Latest News

17th May

Ins and Outs for Round Six

The seniors have made two changes for the big Grand Final rematch against Glen Waverley Hawks, with Nathan Parker promoted for his first senior game and Kevin Clark returning from injury. They replace Mehmed Bektas (injured) and Robby Savory (unavailable).

The reserves have made six changes; In comes James Taylor, James Matcott, Cam McPherson, Matt Beasley, Jesse Francis and Jaime Villani, replacing Nathan Parker, Joe Morrison Storey, Greg Foden, Luke Hollingsworth, Matthew Sedgeman and Ashley Rudge.

EFL Media Team Broadcasting Jets vs Hawks

Can't make it to the game on Saturday? Fear not, the EFL media team will be on hand to broadcast Saturday's game via 98.1 Radio Eastern FM, and via a video feed on their YouTube channel. Check out the links from the main EFL web page for more details.

16th May

Jets Back on Track With Thrilling Win Over Devils

Above top: Leigh Odermatt used Kevin Hoogkamer as a step ladder for this spectacular mark. Above: Jono Knudsen is chaired from the ground by Darren Sheen and Steve Shore following his 150th game. Photos - Chris Mirtschin

The Jets seniors had a had fought, thrilling four point win over Wantirna South last Saturday. The Devils came home with the breeze and the momentum through the last quarter. The Jets defended valiantly as their lead dropped from three goals, to seven points, and over the last five minutes, finally to four points. This match was Jono Knudsen's 150th for the Jets and I'm sure he'll remember it well. The win sees the Jets retain second spot on the ladder going into round six.

The only downer from the game was the neck injury sustained by ruckman Mehmed Bektas. See below for updates on his condition.

The reserves were not so lucky, coming up against top of the ladder Devils. Our young squad was comprehensively beaten by 148 points. I hope they'll break through for their first win of the season soon.

Another Update on Mem

I understand that Mem had a successful operation to remove a bone fragment and fuse two vertebrae together on Monday. He was able to sit up and move about when visited by Lesley Knudsen on Tuesday afternoon. Understandably, he has decided that his days of contact sport are over. However, he wishes to continue involvement at the Jets in some other capacity in future. He hopes to be released from hospital on Friday.

Good luck with your recovery Mem. We hope to see you up and about soon.

Heathmont Jets Jolted by Injury

Click here for a report in the Maroondah Weekly on the match and Mem's injury.

Site Updates

I've posted a match report for the seniors game here, and some photos from the game here. Ladders have also been updated.

13th May

Update on Mehmed Bektas

During yesterday's thrilling win over Wantirna South, Jets ruckman Mehmed 'Mem' Bektas suffered a serious neck injury a few minutes into the second quarter. He was hunched over, looking down to retrieve the footy when an opponent accidentally ran into him and hit him on top of the head.

Whilst initially groggy, Mem did stay on to play a little longer until complications set in. His neck seized up on one side and he sought treatment at the William Angliss hospital. A dislocated vertebrae was realigned and he was then transferred to the Austin. Scans have revealed a fractured C7 vertebrae. Mem is likely to undergo surgery tomorrow.

On behalf of his team mates, the committee, and supporters, we wish Mem well for a speedy and successful recovery.

Further updates on Mem's condition will be posted here in due course.

I'll be back in the coming days with the regular update.

10th May

Ins and Outs for Round Five

There's been plenty of changes announced tonight at the hangar for this week's big game against Wantirna South.

Seniors - In comes Luke Broadbent, Peter Forsyth, Steve Burns and Mick Aitken; replacing Kevin Clark, Dylan Sverns, Ali Knudsen and Dylan Robson-Long, all out injured.

Reserves - Ins: Ashley Rudge, Greg Foden, Anthony Bucello, Joe Morrison Storey, James Quirk, Mark Birchall and Rhyce Anderson Brown. Outs: Jaime Villani, Matt Beasley, Simon Conway, Cameron McPherson, Michael Petrie, Jesse Francis and Sam Pezzimenti.

