Match Reports

Comments: The Jets hosted Mitcham in the opening round of 2013. Much had changed for the Jets over the break, with Leigh Odermatt and Darren Sheen moving on, and the retirements of Peter Forsyth, Steve Shore and Darryn Paul. Joining the Jets seniors under new captain Dylan Sverns were newcomers Tom Burns and Pat Cusack, along with players with little or no senior experience such as David O’Brien, Matt Beasley, Jesse Francis and Nick Seller. It is a very different looking side to last year for sure.

The teams last met in round 13 last year at the hangar. Despite being just a point apart at half time, the Tigers were able to pull away in the second half to record a 25 point win. They would go on to play earn a finals berth later that year.

The weather was kind. It was overcast with a few spots of rain occasionally but nothing to worry about. The temperature was quite mild thanks to a gentle northerly breeze. And the ground looked in fantastic condition courtesy of the cricket club's great maintenance over the summer.

The first quarter was very light on for scoring shots as both sides assessed the situation and tried to set the tempo. The Tigers were kicking to the railway end of the ground and scored a goal in the opening minute of play through Julian Petracca. Mitcham newcomer Steven Pimm followed that with his first at the 13 minute mark. Whilst the ball spent a lot of time between the half forward lines, the Jets could only manage a couple of behinds and trailed by 12 points at the first break.

Coach Steve Buckle addressed the players in the huddle. He was happy with their great endeavour but noted that turnovers were proving costly, perhaps from perceived pressure. There were a few occasions when players kicked into the man on the mark which he said was unacceptable. On the positive side, the defenders were holding up well, whilst Jon Knudsen, Dave O'Brien and Robby Savory were mentioned for their good play.

Kieran O'Driscoll opened the goal scoring for the Jets in the first minute of the second term. Pimm booted his second major five minutes later. Dave Sindrey snapped truly from the pocket at the 15 minute mark and celebrated in his usual manner - great to see. Pimm booted two more for the Tigers to close out the term and extend their lead to 20 points at the main break.

Bucks was still pleased with the Jets effort when he spoke to them back in the rooms at half time. The delivery to the forward line needed better decision making to reduce turnovers. Kick it low and fast to the forwards on a lead. The midfield pressure had been good early but had waned a bit and needed to pick up for the second half. O'Driscoll, Savory, Luke Broadbent, Darcy Grasby and Tom Burns were praised for their efforts in the second term.

The third quarter was pretty even overall and very entertaining to watch. O'Driscoll booted his second goal just two minutes in. Pimm replied with his fifth major soon after. Broadbent put one through in reply at the ten minute mark, closely followed by Francis with his first senior goal, to keep the Jets in touch. Mitcham replied with four in quick succession via Lucas Marro (x2), Aaron Miller and Trevor Batchelor. O'Driscoll kicked his third at the 27 minute mark. The Jets trailed by 29 points at the last break.

Bucks was again disappointed with some poor decision making during that term. He highlighted that they shouldn't be bombing the ball into 50/50 contests in the forward line. He urged them to transition the play quicker out of defence and for the wingers to drop back to assist when possible. That said, he was still happy with the overall effort.

The last quarter opened with Pimm booting his sixth goal at the five minute mark. Petracca nailed his second soon after, only to have Jono Knudsen reply soon after for the Jets. Miller goaled again at the 13 minute mark. O'Driscoll and Kevin Clark replied with one each to bring the margin back to about 27 points. The Tigers closed the game out strongly with four unanswered goals from Jarrod Witnish, Batchelor, Miller and Daniel Turcarelli leading them to a 52 point victory.

Bucks was really pleased with the effort shown for the entire game - the Jets never gave up. Though they may have lacked a little finesse, there was plenty of good to take away from the match. He cited Anthony Hickey, Savory, Broadbent, O'Brien, Tom Burns, Cusack, Grasby and O'Driscoll as the better players on the day.

I was really impressed with Tom Burns in the ruck - he can leap and tap well, plus he's a handy marking option around the ground. O'Driscoll and Broadbent did well providing new options up forward alongside Daniel Baker. Hickey, Savory and Sindrey all played solidly too. The newcomers to the Jets senior line up who would normally have played reserves last year showed plenty of potential and should settle into their new roles quite well. The tempo may be higher, but they seem to have adapted well.

