on for both Country and the Allies, with usual Coates Talent League forward partners Jack Whitlock (Shepparton) and Josh Murphy (North Albury) in opposite colours among others.

The unbeaten Country embarked on a see-sawing contest at Brighton Homes Arena in Ipswich, trailing at the first and final changes and holding a meagre lead at the main break.

An all-out final term had Country survive a late momentum hit sparked by Gold Coast academy star Leo Lombard to scrape through to a title decider against its Victorian rival, prevailing 13.12 (90) to 14.4 (88).

Shepparton United bottom-ager Riley Onley turned more than a few heads with his performance on the day, racking up 20 touches and seven clearances in a powerful midfield display.

The Whitlock boys continued their business in asserting themselves as likely first-round selections inside forward 50, with Matt notching a pair of majors and Jack booting a crucial go-ahead goal just prior to time-on in the final term.

Bushrangers boys’ coach Mark Brown, on Vic Country duties, had plenty of praise for the young Demon.

“I thought Riley was solid in his first game against South Australia and his game against the Allies followed up on what he built,” Brown said.

“He had a really good head-to-head battle with Leo Lombard in the middle and I think he was really impressive in his time on the ground.

“As a bottom-ager, you rotate through as it’s about giving opportunities, but he’s trending well.”

Marvel Stadium will set the stage on the morning of Sunday, July 14, as Country meets Metro in the championship final, where the locals get one more chance at national exposure with scouts nationwide in observance.

Closer to home — at least, within the state — the Bushrangers went on their way to Shepley Oval in a difficult match-up with Dandenong Stingrays.

Things couldn’t have started much worse for the Bushranger boys, conceding five unanswered goals and 11 first-quarter scoring shots to two behinds.

Looking just about down and out by the main break, the Bushrangers roared into life against their higher-ranked foes with a five-goal third term that brought their task back to a manageable 14 points at the final huddle.

After making it a contest once more, though, the visitors ran out of legs as the Stingrays notched win number six, 13.12 (90) to 8.11 (59), while the Bushrangers fell to an even ledger at 5-5.

“The boys got jumped early and to their credit, they built back into the contest,” Brown said.

“The primary focus (during national titles) has been to expose bottom-age boys to the Talent League and the standard that’s required.

“You don’t truly appreciate it until it smacks you in the face. The fact we had seven kids across Vic Country and the Allies provides seven opportunities for players who aren’t consistent selections.

“To play against a very good side in Dandenong and be within a kick is a good result; we’ll get them again in Shepparton with both sides stacked.”