The stunning 11.5 (71) to 8.7 (55) victory over the second-ranked Knights delivered the Bushrangers their second win of the NAB League under-19 campaign.
Back on their home deck at Wangaratta's Findlay Oval, the Bushies had the upper hand over their metro opponents for the majority of the match.
Murray began strongly with Rachele kicking two goals early in the contest.
The Shepparton Swans product continued to star in the second term — as Murray stretched its lead to beyond four goals — and slotted another three majors to have a haul of five at the main break.
Northern Knights responded after half-time with a four-goal-to-one term, which closed the Bushrangers’ lead to a point.
But kicking to the scoring end in the last, the Bushies flexed their muscles to seal a memorable victory.
“I'm just really pleased for the boys more than anything,” Murray coach Mark Brown said.
“Everyone has done it tough lately, but the past few weeks have impacted our boys and I'm rapt that they got a performance that reflects their hard work.
“And for it to come against a quality side, one that has multiple players in the mix for the first round (of the draft) and be the better side for three quarters was outstanding.
“We played a good brand in that first half, highlighted by our defensive pressure and executing the basics. We knew Northern would respond, which they did, but to the boys’ credit they were able to close out the game.”
Brown went on to highlight the "balanced performance" from all 24 players in the squad.
Euroa's Tom Panuccio (17 disposals, one goal), Shepparton United's Kade Chalcraft (21 disposals, six tackles) and Mooroopna's Tom Brown (17 disposals) enjoyed strong outings in their return to the side.
However, Brown was left amazed from Rachele's day out.
Along with his bag of goals, the damaging forward collected 17 touches and eight marks.
“I have had the privilege to watch NAB League footy for six to seven years and Josh's game was in the top three individual performances I have witnessed,” Brown said.
“The way he played was brilliant. His class really shone and he showed why he is highly touted by recruiters.
“He should be really pleased with his performance.”
The weekend got off to a positive start for the Bushrangers on Friday.
The club's under-16 outfit saluted by 19 points over Gippsland Power at Craigieburn.
Shepparton's Boston Dowling and Mooroopna's Coby James booted a goal each and shined brightly in the win.
“It was a chaotic lead-up to the game on Friday with eight of our NSW-based players unable to leave the border bubble,” Brown said.
“To Mick's (Wilson) credit he did an extraordinary job in making sure that game went ahead.
“The team played really well and we are thankful of the boys that came in at the last minute.
“Boston competed really well in the ruck and showed class in the forward line, while Coby is a busy little on-baller who covers the ground well and competes hard.”
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