Jono Knudsen - 150th Game

Jono plays his 150th game this weekend against Wantirna South. Congratulations on the milestone Jono. We hope the boys have a couple of wins for you. Get along and support Jono and the boys on Saturday.

8th May

Hawks Down Jets

Above: Sam Barling lays a perfect tackle on Luke Leeson. Photo - Chris Mirtschin

The Jets headed to Boronia last Saturday, hoping to make it four in a row for the seniors and for the reserves to break through for their first win of the season. Boronia were in no mood to allow that, easily accounting for the seniors by 58 points and the reserves by 96 points. Not a good day at the office. To add injury to insult, Kevin Clark and Darren Sheen retired hurt and may be doubtful for next Saturday when the Jets play Wantirna South.

Site Updates

I've posted a match report for the seniors game here, and some photos from the game here. Note that due to the poor weather at times, there are less photos than usual. Ladders have also been updated.

3rd May

Seniors and Reserves - Ins and Outs for Round Four

The Jets take on Boronia at Tormore Reserve, Tormore Rd, Boronia this Saturday and have made the following player changes:

Seniors - In comes Clint George, Leigh Odermatt and Sam Barling, replacing Luke Broadbent (unavailable), Peter Forsyth (unavailable) and Mark Levins (injured).

Reserves - In comes Michael Petrie, Patrick Warman, Aaron Hamer, Jaime Villani, Jack Lowe, Gareth Woodcock and Matt Beasley, replacing Louis Wain, Mark Birchall, Ashley O'Driscoll, Ashley Rudge, Sam Barling, James Taylor and Anthony Bucello.

2011 Grand Final - Last Quarter Plus Interviews

I've recently obtained via Jo Hart-Parker, a copy of part of the EFL Radio Eastern FM broadcast from last year's Grand Final. It includes the last quarter with overtime, plus after match interviews with several Jets players. So if you'd like to relive last year's thrilling grand final, click here to check it out.

30th April

Jets Smash Pioneers to Claim Top Spot

Above: Dave Sindrey attempts to spoil Josh Strachan. Photo - Chris Mirtschin

The Jets seniors made it three in a row with a thumping 122 point win over Whitehorse Pioneers. Darren Sheen once again led the goal kicking for the Jets with eight, whilst defenders Dylan Sverns and Peter Forsyth were amongst the best players for the match. The win sees the Jets take top spot on the ladder. Whilst it's still early in the season, it's a fantastic start.

The reserves came agonisingly close to their first win of the season. They led for much of the game, until the Pioneers stormed home in the last quarter and snatched victory by nine points. Despite some fantastic defence in the last quarter, the Jets weren't able to hang on for the win. A win cannot be too far away.

Site Updates

I've posted a match report for the seniors game here, and some photos from the game here. I've also added some photos from the reserves game into the round two gallery, start at the beginning of that gallery to check them out. Ladders have also been updated.

26th April

Seniors Ins and Outs for Round Three

Here's the changes for the seniors as announced tonight at the hangar:

In - Jono Knudsen and Danny Baker. Out - Leigh Odermatt (injured) and Ali Knudsen (omitted)

Get along to H.E. Parker Reserve this Saturday to see if the Jets can make it three wins in a row.

25th April

Jets Overrun Redbacks to Win in Style

Above: Jayden Himmerman lays a strong tackle on Trent Farmer. Photo - Chris Mirtschin.

The Jets seniors staged a major comeback in their game against Ringwood last Saturday, turning around a four goal deficit early in the second term into a 41 point victory. Darren Sheen booted nine goals for the game, including five in ten minutes during the last quarter. It was a solid team effort across the board to get that result, one that should provide even more confidence as they progress through third division.

The reserves struggled once again. Despite having a fairly strong third quarter, they fell short by 56 points in the end. Sean Furniss was the top goal scorer for the Jets with three for the game.

Heathmont Football Club Ready for Take-Off

Conor Ryan from the Maroondah Leader has written a great article on the Jets this week. Click here to check it out.

