A pair of Shepparton Swans talents helped Murray Bushrangers claim their maiden triumph of the Coates Talent League girls season at the weekend on a special day at Rumbalara’s Mercury Drive.
Holly Egan and Ellie Armstrong were among the leading possession-getters on Saturday as Murray kicked away from rival Bendigo Pioneers to pencil in an 8.7 (55) to 5.3 (33) win.
Bushrangers coach Emma Mackie was overjoyed with her side’s round 12 victory — one that came on a special weekend for the club as it celebrated its rich Indigenous ties at the start of NAIDOC Week.
For the clash against Bendigo the Bushrangers changed their name to Dungala, the Indigenous word for Murray, and wore Indigenous guernseys, while Aunty Pam Pederson conducted a Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement Ceremony.
“It has been a challenging season and so it was nice to get a bit of reward for effort. To come away with a win was just really nice for everyone involved,” Mackie said.
“Our focus was on our energy around the contest, moving on from mistakes quicker and just moving on and playing footy. We have definitely been building up to this level for the past few weeks and I was really proud with the effort that the girls displayed.
“It just shows that we are developing and we are capable of playing good footy ... and to do all that on what was a very important weekend for the club — it was the cherry on top.”
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Eyes on the ball: Murray Bushrangers' Maddie Smith and Bendigo Pioneers' Sasha Pearce. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 7
On the move: Murray Bushrangers' and Swans youngster Ellie Armstrong. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 7
Winding up: Murray Bushrangers' Nikhita Spiteri. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 7
Leading up: Murray Bushrangers' and Swans talent Holly Egan and Bendigo Pioneers' Caitlin Evans. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 7
In trouble: Bendigo Pioneers' Emma Daley tries to grab the ball while Murray Bushrangers' Kloe Mcelhinney is tackled by Pioneers' Sophie McClelland. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 7
Arms up: Murray Bushrangers' Tamika Rourke. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 7
On the run: Murray Bushrangers' Molly McLaren. Photo by Rechelle ZammitEgan and Armstrong were important contributors in the win for Murray, while their Swans’ teammate Payten Johnston gave support.
Armstrong, along with fellow Indigenous player Scarlet Galvin, was handed the captaincy on the day as she made a return to her former club’s home ground.
The small speedster gathered 15 disposals and laid seven tackles, while Egan finished the game with 19 touches.
“Those two have been getting better and better and they’ve been our most consistent performers for the past few weeks,” Mackie said.
“Holly’s been gaining confidence each week. She’s got such great hands around the contest and can find a teammate. Ellie is a little ball-winning machine. She’s only 16, but she has the highest work-rate in the team.”