MURRAY Bushrangers giant Isaac Muller has been rewarded for a sensational season by earning a spot in Essendon’s VFL team to play Richmond at Craigieburn on Saturday.
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Muller, who joined the Bushrangers and North Albury from Henty this season, will play as the 23rd man as Bomber talent scouts assess his draft prospects.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Muller, 18, said yesterday.
“I will train with the club on Friday and see how I go.
“It’s a great opportunity.”
Albury’s Keiran Ellis has played for Essendon for the past fortnight while fellow Bushrangers Nick Mellington and Nathan Drummond have had stints with Richmond.
Ellis will line up for Collingwood this weekend.
VFL clubs have an agreement where the 23rd man plays about 50 per cent of the match.
“They want to put me through the ruck and then up forward,” Muller said.
“As the 23rd man they time how long you are on the ground for and try to keep it close to 50 per cent of the game.”
Muller is one of the favourites for the Bushrangers’ best and fairest award with the big man dominating the hitouts in the TAC Cup and improving his marking around the ground.
He has also impressed in his appearances for North Albury.
Muller said he was surprised by his season considering he underwent knee surgery late last year.
“It’s been pretty good,” he said.
“I have been happy with the way I have gone, coming off a limited pre-season.
“I’m lucky to have played under some incredible coaches and have just tried to learn as much as I could along the way.”
The ninth-placed Bushrangers are fighting for a spot in the TAC Cup finals with crucial clashes against Eastern Ranges and Bendigo remaining.