I've often said that as long as a side puts in 100% on the day, that's fine by me. I left the ground satisfied on that front, looking forward to the next round against Ringwood. Hopefully they'll take it right up to the Redbacks and come home with a win. Make sure you're there to cheer them on.

Go Jets!

- Chris Mirtschin

Comments: Not yet received

Comments: Not yet received

Comments: The Jets headed to Jubilee Park to take on the Redbacks and hopefully return the Parker Family Cup to the hangar with a win. The cup was introduced last year in recognition of the massive contributions that the Parker family have made to both clubs. When the Jets played Ringwood in round two last year, they won comfortably by 41 points. The Redbacks redeemed themselves with a 58 point win in round 18 at the hangar. Both sides had lost in round one this year by a decent margin so I was keen to see if the Jets could bounce back for a win.

There was only one late change made to the Jets lineup from round one, with Anthony Bucello replacing Nick Seller. The weather was kind, nice and sunny, although there was a moderate south easterly breeze that favoured the top end of the ground whilst making accuracy a bit of a challenge at both ends.

Ringwood kicked with the breeze in the first term and opened the goal kicking tally quickly via James Katsiavos just two minutes in. Tom Burns replied soon after with his first goal for the Jets. Danny Baker made it two in a row soon after. Adam Parsons got a quick reply for the Redbacks at the seven minute mark.

Whilst the home side seemed to have far more attack into their forward line, they struggled to convert that into goals until Thomas Wynne and Trent Farmer broke through at the 18 and 21 minute marks respectively. Dave Sindrey responded for the Jets with a great goal on the run from about 45 metres out. Luke Broadbent snagged a late one to bring the margin back to a four point deficit at the first break.

Coach Steve Buckle addressed the huddle, reasonably pleased with what he had seen. He rated the good efforts of Nathan Parker and Kieran O'Driscoll worthy of a mention. He was concerned though that he wasn't getting enough from the onballers defensively and asked for more effort from them pushing back when needed. He also announced that Pat Cusack would take on Parsons for the second quarter.

Katsiavos struck first in the second quarter when he goaled at the six minute mark. O'Driscoll steadied things for the Jets with his first goal a few minutes later. Jono Knudsen kicked a goal from a long way out soon after to put the Jets in front at last. O'Driscoll got his second on the board courtesy of a nice snap shot at the 16 minute mark. Anthony Hickey extended the lead six minutes later with another goal. Scott Laing kicked truly at the 25 minute mark for the Redbacks to reduce the Jets lead to 11 points at the main break.

The Jets left the field at half time with a bit of momentum behind them to hear from Bucks. He was really pleased with the way the midfielders had lifted in the second quarter. Cusack had done a great job in limiting Parsons whilst Tom Burns had served well in the ruck. Sindrey, Dylan Sverns (took on Trent farmer well), Robby Savory and Hickey all rated a mention for good play too. Bucks did remind the team that Ringwood would likely come out fired up for the third term.

The next quarter was a real tussle for control. The breeze certainly picked up quite a bit to aid the home side. Most gauge a breeze by an advantage in goals measurement - I reckon this was worth about three to four goals such was the strength of it. Luke Davis broke through for the Redbacks with a major at the six minute mark. Much like the first term, the Redbacks had much of the forward play but struggled to convert for goals. Bucello goaled for the Jets at the 20 minute mark to keep the lead, only to have Farmer reply four minutes later to level the scores going into the last break.

Bucks spoke to the players in the huddle. He knew Ringwood would make it tough in the third term. They had regained the momentum of the match. He was concerned with poor Jets handballs being intercepted too easily and asked the midfielder to lift again for the final term. He also asked for better options to be considered when clearing the ball from the backline. He urged the players to go out and give their all in the last term - be hungry.

The breeze eased a bit for the final quarter. O'Driscoll kicked his third goal, three minutes into the last term to give the Jets the lead again. Parsons kicked the next goal for Ringwood 13 minutes later. Sindrey kicked another long goal from about 50 metres out at the 23 minute mark. When Bucello jumped in a pack and snapped from the goal square for his second goal five minutes later, it was all over. The Jets held on for a 12 point win.

