MURRAY Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins has asked his players for a lift in the lead-up to Saturday’s clash against Western Jets at Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval.
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After being beaten by North Ballarat a fortnight ago, Higgins said the time was right to improve if the line-up wanted to stay in the top four.
It was clear from the coaches box last week that the competition goes to a new level at this time of the year
- Bushrangers' coach Leon Higgins
“It was clear from the coaches box last week that the competition goes to a new level at this time of the year,” Higgins said.
“The teams that can use the ball, are willing to defend and apply pressure will continue as the season continues.
“This week will be no different as the Western Jets have some quality players in their outfit with a number of players who represented Vic Metro in the nationals.”
Isaac Wallace (Wodonga) and Harry Boyd (Shepparton) will return from injury to bolster the Bushrangers.
Wallace made his comeback for the Bulldogs’ reserves in their 91-point victory over Wodonga Raiders at Birallee Park last weekend.
“Both Harry and Isaac are outstanding young leaders who have been professional in their rehabilitation and importantly continued to support the squad while they haven’t been playing,” Higgins said.
Zach Sproule is also back after national championship and GWS commitments.
“Zach hasn’t played for squad for a couple of months but he has great energy at training and has a real passion to play with the Bushrangers,” he said.
Corowa-Rutherglen’s Ryan Garthwaite returns from a broken scapular suffered during the national carnival.
“Ryan is as tough as they come,” he said.
“He played out the game injured and we have had to hold him back over recent weeks.
“He will be raring to go on Saturday.”
Shepparton’s Jordon Butts returns to the side after representing Vic Country in the recent national under-16 championships while Picola United’s Tom Boyd will debut.
“Tom has hardly missed a session all year,” he said.
“He’s a developing player who has great potential to be a regular TAC Cup player next season.
“It will be a huge learning curve for him but he’s a really driven young man who has trained consistently throughout the whole season.
“He deserves his opportunity.”
The Bushrangers take on Sandringham, Dandenong and Oakleigh in the final three rounds.
The match starts at 1pm.
