The Border outfit accounted for Oakleigh Cannons 2-1 at La Trobe to enter the season proper in two weeks’ time full of confidence.

Zac Walker put the hosts in front with a volley into the bottom corner, before Melkie Woldemichael doubled the advantage after he was brought down in the box and converted from the spot.

Oakleigh got on the board five minutes before full-time, but Murray held on.

It’s the second high-profile club Murray has beaten in the past 12 months, having gotten the better of another NPL outfit in Green Gully, 2-0, in a practice match last pre-season.

The only concern from the clash was a knock to star recruit Tom Youngs in the first half.

Youngs was tackled heavily in the early stages and played no further part in the contest, but is expected to be fit for round one against Eastern Lions on February 16.

Murray coach Elliot Jones was pleased with the way the side adjusted after Youngs’ early departure.

“To be honest, they were pretty stunned and I think we were too,” Jones said.

“Ryan Luty came on at half-time and changed the game for us.

“We played him up front and that allowed Zac and Melkie to get some space.

“They certainly had their chances, it wasn’t one-way traffic and they had the ball for large chunks of the game, but we had to be compact and organised and wait for them to make a mistake.

“The difference in the second half was we took our chances and if you do that you generally get the result.”

Jones believes the side is better placed than 12 months ago.

“I think last year we had our best side out there, but if we had a couple of injuries we fell away a bit with our depth,” he said.

“I think this time last year I had my round one side pencilled in, but at the moment, I certainly don’t.

“We’ve got guys playing for spots and training for spots and that’s exactly what we want.”