THE Murray Bushrangers have made seven changes for Sunday’s crucial clash against rivals Bendigo Pioneers at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
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In a huge boost to their chances of returning to the winning list, Angus Hicks, Nick Richards, Doulton Langlands, Laitham Vandermeer, Daniel Bond, Alex Paech and Edward Dayman have been brought into the side.
Dayman, who plays for Wangaratta Rovers, will debut as 23rd man.
“We have got some real midfield strength back with Hicks, Bond and Richards playing,” Higgins said.
“Langlands and Paech are also going to help across half-back.
“They are all good inclusions for us.
“Ed Dayman gets his chance as well to give Mark Marriott some support.
“We will have two bottom-age ruckmen in Ed and Mark Marriott playing which is a real positive for us, especially with Ben Kelly in the wings as well.”
The Bushrangers have had four players – Ben Paton, Harry Jones, Charlie Spargo and Jordan Butts – invited to next month’s AFL draft combine in Melbourne.
Jones has been sidelined with a stress reaction in his back and is unlikely to play again this season.
“Harry had a really strong start to the season and, to have the support of AFL clubs, is terrific for him,” he said.
“We were really happy to see him and the other boys invited.
“He probably won’t play again this year and he’s been out for a fair while already.”
CDHBU’s Matt Walker has retained his position with GWS reserves after kicking four goals last weekend.
The Bushrangers defeated Bendigo by 51 points in round one after kicking seven goals to one in the final quarter at Punt Road Oval and Higgins expects another hard-fought contest.
“They are our closest neighbours and probably our biggest rivals,” he said.
“We will need to play well.”
With the Bushrangers’ midfield boosted, big forward Daniel Johnston could be the major beneficiary with the Barooga youngster having already kicked 33 goals this season.
The Bushrangers team is:
B, Donaghey, Boyd, Murray; hb, Langlands, Paech, Paton; c, Bruce, Bond, Beasley; hf, Barzen, Butts, Richards; f, Vandermeer, Johnston, Lane; foll, Marriott, Hicks, Richards; inter, Bradshaw, Trotter, Smith; Wallace, Dayman; emerg, McMillan, Kelly, O'Brien.