Ladies Luncheon

The Jets are hosting a ladies luncheon on Saturday May 19th from 12:00 pm at the clubrooms. The cost is $25 per person which covers a two course meal and two glasses of sparkling/wine.

Click here for more details.

RSVP by 12th May - Anne Parker 0438 356 002

Site Updates

I've posted a match report for the seniors game here, and some photos from the game here. Ladders have been updated, along with the social calendar and team list also.

19th April

Senior Ins and Outs for Round Two

The Jets seniors have announced two changes for the big game against Ringwood on Saturday. In comes Jake Sherriff and Ali Knudsen, replacing Clint George (injured) and Danny Baker (personal reasons).

New Audio Interview - Steve Buckle

I caught up with Bucks at the studio (AKA the trainer's room) tonight to chat with him regarding last year's grand final, the off season changes with training and player turnover, and his thoughts on season 2012 following the big win over Templestowe last Saturday. Click here to check it out.

18th April

Jets Roll Dockers to Kick Season 2012 off in Style

Above: Mehmed 'Mem' Bektas makes a 'Mem'orable debut in the ruck for the Jets (sorry about the play on words, but it was irresistible), being named amongst the best players in their win over the Dockers. Photo - Chris Mirtschin.

The Jets hosted the Dockers last Saturday and came away with a handy 38 point win in the seniors game. Pat Ablett was on hand to unfurl the 2011 flag prior to the game in front of a large Heathmont crowd. It was a great way to start another attack on third division, resulting in second place on the ladder.

The reserves were unfortunately overpowered in the third quarter of their game before fighting back in the last, only to fall short by 12 points.

Site Updates

I've posted a match report for the seniors game here, and some photos from the game here. Ladders have been updated also.

Reminder - Frat Party and iPod Shuffle Night this Saturday

The first player's social function of the year is on this Saturday night. Click here to check out details on the social calendar page.

Maroondah Weekly Article

Here's a link to an article on the game against Templestowe posted on the Maroondah Weekly website. Check it out.

Can You Help?

I have run this website since 2002 in order to help out the Jets. I believe it provides a good source of news and information to players and supporters alike, in addition to being a useful mechanism for further promotion of our valued sponsors.

Whilst I have been integral in driving this along for more than a decade now, it would be awesome if I could have some more content from others around the club. Aside from the occasional photo or match report in the past (for which I am very thankful!), I get very little in the way of contributions.

If you have any ideas on how we can add to and improve this site, I would welcome that feedback. If you fancy writing an occasional or regular column, let me know what you have in mind and we'll take it from there.

I would really like it if someone who plays regularly in the reserves could provide a match report each week. Due to time constraints, I don't have time to write about two games a week and do all the photo editing etc needed for this site. If you can put a few words together (no need to be as lengthy as my match reports) and send it through, I'd be happy to post it.

Even though I control the site, it does belong to the club. If you can contribute, feel free to email me here with suggestions, or come and chat to me at the club.

- Chris Mirtschin

12th April

Senior Team Selection

The senior squad for the round one game against Templestowe is as follows:

• Back: Steve Burns, Dylan Sverns, Robby Savory
• Half Back: Kieran O'Driscoll, Peter Forsyth, Dylan Robson-Long
• Centre: Lachlan Goodey, Steve Shore, Dave Sindrey
• Half Forward: Will Villani, Danny Baker, Leigh Odermatt
• Forward: Clint George, Darren Sheen, Kevin Clark
• Ruck: Memhed Bektas, Anthony Hickey, Mark Levins
• Interchange: Darcy Grasby, Jayden Himmerman, Luke Broadbent, Darryn Paul.

Captains Announced

The club captains for seniors and reserves have been announced for 2012. Congratulations to Steve Shore and David O'Brien for being announced captains for the seniors and reserves respectively. Click here to view the team list page for full details, including vice captains and deputies.

11th April

Round One Coming Soon!

The Jets play Templestowe this coming Saturday at H.E. Parker Reserve. All our supporters are welcome at the clubrooms for a few snacks during the reserves game from 1:00 pm. The 2011 premiership flag is being unfurled just prior to the seniors game around 2:00 pm too.

