Recap

Saturday’s game at Shepparton on a great Deakin Reserves surface was one which made the league take notice of a strong Bushrangers team. The Bushrangers fielded a star studded line-up which was way too strong for Bendigo who ended up running away with a 68-point win.

Murray brought a strong brand of contested football at the first bounce which shocked the smaller, less physical Bendigo midfielders allowing for the Bushrangers to get the ball to their outside players. The bushrangers keep them to one point to quarter time and were looking to win by a massive margin. The pioneers did respond by kicking 64 points from thereafter.

Jy Simpkin put in a master class showing why he is the premier half forward for this year’s draft. He kicked four goals up forward and provided lots of class throughout the game. Will Brodie also has dominated the game with his toughness and his clearance work second to none. He has improved his foot skills considerably since last year and has improved his outside game. Other strong showings were from tall blokes Todd Marshall and Max Lynch who provided great marking and had a physical presence around the ground.

For Bendigo Kayle Kirby was one of the best players showing his x-factor and class by kicking two goals and take several eye catching marks. He has come out of nowhere this year to become one of the more likely small forwards this year. Kobe Mutch put in a strong performance as a classy midfielder and is striking his claim as NSW/ACT’s strongest mid. Joseph Atley had a captain performance inspiring his team with his skill and toughness.

Bendigo Best: L. O’Brien, B. Daniels, L. Wallace, C. Jones, K. Mutch, J. Atley

Murray Best: W. Brodie, J. Simpkin, M. Lynch, H. Morrison, M. Marr, T. Marshall