But a round-one win was not to be for the Bushrangers, with the rust showing early in the 3.5 (23) to 7.7 (49) defeat.
Bleeding four goals to one in the first half, the Bushrangers were later able to work their way back into the contest in the second half.
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“It was a disappointing final result, but I was really happy with how we finished the match,” Bushrangers assistant coach Mario de Santa-ana said.
“We just started a bit slow, Bendigo were that little bit more prepared.
“They played in front and I thought we lacked pace.
“But after half-time, we got better so it was a case of getting back into the swing of things.”
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And among the season-opening line-up were Benalla twins Madison and Tayissa Gray.
With Tayissa spending the majority of the game in the back six, where she picked up eight disposals and four rebounds 50s, Maddy proved competitive through the midfield with six disposals and two marks.
Former Benalla Saint Keeley Skepper was also active on the wing with 12 disposals and five tackles.
● The Murray Bushrangers take on Geelong Falcons at Bendigo on Sunday from 12.30 pm.
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