THE Murray Bushrangers have been buoyed by the return of All-Australian Ben Paton for their elimination final against Sandringham Dragons at Ballarat on Sunday.
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Paton hasn’t played since August 20 after being struck down by a bout of glandular fever with coach Leon Higgins saying it was a huge boost to the side’s prospects.
“He’s got progressively better over the past few weeks and is ready to go,” Higgins said.
“Sandringham is strong around the midfield and Ben will help our pressure and organisation.
“It’s an area we have been lacking a little.”
Matt Walker, Joe Richards and Patrick Warner have also come into the side at the expense of Jordon Butts (concussion), Will Chandler, Ajak Dang and Ben Kelly.
The Bushrangers will have nine bottom-age players in Sunday’s side.
“I would be surprised if any other finalist has that many,” Higgins said.
“It’s a big opportunity at the weekend and hopefully we can put in a good performance.
“Sandringham is a good running side and we will have to keep our pressure up.”
In other finals this weekend, Oakleigh meet Northern Knights, Dandenong do battle with Eastern Ranges and Geelong Falcons play Gippsland Power.
The match starts at 2.15pm.
The team is:
B, Beasley, Garoni, Clarke; hb, Lane, Murray, Donaghey; c, Langlands, Bond, Vandermeer; hf, Walker, Barzen, Smith; f, Warner, Paech, Richards; foll, Marriott, Hicks, Paton; inter, Smith, Bruce, Oakes, Wilson, Bice 23rd.
