NAB League: Murray Bushrangers AFL draft hopefuls impress

Some of the Murray Bushrangers mid-season draft hopefuls impressed but it was a Caleb Daniel like performance from a defender which stole the show.

Zavier Maher impressed for the Bushrangers. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

A Caleb Daniel-like performance from Patrick Parnell has helped the Murray Bushrangers to a thrilling 12-point win over Oakleigh.

Albury product Parnell starred across half-back as NAB League action finally resumed.

The Bushrangers came from behind at three-quarter-time to register the win in a thrilling contest.

Bushrangers talent operations lead Mick Wilson said Parnell continued on his strong form after earning a call up to the GWS Giants side last week.

“He controlled everything in defence and was able to break the game open with his skills,” he said.

“It was a fantastic return to our program from Patty and we’re hopeful he can continue to grow from here.

“I don’t think we could have been any happier with his performance which included a goal as well.”

Albury’s Cameron McLeod, one of five Bushrangers who have nominated for the AFL’s mid-season draft, also impressed with four goals.

“I thought Cam looked dangerous all day and got his reward for effort,” Wilson said.

“Ryan Eyers (from Corowa-Rutherglen) also gave us a really strong presence as a key forward. He only kicked one goal but I thought his pressure was fantastic for a big guy.”

Zavier Maher also played his first NAB League game for the year, a week after making his senior debut for Shepparton United in the Goulburn Valley League.

Wilson said the plan was for Maher to go head-to-head with Chargers star Nick Daicos, who many believe will be selected as pick one later this year.

Maher finished the day with 30 disposals while Daicos had the most of any player with 44.

“They both had an impact on the contest,” Wilson said.

“I don’t think they were directly opposed to each other and too many stoppages though. Zavier’s second half was fantastic because he was able to break the game open for us with a lot of clearances.”

Shepparton United’s Kade Chalcraft, another player who has nominated for the mid-season draft, also had an impact with 24 disposals for the afternoon.

Albury’s Charlie Byrne (who played for Essendon VFL on Saturday, Euroa’s Tom Panuccio and Shepparton Swans’ Ethan Warburton are the other Bushrangers to nominate for the June 2 draft.

The Bushrangers will next face the GWS Academy on May 29.

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