Sport
NAB League | GV boys shine as Bushrangers record crucial road victory against Geelong Falcons
Goulburn Valley locals Nick Quigg and Joeve Cooper shone for Murray Bushrangers at the weekend as they produced a pivotal 18-point win over Geelong Falcons.
A true eight-point game for the Bushrangers, clinical goal-kicking proved the difference in the 13.7 (85) to 9.13 (67) triumph which puts them up into fifth spot on the NAB League ladder.
Continuing his standout campaign, Seymour on-baller Quigg was in everything through the middle of the ground for the Bushies, leading from the front with 31 disposals and a pivotal goal.
Meanwhile up forward, Shepparton United youngster Cooper was the game-breaker, showing his class around the sticks to kick a game-high four goals.
Taking the reins from Mark Brown, who was assisting with the Victoria Country side at the weekend, Bushrangers assistant coach Justin McMahon praised the intensity his team brought to the contest.
“Nick Quigg was just terrific again, his form line has been super strong for a long time now,” McMahon said.
“Being one of our co-captains, week in and week out he is always producing for us and once again his work around stoppage was pivotal to the way we played.
“Joeve Cooper kicked four in what was one of his best outings for the year, his defensive work was particularly impressive and from that he was able to find opportunities to hit the scoreboard and capitalise.”
Shepparton Swans star Max Clohesy also continued to prove to Victoria Country selectors he was unlucky to miss out on national championships selection, collecting 20 disposals in a brilliant display across half-back.
And United youngster Oscar Ryan backed up his breakout match last week with another 20 touches as he continues to thrive at NAB League level.
In terms of how the game was won, McMahon said it was his team’s intensity at the contest and ability to make the most of its opportunities that proved telling.
“The boys were just really good all day, the pressure and intensity around the ball was really high which was a major focus heading into the game,” he said.
“Forward of the ball our key targets also competed really well and our ball use going inside 50 was particularly pleasing and we managed to convert those good looks.”
The second quarter was a particularly impressive display by the Bushies, who utilised the wind to perfection to kick five goals straight and open up what would be a match-winning lead.
“It was interesting because our first and third terms were really strong as well, kicking into the breeze and really set us up to take advantage with the wind,” McMahon said.
“In the second term we just got some great reward for our hard work and most importantly we took our opportunities which stemmed from our midfielders giving our forwards easy shots on goal.”
A win that keeps the Bushies in touch with the top four, McMahon said this victory set them up for an exciting finish to the season.
“To come away with a win against a really good opposition on the road was really impressive and showed how far the group has come,” he said.
“It now gives us a great opportunity moving forward.”