With great warm weather predicted, the Hangar is the place to be this Saturday for the return of local footy at it's best. We hope to see you there.

Round Two - After Match Function - Frat Party and iPod Shuffle Night

• Come dressed as a jock, cheerleader, nerd, mathlete or any thing else!
• Compete against your mates in beer pong! And party like they do in college!
• There will be tunes all night so get dressed up and kick off the big year ahead.

Also on the night there will be an iPod song shuffle competition happening. This means you can buy a song, it gets added to an iPod play list, shuffle is clicked on the play list and last song out wins the cash! A song costs $25 and gets you free entry. (You can buy as many songs as you wish) The more people enter the bigger the prize money.
Contact Nathan Parker to buy a song.

First in with songs, nobody can have the same song. Anyone can enter!

All songs need to be entered by 20/4 and payment can be either be paid to Nathan or bank transfer to the club.

Some of the profits made go towards our players trip so i suggest you purchase one unless you want Davey O hassling you!

When: Saturday 21st April at H.E Parker
Time: 7.30-11.30pm
Entry: $10 or free with a song
18+ Event.

No Jets Colts for 2012

As you may have read on the EFL website earlier today, the Jets will unfortunately not be fielding a colts side this season. One major contributing factor is the raising of the age group to under 19's. In this transition period, there are a number of sides struggling to field colts teams. We have managed to retain a number of our colts from last season and they have now been absorbed into the senior/reserves squad.

Team List Updated

Our team list has quite a few new names added to it. Click here to check it out.

2nd April

Jets Practice Match Info

The Jets headed back to Chandler Reserve near Emerald on a balmy Friday night to take on Belgrave. The combined colts/reserves game saw Belgrave win 3.2 8.3 9.8 13.8 86 to 1.3 2.3 5.3 8.3 51. I managed to see the seniors game and was quite impressed with the Jets win against a fairly physical Belgrave outfit. Final scores were Heathmont 1.1 3.4 5.7 7.10 52 defeating Belgrave 0.8 2.8 3.13 5.15 45. Given the number of players absent from the squad, it was a pleasing result.

EFL vs VAFA

Above: Heathmont's Leigh Odermatt, Anthony Hickey and Darren Sheen in their EFL uniforms following yesterday's win over the VAFA. Photo - Jo Hart-Parker

The Nine News Challenge matches were held yesterday at Bayswater. The combined 3rd/3th division EFL team defeated their VAFA Premier C/D division rivals by 17 points. Final scores were 17.16 118 to 15.11 101. Heathmont's Darren Sheen booted five goals for the EFL, whilst Leigh Odermatt also contributed a goal.

For full details, including those from the 1st/2nd division match, click here.

Jets AFL Footy Tipping Competition

Dyson Baker tipped eight out of nine winners this week to lead the competition. My better half sits on the bottom of the competition ladder, but I'm sure she'll fight back this week.

It's not too late to start so click here if you'd like to join in. The more people involved, the bigger the prizes will be.

28th March

Jets Practice Match Info

The Jets played Wandin last Sunday at Wandin. No scores were kept for the combined colts/reserves game. An undermanned seniors side for the Jets 6.10 46 was defeated by Wandin 17.16 118.

This Friday night sees the Jets return to Emerald to take on Belgrave at Chandler Reserve, Belgrave Gembrook Rd, Avonsleigh. 6.30pm combined under 19's and reserves; 8.30 pm seniors. Entry is $5 per car.

EFL vs VAFA Match this Sunday

As previously reported, Darren Sheen, Anthony Hickey and Leigh Odermatt will be representing the EFL in a combined 3rd/4th division side when they take on a VAFA combined Premiers C/D division side. The game kicks off at 11:30 am on Sunday 1st April at Bayswater Oval if you want to get down and take a look.

This will be followed at 2:30 pm with an EFL combined 1st/2nd division vs VAFA combined Premier A/B division match.

For further details, click here.