After the Jets had belted out the club song with great gusto back in the change room, Bucks had his final words on the game. He was rapt with the hunger shown by the players to lift again in the final term and come home strong. He reckoned Cusack had done a great job on Parsons. Kevin Clark's work rate was fantastic; Steve Burns provided plenty of drive from defence; and Savory, Tom Burns, Sindrey and Sverns all played well too.

It was a great team win where everyone gave their all. I was so pleased to see the Jets prevail in a very tough contest. As I mentioned last week, with so many new faces, it may take a little time to get everyone settled and working as one. This game will give some confidence that they can do just that.

Get along to the hangar next week to see the boys in action against Chirnside Park and cheer them on.

Go Jets!

- Chris Mirtschin

Comments: Not yet received

Comments: Not yet received

Comments: The Jets hosted the Panthers with hopes of backing up last week's good away win over the Redbacks with another in front of their loyal supporters at the hangar. The Panthers were hoping for their first win of the season following close losses to Warrandyte and Templestowe in the opening rounds.

The Jets seniors made three changes for the match - bringing in Nick Seller, Jayden Himmerman and Kyle Palmer (Kyle making his senior debut) to replace Jesse Francis, Matthew Beasley and Lachlan Goodey. The weather was awesome - nice and sunny with a gusty northerly wind favouring the Dandenong Creek end of the ground.

The Panthers kicked with the breeze in the first quarter. It was a fairly scrappy affair with of turnovers from the Jets resulting in easy rebounds for Chirnside Park. Despite having the breeze at their backs, it was proving difficult for the Panthers to convert scoring opportunities into goals. Timothy Gover broke the drought at the 13 minute mark, closely followed by Jesse Lehmann. When Anthony Bernardo and Lehmannn added another each by the 21 minute mark, things weren't looking too flash for the Jets. Jono Knudsen wheeled around his opponent to snap a terrific goal under pressure at the 24 minute mark. That goal saw the Jets head to the huddle soon after, 23 points behind the Panthers.

Coach Steve Buckle addressed the team with his concerns about the mediocre performance in the first term. He said he expected a tough start by the Panthers. The turnovers by the Jets were very costly and needed to be reduced for the remainder of the match. He urged the players to use their pace to generate more options at the kick outs from defence. He also reminded them not to rush kicks to two-on-one contests in the forward line, instead aim for our loose man.

The second term was quite a slog for both sides. If nothing else, the Jets slowed up the run of Chirnside by allowing just four scoring shots for the term. The Panthers got their only goal for the term at the four minute mark courtesy of Stuart London. Unfortunately, the Jets weren't able to capitalise on their great defensive work with much scoreboard pressure at the other end. Anthony Hickey kicked the Jets' only goal for the second quarter at the 20 minute mark. Aided by the breeze, he launched the ball from about 55 - 60 meters out, it cleared a few players in the goal square and bounced through. Nice One! The players headed to the rooms with the margin unchanged from the end of the first term - 23 points.

Bucks delivered a good old fashioned spray to the players in the rooms at half time. He said the players were not playing for the team, but for themselves. He suggested that it was the worst half of footy from the Jets in his time as coach. He stressed that the players must work for each other, pick up the pace when their opponents turn the ball over, and honour the solid leads of the forwards. Only highlights; he did mention the great work rate of Robby Savory and Anthony Bucello.

The third quarter saw the Jets lift their game completely. Kevin Clark goaled just two minutes in, with a quick reply coming from Steven Sigeti. Kieran O'Driscoll kicked his first major at the eight minute mark. Benjamin Beattie replied for the Panthers a few minutes later. The Jets then slammed on four goals in a row and really shifted the momentum of the game their way.

Savory started that run of goals off with his first at the 13 minute mark, closely followed by O'Driscoll. O'Driscoll booted another four minutes later, and Savory did likewise seven minutes later to put the Jets in front for the first time in the match. Bernardo kicked a late one for the Panthers at the 32 minute mark to put them back in front by four points at the last break.

Bucks was far happier in the huddle at three quarter time. He suggested the Panthers looked a bit flat and were struggling to keep up with the Jets pace. That gave the Jets more time to deliver the ball more efficiently to the forwards, by spotting free targets. He did express concern over a couple of silly free kicks that had been given away and cautioned that they couldn't afford to cruise into the last term. He mentioned that Seller and Palmer had contributed well in the third term.

