THE Murray Bushrangers will go into the TAC Cup finals without a win since July 30 after losing to Gippsland Power by 18 points at Victoria Park on Sunday.
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After leading by three points at half-time, the Bushies fell away badly kicking against the breeze in the third quarter as their opponents booted six unanswered goals.
They will take on Sandringham Dragons in an elimination final at Ballarat on Sunday with coach Leon Higgins conceding his players would need to lift.
“We didn’t defend well enough, particularly late in third quarter,” Higgins said.
“It was a disappointing quarter for us.
“I thought we scored OK, but we allowed them too much free ball through the middle of the ground.”
Gippsland led by 29 points at the last change before the Bushrangers stormed back into contention with four goals to cut the deficit to 12 points.
But the Power responded late to finish their season on a high note.
The Bushrangers finished without a bench with Alex Paech (ankle), Ryan Bruce (shoulder), Jordan Butts (head knock) and Oakes (finger) on the injured list.
Laitham Vandermeer and Doulton Langlands controlled play well on wings and Wodonga Raider Will Donaghey provided plenty of run from defence.
Paech held his own in the midfield and up forward, Zane Barzen returned to form across half-forward and Oakes picked up some telling possessions.
Callum Porter turned in a dominate performance for Gippsland Power.
The Bushrangers defeated Sandringham by 23 points in round seven at Norm Minns Oval.
“We need to work on areas of our game ahead of the weekend,” Higgins said.
“We were OK in patches but fell away at times as well.
“It’s a young group and we’re learning as we go.”
The Bushrangers’ depth has been sorely tested late in the home and away series with a handful of key players being ruled out for the season.
Injured forward Daniel Johnston was awarded the TAC Cup’s leading goalkicking award in Melbourne on Sunday night.
He kicked 45 goals in 13 matches.
The final ladder is:
Oakleigh Chargers 60, Geelong Falcons 60, Dandenong Stingrays 48, Sandringham Dragons 44, Murray Bushrangers 40, Eastern Ranges 36, Northern Knights 30, Gippsland Power 28, Calder Cannons 24, Western Jets 24, Greater Western Victoria Rebels 22, Bendigo 12.