Training Changes

From next week, the Jets will revert to their normal training hours for the remainder of the season, Tuesday and Thursday nights at H.E. Parker Reserve. Supporters are most welcome.

20th March

Jets Practice Match Info

The Jets played Emerald last Friday night in two matches. The combined Colts/Reserves match saw the Jets win 1.0 3.2 3.2 6.4 40 to Emerald 0.5 0.8 1.9 2.12 24. The seniors match saw the tables turned. Despite a spirited comeback in the third quarter, Emerald held on for a 16 point win. Emerald 2.2 9.3 9.6 11.12 78 to the Jets 3.0 4.1 7.5 9.8 62.

This weeks practice matches are against Wandin on Sunday at Wandin North Recreation Reserve, Clegg Rd, Wandin North. The combined reserves/colts will be playing six quarters from 11:00am and the seniors will be playing a regular length match from 2:00pm.

Reminder - Footy Tipping

With the AFL footy season upon us this weekend, it's time to register now for the Jets footy tipping competition. Click here for more info.

14th March

Jets AFL Footy Tipping Competition Launches - Register Now

We are running our first ever online AFL footy tipping competition. With the competition starting in just 10 days, please register now and get involved. This is a fund raiser for the club and entry costs just $20. Click here for further information.

Good Sports Accreditation

Did you know that the Jets are Good Sports accredited at level one? Click here for more info.

Active Feet - Sponsor Promotion

Active Feet are a sponsor of ours with a store based right here in Heathmont. Check them out if you're after new footy boots or any other sports shoes. Click here or on the image below to check out their website.

Site Updates

Aside from the footy tipping competition (get in now!), I've updated the ladders and fixtures ready to go for 2012. NOTE: the Colts Under 19's fixture has not yet been released by the EFL and will be published as soon as it's available.

8th March

Lead Trainer Wanted

The Jets are seeking an experienced, qualified trainer to help lead the trainer group for the 2012 season. If you are a trainer looking to join a family friendly club, please contact us here for further information. Remuneration available based upon experience.

Heathmont Cricket Club - Finalists

Congratulations to our friends at the cricket club. They have had an outstanding season, resulting in five senior teams and five junior teams making it into the finals. Get along and show your support if possible.

Click here to visit the cricket club website for more information.

Footy Tipping Coming Soon

I will be introducing an online AFL footy tipping contest soon. Entry will be available for just $20 each. Details shortly.

Practice Match Details

The Jets have some practice matches scheduled in the coming weeks:

Friday 16th March - Emerald vs Heathmont at Chandler Reserve, Belgrave Gembrook Rd, Avonsleigh. 6.30pm combined under 19's and reserves; 8.30 pm seniors. Entry is $5 per car.

Sunday 25th March - under 19's, reserves and seniors will play separate matches when the Jets meet Wandin. Time and venue to be confirmed.

Friday 30th March - Belgrave vs Heathmont at Chandler Reserve, Belgrave Gembrook Rd, Avonsleigh. 6.30pm combined under 19's and reserves; 8.30 pm seniors. Entry is $5 per car.

Please note that all match details are subject to change. Stay tuned for any further details.

EFL vs VAFA - Three Jets Make the Squad

Anthony Hickey, Leigh Odermatt and Darren Sheen have made the squad for the division 3/4 EFL squad that will be taking on the VAFA on 1st April at Bayswater in the Nine News Challenge. Click here for further details, including a full squad listing.

1st February

Jets Juniors Registration Day

The Jets Junior Football Club are having their 2012 Player Registration Day for Under 8's to Under 17's on Sunday February 12th from 10:00am – 12:00pm at Heatherdale Reserve, Purches Street, Mitcham (Melways 49 D12)

Note: Under 11's is full at the moment but there is a waiting list.

Click here to download a flyer with more information. Click here to visit the Jets Juniors website.

Pre Season Training Well Underway

The Jets have been training at Heathmont College for the past couple of weeks. As of next week, they will train at H.E. Parker Reserve on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Heathmont College on Fridays. All supporters are welcome to attend and see how the boys are preparing for an assault on 3rd division in 2012.