Sigeti opened the scoring up for the Panthers in the fourth quarter with his second goal at the five minute mark. Bucello kicked a ripper from really tight in the pocket five minutes later. Knudsen booted his second a few minutes later. Bucello kicked another at the 15 minute mark. Savory kicked a ripper from 40 metres out wide, in the pocket in front of the cricket nets (exceptional accuracy given the breeze). The Panthers weren't done yet though, with two quick replies, both from Sigeti, the latter drawing the scores level at the 27 minute mark with little time left on the clock. Bucello kicked his third for the term at the 29 minute mark to put the lead out to six points, the final margin. What a thrilling finish!

After the club song had been sung loud and proud in the change room, Bucks addressed the players. He was rapt with the turn around, a great effort in fighting back. He did caution that not all teams would let the Jets back in - the ladder leaders would hold out any attempt to claw back such a deficit. Don't do it again. He said the fight back shows that the team has self belief, despite some critics in the EFL media suggesting the departures of a few players would be too damaging. Players singled out for praise included Darcy Grasby, Savory, O'Driscoll, David Sindrey, Hickey, Jono Knudsen, Clark, Luke Broadbent, Bucello and Tyler Johnstone. Lastly, he mentioned how great it was to have young Kyle Palmer playing up from the colts in his first senior game.

Palmer made quite an impact in the second half. Certainly one of the better senior debuts from a player so young in my opinion. There were so many great contributors. Jono Knudsen, Hickey, Savory, Bucello and O'Driscoll stood out in my mind, along with captain Dylan Sverns who played another strong defensive role.

As exciting as the game was in the end, I hope the Jets play a more consistent game next Saturday against rivals Glen Waverley Hawks. Make sure you're there to cheer the Jets on.

Go Jets!

- Chris Mirtschin

Comments: Not yet received

Comments: The weather was sunny and warm and the ground was a dry fast track at H.E. Parker Reserve. A three goal wind favoured the southern end. Pre game, coach Gareth Woodcock wanted man on man football; attack the ball, be first and just get your hands on it. The mood in the rooms was positive despite the big loss the previous week.

First Quarter: The first ten minutes was a scrappy affair with most play being in the Chirnside Park half, who were kicking with the aid of the wind. Against the run of play, Heathmont strung some possessions together and moved the ball swiftly to the pocket where Sean Furniss kicked truly from the boundary line. The back line was working overtime from then on as Chirnside Park maintained the ball in their half. Individual efforts were good; Liam Fowlie winning the ruck and then following his hit outs to win the ball in the pack, Tom Battersby's great lead to a kick out and great mark, Darren Sturdy showed good footwork in the pack and nice disposal. Pressure on the backline started to tell as Chirnside started to score, but their inaccuracy kept us in it.

At quarter time the coach asked the boys to be more positive, take the initiative don’t wait for your opponent and forwards - keep moving. A well done to Toby Williams and Jack Dunlop.

Second Quarter: Fowlie continued in the ruck where he had left off, winning the ruck and also the ball on the ground. Jack Hawken came down from centre half back to snag a long goal which cleared the pack and bounced through. Mick Taylor(?) snagged a beauty from the boundary, Furniss kicked another great goal from an acute angle, snapping out of a pack. Chirnside Park picked up a goal on the rebound after loose marking by the onballers and centerline. Jack Hawken showed great attack on the ball in the backline. Heathmont were showing some good skills linking up with precise passes along the wing. Hawken delivered a long kick to forward line where Battersby kicked it off the ground, another goal. Joel Grasby, a great running goal off the flank finding space using his pace and kicking truly. Generally a better attack on the ball this quarter leading to more possession, more inside 50’s and goals.

At half time the coach asked the players to talk more and louder, help your teammates out at all costs. Well done to Grasby and Harley Collins.

