The Murray Bushrangers will head to the Darwin this weekend to take on the Northern Territory Under 18 squad. The Bushrangers who currently sit 2nd on the TAC CUP ladder will make the trip up north on Friday in preparation for the game to be played at TIO STADIUM in Darwin at 3.30pm on Saturday.
Talent Manager Lee Fraser said the club was grateful for the opportunity provided to the squad by AFL Northern Territory. “Wally Gallo and his team have been fantastic, we are staying at the Michael Long Centre which is one of the best sporting and education facilities in the country”.
Coach Darren Ogier was fully aware of the challenges that will face the squad this weekend. “As a club we aim to constantly challenge our players to adapt to new situations, there is no tougher road trip in football and we look forward to seeing how the boys prepare and gel together with a single focus on the game. “Whilst it will be exciting for our young squad it is critical that they are professional in their approach”
The Bushrangers have made four changes to their squad with three players set to make their TAC CUP debut. 200cm Wodonga ruckman Mitch King will play his first game for the club after recovering from a knee reconstruction in 2014.
Coach Darren Ogier was full of praise of King “Our High Performance Manager Matt Glossop has labelled Mitch’s rehabilitation program the most thorough and professional he has seen at the club, he has set the benchmark for others to follow in terms of his diligence and contribution to the team”. “I watched him play for the O&M last week and it is clear that he is ready to play TAC CUP football. Everyone within the club is thrilled for him and we acknowledge the work of Dean Harding and the Wodonga Football Club in their care and support of Mitch through the early part of the season”.
Following a Best of Ground performance for the Ovens & Murray 16 year old Jack Kirley will also make his debut. “Jack is a great story after being promoted off our rookie list a few weeks back, he has played senior football under James Saker at Lavington which has provided a great platform for his development and given him an understanding of the work required at the next level”
Form under 16 Vic Country player Tom Gardiner will also hit the TAC CUP stage for the first time, the Mansfield product had a limited pre-season but has worked hard over recent weeks to earn his spot. “Tom has electrifying speed he is fit and strong and will no doubt have a strong impact at the level” Ogier said.
Deniliquin’s Jake Marshall will return from a hip injury suffered early in the game against New South Wales ACT on May 10.
IN
Mitch King (Debut)
|
Wodonga
|
Jack Kirley (Debut)
|
Lavington
|
Tom Gardiner (Debut)
|
Mansfield
|
Jake Marshall
|
Denilquin
|
OUT
David Mennen
|
Vic Country
|
Harrison Payne
|
Corowa-Rutherglen
|
Ryley Sharp
|
Myrtleford
|
Levi Middleton
|
Finley
|
MURRAY BUSHRANGERS LINE UP ROUND 8 vs NORTHERN TERRITORY
Backs
|
Lachie Leeds (14)
Jerilderie
|
Nick Coughlan 16
(Albury)
|
Shaun Mannagh 6
(North Albury)
|
Half Backs
|
Ryan Garthwaite 25
(Lavington)
|
Julius Battista 3
(Shepparton)
|
Bowen Smith 17
(Nathalia)
|
Midfield
|
Harrison Tanner 27
(Albury)
|
Clayton Oliver 10
(Mooroopna)
|
Lachlan Tiziani 29
(Albury)
|
Rucks
|
Mitch King 1 (Debut)
(Wodonga)
|
Murray Waite 19
(Wang Magpies)
|
Jakes Marshall 26
(Deniliquin)
|
Half Forwards
|
James Cousin 33
(Mansfield)
|
Trent McMullan 18
(Wodonga)
|
Luke Smith 4
(Congupna)
|
Forwards
|
Zachary Sproule 20
(Albury)
|
Josh Minogue 21
(North Albury)
|
Dylan McDonald 13
(Albury)
|
Interchange
|
Fletcher Carroll 5
(Albury)
|
Brady Sharp 40
(Myrtleford)
|
Max Canfield 24
(Yarrawonga)
|
|
Tom Gardiner 9 (Debut)
(Mansfield)
|
Jack Kirley 45 (Debut)
(Lavington)
|
|
Emergencies
|
Ryley Sharp 37
(Myrtleford)
|
Levi Middleton 12
(Finley)
|
Jake Page 8
(Albury)
|
Unavailable List
Name
|
Reason
|
Length of Time
|
Brodie, William
|
Vic Country Nationals
|
1 Week
|
Mennen, David
|
Vic Country Nationals
|
1 Week
|
Morrison, Harry
|
Knee
|
3 - 4 Weeks
|
Papoulis, Jayk
|
Groin Soreness
|
Indefinite
|
Schache, Joshua
|
Vic Country Nationals
|
1 Week
|
Simpkin, Jy
|
Vic Country Nationals
|
1 Week
|
TAC CUP LADDER
Last Modified on 26/05/2015 13:56