Murray Bushrangers bow out, but look to draft

THE Murray Bushrangers won't feature in this year's Coates Talent League finals series after going down to Gippsland Power in Sunday's Wildcard Round at La Trobe University. The Bushrangers got within a point with 10 minutes remaining in the clash but Gippsland's Tom Matthews kicked the sealer as his side won 7.9 (51) to 6.8 (44). While it's a disappointing result, Murray Bushrangers talent manager Mick Wilson said it was a successful season. "It's disappointing to lose the first final because I think we could've pushed deep," Wilson said. "Could've, should've, would've I guess but looking at our team's profile it's definitely a side that had scope to push deep in finals. "We got a horrible windy day on the weekend where players were having shots at goal from 15 metres out and weren't making the distance so it was disappointing that it wasn't a day where the boys could've showcased their talent. "That's footy though." The Bushrangers have a number of draft hopefuls with Wangaratta's Joe Berry projected to go within the first two rounds, while Shepparton brothers Jack and Matt Whitlock should also get picked up. The Bushrangers have other hopefuls as well with North Albury's Josh Murphy, Yarrawonga's Ben Kennedy and Shepparton Swans' Oliver Warburton all a chance. "If things go our way we could have five or six players drafted which would be a great effort," Wilson said. "In terms of Wangaratta, Joe Berry will get drafted and he's a player that worked so hard in the off-season to get ready for his draft year. "It's a common trend that those bottom age players who work hard ahead of their draft year usually get rewarded."

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