After a successful Under-18 National Championships for Vic Country, some Murray Bushrangers made their return to the Coates Talent League Boys on Saturday.
The conditions were grim, with strong winds, dark skies and a slippery-sloppy surface, but that didn’t hinder the performances of some of the region’s best AFL draft prospects.
The Bushrangers played Northern Knights in their round 15 clash at Wangaratta Showgrounds.
The match remained tight throughout the day, with the Bushrangers taking a four-point lead into three-quarter time.
In the final term, the Knights were cleaner in front of goal, kicking 2.0 to the Bushrangers’ 1.2 and the match finished as a draw (52-52).
Benalla-born forward Joe Berry was a standout for the Bushrangers, kicking 2.1 from 20 disposals and producing seven inside 50s.
Berry starred for Vic Country at the recent championships, kicking nine goals from four games and earning a spot in the Under-18 All-Australian side.
The gun mid-sized forward is currently projected to go inside the top 20 in the 2024 AFL Draft by draft expert Cal Twomey — this year’s draft crop is being lauded for its depth of talent.
Bushrangers coach Mark Brown said Berry’s skill set shone through in the wet weather.
“He is a top-ender, I think; he is widely considered a first-round draft pick at this stage,” Brown said.
“When he had ball in hand, he looked a very classy footballer; two goals, 20 possessions, beautiful kick and he spent a bit more time through the midfield.
“We will continue to learn more about his game.”
Mooroopna young gun Caden Ratcliffe made his Coates Talent League debut for the Bushrangers, collecting eight disposals and three tackles.
Brown said he was pleased with how Ratcliffe and a Shepparton Swans defensive prospect performed in the wet.
“(Ratcliffe) had some good moments,” he said.
“It was a tough day to make your debut, given the conditions, but he was really solid in the contest and performed well.
“Kade Anderson was really solid across half-back.
“He is continuing to improve each week, which is really pleasing.”
Shepparton’s Matt Whitlock produced one of his best performances in Bushrangers colours this season.
The towering forward kicked 2.5 and collected 17 disposals in a strong display in tough conditions — he is currently ranked inside the top 30 of this year’s draft, according to Twomey.
Matt’s twin brother Jack was also influential in the wet, collecting 17 disposals, six inside 50s and two goals.
Jack is ranked inside the top 20 prospects alongside Berry, according to Twomey.
Brown said he was impressed with how the pair of key position players didn’t drop their heads due to the dour conditions.
“To their credit, I thought they both impacted the game well,” he said.
“Jack presented really well and gave us a real aerial presence and got to a lot of contests — it was obviously difficult to clunk anything — as his ability to make contests was really pleasing.
“The conditions probably amplified Matt’s ability at ground level for his height.
“To kick 2.5, he would have liked to finish a bit better, but to have seven shots on goal in those conditions as a 198cm key was fairly impressive.”
In the Coates Talent League Girls round 13 match, Murray Bushrangers lost to Northern Knights by 23 points.
Shepparton United prospect Leila Creevey was strong in defence with seven disposals, six tackles and three rebound 50s.
Nathalia young gun Claudia Plattfuss worked hard in the ruck, winning nine hit-outs and having four disposals for the day.
The region’s best prospect for the 2024 AFLW Draft, scheduled for December, is gun defender Holly Egan.
The star United product has been terrific all season for Vic Country and the Bushrangers.
On Saturday, Egan’s output was no different.
The gun defender collected 33 disposals, nine tackles and six rebound 50s in a commanding display from the Bushrangers’ captain.