Third Quarter: Collins started off on fire, great running goal from the pocket and another great run down the wing to drive the ball deep. Furniss followed up a contest in the air to swivel and kick truly from centre half forward. Heathmont continued to win the ball in the mid field, creating opportunities. Chirnside were never denied creating opportunities and goals of of their own. Collins passed to Grasby, goal. Grasby took a leaping chest mark in a pack, then played on to goal. Sturdy took a great contested mark, passed to Furniss who in turn kicked truly. Chirnside answered the quarter, generally goal for goal despite Heathmont kicking against the wind and setting up a good position for the last quarter.

Fourth Quarter: With the wind and a ten point lead at the start of the quarter, the Jets' position was good but the boys would still have to play well to win. The contest was even for five minutes. The talls for Chirnside were starting to take some marks, they kicked the first goal to set tremors through the supporters. Collins then swooped on a loose ball at centre half forward and goaled to even up. Two minutes later, Grasby crumbed the pack well and goaled from 30 metres. Then a down field free on Furniss enabled Grasby to put another one on the scoreboard as Chirnside seemed to wilt. Collins was running well in the midfield, Fowlie scored an opportunist goal after intercepting a handball. Chirnside goaled again in a high scoring last quarter, five goals each. Heathmont always looked to be in control and won by ten points.

Hard for me to pick the best players as always in a win everybody did their bit, and I'm just getting to know the player's names but in my opinion Fowlie, Battersby, Grasby (six goals), Jackson Kolevich, and Collins stood out with special mention to Furniss (five goals) kicking crucial goals at centre half forward and providing a great contest, Sturdy for his efforts and some team lifting acts. For the opposition a mention for number 20, very hard to stop, great game. The best team did win though.

After the game the coach emphasised that to build momentum in the season from this win, everyone has to train and twice a week. The senior coached Steve Buckle also addressed the players and expressed his admiration for them coming back from a heavy loss the week before to play well and win.

- Mick Clarke

Comments: The Jets headed to the Hawks new nest at Central Reserve in Glen Waverley for the first time. It is very different to their previous ground, much bigger and with a better surface and facilities. There is a keen rivalry between the two clubs. Since the Jets beat the Hawks in the 2011 grand final, the Hawks have defeated the Jets twice last year; in round six by 41 points an the hangar and then in round 14 by six points at Capital Reserve. The Jets were aiming for their third win in a row for season 2013 whilst the Hawks were looking for their first. It promised to be a very keenly fought match.

The Jets announced two changes for the big game. Mark Birchall stepped up from the reserves for his first senior game, whilst Jake Sherriff also returned. Steve Burns (injured) and Sam Barling (unavailable) were out.

Despite the weather being fine, dry and occasionally sunny, there was a pretty strong south westerly breeze favouring the Waverley Rd end of the ground. That kept the temperatures down and made some shots on goal a bit trickier than usual.

The Jets kicked into the breeze in the first term and immediately got on the board with a quick centre clearance from the first bounce out to Kieran O'Driscoll who converted for a major in the opening seconds. Robby Savory was paid a free for being held 13minutes later and slotted his first major through from about 25 metres out. Ashley Black responded for the Hawks at the 20 minute mark with a quick rove and snap from close range. Jono Knudsen replied immediately with a great goal from 45 metres out. Rob Davies kicked the Hawks second goal a few minutes later. Hawks full forward Matt Carnelley booted his first goal after the siren at the 29 minute mark to close out the term with the Hawks holding a slender four point lead.

Coach Steve Buckle addressed the Jets players in the huddle. He said that it had been a good start but that they had let the Hawks back in a bit later in that first quarter. He stressed that they must lift their intensity back up again, there needed to be better communication in the backline, and that poor execution leading to turnovers should be reduced.

The Jets did indeed lift in the second term, booting four unanswered goals. Importantly, they restricted the Hawks to just two behinds whilst doing so. Anthony Bucello slotted through a goal from a tight angle and about 25 metres out in the pocket at the 15 minute mark to get things underway again. Kyle Palmer got his first senior goal for the Jets with a nice kick from 30 metres out on the run, nine minutes later. O'Driscoll soon had his second goal on the board with a 35 metre snap, whilst Jono Knudsen closed out the half with a late goal that put the Jets up by 27 points. It could have been a greater margin if not for the nine behinds kicked in that second term.

