After a week off, the Murray Bushrangers will return to the field this weekend with another exciting game on the agenda.
Set to take on the Oakleigh Chargers at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, the fifth-placed Bushies will be looking to secure a win against a side with whom they sit equal on points.
While the game is an important one on the field, it is also significant off it, with Levi Power stepping in to coach the side for the match and becoming the first First Nations man to do so.
Part of the club for around three years, Power said he was looking forward to having a go at taking the reins.
“It’s a big game, we’re both on the same wins and we’re only a few games off from the pointy end of the season so it’s a big one,” Power said.
“Regardless of who we play, whether it’s Oakleigh or Gippsland, who sit on top, there’s a particular brand of footy that we want to play and that’s what we will be focusing on first and foremost this weekend.”
The inclusion of Power as coach on the weekend is acknowledgement of not only his ability as a coach but of the development power of the Bushrangers.
He explained that not only was the team about getting as much game time into the players as possible but also providing coaches with the chance to develop.
“I didn’t think it was something possible if you’d asked me a couple of years ago,” Power said.
“It’s not about me, I guess, but probably more of a reflection with my community that there’s some representation in that space at the moment, which is really positive.
“We’re really committed to seeing more Aboriginal people in this space, particularly with the Bushies, and it’s something that I’m really passionate about.”
Murray Bushrangers regional talent operations lead Mick Wilson was equally as excited for Power to take the reins.
“It’s a terrific achievement for Levi and I think it’s a reflection of his character,” Wilson said.
“He’s always prepared, his footy IQ is really strong and he’s got a really caring personality.
“Levi has worked closely with Indigenous and non-Indigenous players at the club and his work in his three years at the club has been outstanding.
“Not only has he made the players better footballers, he’s also made them better people as well.”
The Murray Bushrangers will take on the Oakleigh Chargers on Saturday at 1pm at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.