MYRTLEFORD co-coach Brad Murray showed his former teammates what they’ll miss with a starring role in Saturday’s three-point win over Blackburn at McNamara Reserve.
Murray, who has left the Eastern Football League team to return home to coach the Saints, was a standout in the 8.7 (55) to 7.10 (52) thriller.
Youngsters also stepped up in the absence of key senior players Kristan Height, Josh Chapman, Grant Harris and Hayden Murray from the club’s first pre-season hitout.
Riley O’Shea and Riley Ivone did well up forward and Ben Jackson worked well on a wing.
Co-coach Leigh Corcoran and his brother Reece marshalled the Saints’ defence, while important forward Matt Spencer got through the game unscathed.
The only sour note was another shoulder injury to the club’s reserves best-and-fairest, Nick Howell — his shoulder “popped” in the second quarter.
Murray was pleased with the win.
“Riley O’Shea showed a fair bit up forward.
“Corey Southern and Reece Corcoran were terrific and Nathan Cossignani was good through the midfield,” he said.
“It gives us something to work on going into next week and round 1 (against North Albury).”
Height is likely to return for Saturday’s home clash against East Geelong.
The former Box Hill captain and 2010 Goulburn Valley league best-and-fairest winner was in the best in the Tiwi Bombers loss to St Marys in the NTFL grand final.
