Underprepared and tasked with a gruelling road trip to Ballarat, Murray struggled to keep up with the NAB League under-19 boys’ ladder leader.
Despite a spirited and gallant effort, the Bushies suffered a 6.5 (41) to 11.8 (74) defeat at MARS Stadium.
“Full credit must go to Rebels, they are a very quality outfit,” Brown said.
“They had our measure, but it wasn't for a lack of trying.
“From an effort point of view, we couldn't ask for anything more from the boys. We were really pleased with the effort.
“It was just our method which let us down and cost us. You need to be across every facet of the game, especially against strong opposition.”
Kicking with the breeze, the Rebels got the jump on the visitors in the opening term.
But Murray bounced back with six scoring shots to one in the following quarter and could have easily hit the lead at the main break — instead of trailing by 10 points.
The home side turned its buffer into 25 points by three-quarter time, before sealing a 33-point triumph at the final siren.
“We didn't do a lot wrong in that first half. We just didn't capitalise enough on our chances going forward in the second term,” Brown said.
“I felt they had the upper hand in the midfield. We weren't able to clear the congestion, their pressure and ability to smother the ball restricted us in that area.”
Shepparton United on-baller Kade Chalcraft finished the match with 17 disposals and nine tackles and was one of the standout performers for the Bushies.
Fellow midfielder and United teammate Zavier Maher found a ton of the ball and finished with 25 disposals and seven inside 50s.
Shepparton Swans speedster Ethan Warburton featured in the list of better players with his 15-disposal game.
However, it was the performance of bottom-age talent Max Clohesy which caught the eye of Brown.
Brown praised the youngster's “courage”, while he also spoke highly of Euroa defender Ben Bath.
“Max was fantastic behind the footy. His performance was really pleasing,” he said.
“There was one act from him that stood out, he backed into a pack and took a brave, strong grab.
“Benny also looked good down back behind the ball with his marking and rebounds. His form in recent weeks has been great.
“We have really been pleased with how players, like Max and Ben, have performed since getting an opportunity.
“And I thought Kade and Zavier fought hard in the midfield.”
● The Bushrangers will head to Echuca this weekend for their third hit-out against Bendigo Pioneers this season.
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