THE Murray Bushrangers will be out to stop in-form Eastern Ranges forward Blake Hardwick when they lock horns in the TAC Cup at Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval on Sunday.
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Hardwick destroyed Bendigo with 12 goals last weekend and Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier admitted he loomed as a dangerman.
“If we win this week the double chance is locked away so there is a lot of motivation,” Ogier said.
“The boys are really keen.
“Eastern Ranges are a good running side who like to kick the ball long and they have a full-forward coming off 12 goals.
“Hardwick’s a small, high-marking, strong-bodied player and is obviously someone we will need to watch.”
Ogier said he was unsure who would pick up the spearhead but floated Corowa-Rutherglen’s Ryan Garthwaite and Albury’s Lachie Tiziani as possible opponents.
The Bushrangers are sitting in third spot on the ladder with home and away matches against Eastern Ranges and Bendigo remaining.
Last weekend’s win over Calder Cannons was one of their best of the season.
“Eastern Ranges won by 20-odd goals last week so they will be chock full of confidence,” Ogier said.
“They will be up and about but they have to travel to our home ground where we have lost only once this year against Oakleigh.
“I was really happy with the way we played last week and we’ll need to bring that sort of effort again.”
Clayton Oliver led the way last weekend with 35 disposals, while Murray Waite, Jake Marshall and Dylan McDonald also capitalised on the dominance of 200-centimetre Wodonga ruckman Mitch King.
Myrtleford key defender Brady Sharp and Garthwaite have been relentless in the backline with Tiziani, Harry Morrison and Lachie Tanner providing rebound.
In attack, key forward Josh Schache is being assisted by small forwards Ethan Boxall and Luke Smith.
Benalla’s David Mennen will return from VFL duties with Collingwood this weekend, with Isaac Wallace (Wodonga) and James Cousins (Mansfield) also coming into the side.
The round-17 match starts at 12pm.
