NAB League: Madison and Tayissa Gray, Keeley Skepper to shine for Murray Bushrangers

An inside midfielder with some of the best skills her coach has seen and two sisters from Shepparton headline a much deeper Murray Bushrangers girls squad in 2022.

The depth in the Murray Bushrangers girls’ program is as good as it has been according to coach Mark Brown.

After finishing 2021 in 10th position, Brown is hopeful his side can take another step forward in 2021 with the aim of earning more players AFLW selection at the front of his mind.

Madison Gray and Keeley Skepper look set to attract the most attention from opposition teams with their 2021 and 2022 pre-season form earning them selection in the Vic Country under 19 hub.

Brown described Gray as a “powerful footballer who is capable of playing AFLW” as her development progresses.

“Her testing numbers at the pre-season combine were outstanding,” he said.

“She exceptionally gifted and is someone who is always asking how she can get the best out of herself as a player.

“I’m really excited to see where she can take her game this year.”

The Shepparton Swans product is joined in the squad by her younger sister Tayissa who has emerged as a talented bottom aged player.

“Tayissa worked really hard at her game and that’s why she is in the position she is,” Brown said.

“It’s fantastic for the family that both kids might have the opportunity to play this level of footy together.”

Keeley Skepper finished second in the Bushrangers best and fairest last year. Photo: Stephen Hicks.

Meanwhile, inside midfielder Skepper will be looking to build off a strong 2021 season where she played for Vic Country.

She also finished second in the club’s best and fairest behind Aurora Smith who was eventually drafted by the Western Bulldogs.

Ally Morphett (GWS Giants) was the other Bushranger to find her way onto an AFLW list last year.

“Keeley’s footy fundamentals are as good as I have seen,” Brown said of the Shepparton United junior.

“She had some real standout games in the under 19 championships last year and it would have given her a lot of confidence.”

Brown also pointed to players including Zara Hamilton, Grace Hay, soccer convert Zarlie Goldsworthy and Molly Kennedy as players to watch.

“We had an intraclub earlier this month and were really pleased with the level of play,” he said.

“Our depth is definitely one of the positives heading into the season. But as is the case you’ll always learn something different about your players along the way.

“We’re just looking forward to the opportunity of playing as much footy as possible.”

2022 MURRAY BUSHRANGERS SQUAD

Olivia Cicolini (Shepparton United)

Tamika Rourke (Lavington)

India Lehman (Queanbeyan)

Cassidy Mailer (Shepparton United)

Zarlie Goldsworthy (Lavington)

Payten Johnston (Shepparton Swans)

Alexandra Jackson (Murray Felines)

Taylah Power (Wodonga Raiders)

Zara Hamilton (Belconnan)

Paige Duffy (Murray Felines)

Natasha Wilson (Thurgoona)

Yasmine Budic (Murray Felines)

Matilda Lyons (United)

Molly Kennedy (Shepparton United)

Ava Loughnan (Murray Felines)

Emma Suckling (Lavington)

Keeley Skepper (Shepparton United)

Bella Browne (Thurgoona)

Kristy Whitehead (Wodonga Raiders)

Rhianan Hetherington (Wodonga Raiders)

Kloe McElhinney (Wodonga Raiders)

Grace Hay (Lavington)

Madison Ibrahim (United)

Madison Gray (Shepparton Swans)

Samantha Peppler (United)

Kaylea Kobzan (Lavington)

Tayissa Gray (Shepprton Swans)

Frances Atkinson (Shepparton Notre)

Destiny Dodd (Wodonga Raiders)

Jayme Powell (Wodonga Raiders)

Asha Foubister (Seymour)

Mindy Quade (Queanbeyan)

Atong Dang (Shepparton Swans)

Georgia Thomas (Murray Felines)

Lucy Dawe (Seymour)

Mia Johnston (Wangaratta Rovers)

Bella Fielder (Lavington)

Trinity Gullifer (Shepparton Notre)

Imogen Putt (Shepparton Swans)

Hannah Loughnan (United)

Blaize Seymour (United)

Trinny Preer (United)

Kayla Davidson (Seymour)

Olivia McGie (Seymour)

Isabella Klein (United)

Romy Beazly (Lavington)

Sienna Koop (Wangaratta Rovers)

Chantelle LaMotte-Doughty (Wodonga Raiders)