Live stream: Bendigo Pioneers host Murray Bushrangers in NAB League clash

It was tense, cagey and wasn’t settled until the final minutes when Murray Bushrangers got the upper hand against NAB League rivals Bendigo Pioneers. Relive the action from our LIVE STREAM.

The Murray Bushrangers have kept their top four hopes alive with an 11-point win over the Bendigo Pioneers.

Two final quarter goals from Ashtyn Atkinson and Josh Tweedale helped the Bushrangers get over the line in a game best described as an arm wrestle.

Ewan MacKinlay continued his impressive form for the Bushrangers in the win while Darcy Wilson was also impressive.

Meanwhile for the Pioneers, Harley Reid demonstrated his versatility impacting the game at both ends of the ground.

Pioneers debutant Charlie Hillier was among the goalkickers with two majors.

PREVIEW: Young guns ready to push 2023 draft cause

When the Bendigo Pioneers and Murray Bushrangers face off this weekend, fans will get a look at some of the talent set to be available in the 2023 AFL Draft.

Both sides have an extensive absentee list going into Sunday’s NAB League clash in Mildura.

But the key theme will be opportunity as players look to continue their develop in the hopes of starting an AFL career late next year.

Among those to keep an eye on for the Pioneers will be bottom-aged talents Harley Reid and Malik Gordan.

Reid is coming off a breakout game against the Western Jets before the Queen’s Birthday long weekend — where the Pioneers won their first game of the season — finishing with 30 disposals.

Meanwhile, Strathfieldsaye product Gordan has booted five goals in his last two outings.

Harley Reid has been in hot form recently.

Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree said he had been excited by what the younger members of his squad had been producing in recent weeks.

“We’re going to be missing four members of our leadership group, which means it’s a great opportunity for the bottom age players to step up,” he said.

“Harley has become a key component for us this season and is playing some great footy. The break has done him some good.

“Malik is another guy who is in ripping form and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the second half of the season.

“Pala Kuma is playing some good footy as well. He’s a Sunraysia local so it will be good for him to play in front of friends and family.

“We might have only won one game this year but I think we’ve been really competitive and unlucky not to snatch a couple more.”

Noah Bradshaw of the Murray Bushrangers. Photo: AFL Photos via Getty Images.

The Bushrangers will boast plenty of exciting talents of their own, including brothers Noah and Will Bradshaw, the sons of two-time AFL premiership player, Daniel.

Noah, 19, plays in the midfield and is his side’s leading ball winner this season while Will made his debut against Tasmania two weeks ago.

“It’s going to be terrific for those boys to play together again,” Murray talent lead Mick Wilson said.

“Will was fantastic in his first game and thoroughly deserves another opportunity.”

Also among the Bushrangers team are several players who recently attended the Vic Country under 18 trials for the upcoming national championships.

They include Ashtyn Atkinson, Coby James, Darcy Wilson, Josh Tweedale, Max Clohesy and Tom Cappellari.

Fletcher Hart and Ryan Eyers, who are both over-age players, attended camp for the Allies squad.

“It’s fantastic we’ve had so many guys selected to take part in those trials,” Wilson said.

Bode Stevens returns to the Pioneers line-up

Meanwhile, the Pioneers will welcome back 19-year-old Bode Stevens who returns to the NAB League fresh off a best on ground display in the VFL for North Melbourne.

“He was a significant leader for us in 2021 and it’s no different when he has been available this year,” O’Bree said.

“Having those experienced guys is quite significant because it can give our younger players a sense of security.”