The Bushies, coming off a 49-point defeat to GWV Rebels last weekend, host the Bendigo Pioneers at Mercury Drive this Saturday, bringing some of the region’s best talent back to Shepparton for the first time since August last year.
A young outfit will stride out amid the upcoming national tournament and injuries – but from that breeds opportunity, according to coach Justin McMahon.
“We’re right in the middle of nationals at the moment,” McMahon said.
“We’re playing a lot of bottom-agers at the moment; It’s a good time of year, we can give opportunities to more of our younger group.
“About half the group at the moment are bottom-agers and we have a couple of 16-year-olds who played last week – and will play this week – before they go off to nationals next month.”
Ahead of the Talent League club’s game day return to the region, several young guns of the Goulburn Valley League have been firing in recent rounds.
It was tough going against the Rebels in dour conditions in Craigieburn, but Shepparton midfielder Lincoln Brand continued to craft together an industrious purple patch, collecting 29 disposals, five marks and five tackles to lead the way.
Bears teammate Jack Mellington — named best-on-ground in a two-goal loss to Oakleigh in round 11 — was prominent again, finishing with 19 kicks and six marks.
Angus Williams had 18 disposals of his own as well as one of the two Bushranger goals for the game, while Mooroopna’s Mackenzie Calleja made a successful return from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him since round two with 15 touches and six marks.
They haven’t been alone in catching the eye despite a tough year to date for an injury-hit Bushies, who are 1-8.
“Eamon Hyde has come in and done well, he’ll be off to (under-16) nationals,” McMahon said.
“Alex Whitlock’s come in, Lucas O’Hara, Patrick McCarthy has come back into the side after a look earlier in the year.
“Lincoln Brand is starting to put some good footy together after a limited pre-season. He’s starting to get moving now, which has been great.
“Mac Calleja has come back into the side, so it’s been good to have him back. Josh Porter has returned after a six-week break.
“We’ve had quite a few injuries through the year which has given others opportunities.”
The action starts at 11.30am this Saturday, June 27, with the Bushrangers girls taking the field at 2pm.
The Bushies are currently 3-5 and coming off a narrow four-point defeat to the Rebels.
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