Toby Murray, Brayden George and Tom Panuccio impress for the Murray Bushrangers

A Murray Bushrangers tall with ‘elite’ skills produced his best game of the season as his side fell narrowly short of completing a remarkable comeback.

Zavier Maher was named among the Bushrangers better players. Photo: Stephen Hicks.

Murray Bushrangers coach Mark Brown can’t help but not be excited by what three of his young talls are capable of.

After missing their 17th year due to the pandemic, Albury’s Fletcher Hart, Corowa-Rutherglen’s Ryan Eyers and Toby Murray from the Wangaratta Rovers have all taken big steps forward in their development this season.

On Saturday, it was 17-year-old Murray, who will turn 18 in November, who shined in the Bushrangers’ heartbreaking one-point loss against Tasmania.

He finished the game with 17 hit-outs, 11 disposals and a goal in a performance Brown described as a “giant step forward” for the developing tall.

“Toby had a real aerial dominance in particular during the second half,” he said.

“With young key position players, it’s about us getting enough games into them especially after they missed last year. Toby has an elite field kick and that was on display at the weekend.

“We’re quite bullish about all three of our guys and where they could go.”

A torpedo from long range on the siren from Euroa’s Tom Panuccio meant the Bushrangers almost completed a resounding comeback having trailed by 39 points at halftime.

Brown said his side’s first half was “disappointing” having come into the game off the back of a strong win over the high flying Northern Knights.

“We were very slow to get going,” he said.

“Tassie played some good footy and we were probably fortunate not to be further behind. To the boys’ credit, they showed great belief and never thought they were out of the game.”

Bushrangers coach Mark Brown was pleased with how his side responded after halftime. Photo: Stephen Hicks.

There was some positive signs across the ground in the second half including 17-year-old Brayden George who booted four goals in his third game of the season.

Such is George’s talent, he kicked five goals on debut for Wangaratta Rovers’ senior side in the Ovens and Murray league earlier this year.

“I was really pleased with how Brayden took his opportunities and he could have easily had a couple more goals on another day,” Brown said.

“He’s a dangerous player who came in and played a fantastic role in Josh Rachele’s absence. Brayden has a great combination of power and speed.”

Tom Bracher also earned praised from the coach having taken his game to another level since Patrick Parnell was selected by Adelaide in the mid-season draft.

“Tom is a player who can pick opposition sides apart with his great skills,” he said.

“He’s really made the small defender position his own. It’s fantastic to see him take the opportunities he has been presented with.”

The Bushrangers will have a bye in round 13.