Shepparton United’s Lana Carroll and Shepparton’s Jack Mellington were named best-on-ground in the Talent League at the weekend, as the Murray Bushrangers were tasked with facing strong Oakleigh Chargers sides.
While there were 1.4 (10) to 11.8 (74) and 8.11 (59) to 10.11 (71) losses for the girls and boys sides respectively, Shepparton’s draft prospects have continued to stamp their authority in the Bushies’ line-up.
Shepparton’s Lincoln Brand continued where he left off the previous week, kicking a goal and amassing 31 touches in the two-goal loss, while Mellington’s 23 disposals, one goal and seven marks earned him maximum votes.
Bear Archer Hueston was lively with nine marks in the forward half and had two shots on goal, while bottom-age talent Alex Whitlock backed up a solid debut with a goal and 14 disposals.
A four-goal-to-one third term nearly revived the boys Bushies for an upset victory at Wangaratta Showgrounds, but a side stacked with Goulburn Valley talent featuring Samuel Guppy (Mansfield), Jamaron Atkinson (Rumbalara), Spencer Sharp, Hunter Howells (Shepparton), Lucas O’Hara, Blake Sofra (Shepparton United) and Patrick McCarthy (Tatura) was unable to overcome Oakleigh by the final siren.
For the girls, Demon Lana Carroll has been a force in defence for the Bushrangers and with five tackles and three rebound 50s was acknowledged for efforts in a dogged Murray display.
Shepparton Swans’ Eve Cook also featured in the best, while United’s Leila Creevey and Cobram’s Olivia Thompson also featured at Wangaratta on Saturday.
The Bushrangers will take a fortnight’s break alongside a large portion of the Talent League competition as National Championships kick off on Sunday, June 14 for Vic Country.
Shepparton-based Talent League fixtures are scheduled at Mercury Drive, Shepparton, and Deakin Reserve on June 27 and July 11.
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