Bucks was in a happier mood when speaking to the boys back in the change room. He said that it was a great first half overall, and a fantastic second quarter. The Jets had held on in the first term, then used the breeze well to kick away in the second. Their instincts and run/carry from the backline had improved. He urged them to maintain their high work rate and unconditional effort as the Hawks will not give up easily, especially as they had the aid of the breeze coming up in the third term. He praised Al Knudsen for his selfless efforts against Darren Dewar, along with the efforts of teammates Luke Broadbent and Jake Sherriff who were performing very well in defence.

The tables were turned in the third term as the Hawks fought back with the breeze at their backs. It was a struggle to kick majors though and the Jets struck first on that front with Nathan Parker converting one on the run at the ten minute mark. Carnelley replied with his second major two minutes later. Sam Zikman had two on the board in quick succession soon after, followed by another to Carnelley at the 17 minute mark. The Hawks trailed the Jets by just three points at the last break.

Bucks spoke to the boys in the huddle, letting them know what a lazy third quarter they had played. The defenders were doing a good job pushing up the ground to help out when needed but were a bit slow in returning to defend when the Hawks got a quick rebound. He urged the whole team to lift for the final term, regain the momentum and play on to victory.

It was a very tense final quarter for players and supporters alike. Luke Scanlan edged the Hawks in front following his goal four minutes in. The Jets then booted three in a row courtesy of Savory, Tom Burns and Danny Baker between the 12 and 18 minute marks. The Hawks were not done yet, despite kicking into the breeze. Zikman booted his third, only to have Carnelley follow with his fourth just a minute later to bring the Hawks within a point. The Jets held on in the dying minutes of the game, and a free kick to Bucello resulted in an extra point after the siren.

Bucks was rapt after the game. He wanted the win greatly following last year's losses. He was so proud with the way the boys dug deep to finish strongly. It was a true team effort, but the following players rated a special mention from the coach: Sherriff for his efforts on Carnelley, Dave Sindrey, Kevin Clark, O'Driscoll, Savory, Al Knudsen for quelling the impact of Dewar, and Anthony Hickey.

What a finish! Again! Whilst there were the occasional lapses in the Jets' game, nobody can question their endeavour when the time came to seal it in the last term. There were so many solid performances. I'm hard pressed to pick my own best on ground as there are five or six on the same level in my eyes. I was sure pleased to see that victory go to the Jets and look forward to seeing what they can do against Wantirna South next week at the hangar.

Go Jets!

- Chris Mirtschin

Comments: Not yet received

Comments: Central Reserve, Glen Waverley was the venue for the clash between third placed side Glen Waverley Hawks sitting on two wins and one loss, and our boys sitting in tenth spot with one win and two losses.
Central Reserve was smaller than I remember end to end but still a big ground, slight breeze blowing to the northern end, track fast.

John “Bricky” Thierauf was back in the side after an absence and we welcomed Bashgen Bloomfield into the team who took the number 32 jumper. Darren Sturdy was out, he was rushed to hospital to have his appendix out last Sunday. Get well soon Darren. Michael Taylor was out sick. Jackson Kolevich’s reward for a great game against Chirnside and good form on the track was selected as emergency for the ones. Kyle Palmer was still up in the ones, great work.

I attended team selection on Thursday night and enjoyed the read out of “team fines”, one of which the captain Sean Furniss had to cough up for, but it’s all for a good cause - the end of season trip. Quite funny though, it’s a great night and all players, supporters and parents are welcome. Reserves coach “Muddy” as usual gives his version of the politically incorrect “coach from hell” but I have a sneaking suspicion he’s not pretending!

The feeling was good before the game, chatter was up, the boys coming off a win. Coach Gareth asked the midfield to be accountable, man up then push off to create, and keep the talk up.

First Quarter: The boys started slowly, similar to the game the previous week but the difference this time was the Hawks made us pay. They slammed on a number of goals as they won possession being first to the ball and harder at the contest. They won the ball out of the middle and were impassable at half back. We did have some boys who came to play, Liam Fowlie in the ruck and around the ground with his great attack on the ball, (great mark from the kick out), Luke Malmborg’s great tackling and good defending throughout the quarter, Jack Hawken’s good attack on the ball, whilst Bloomfield’s first touch was a fine mark on the wing. We were winning the ruck. Furniss shot from the boundary and just missed for a point. The defensive zone that Gareth has been working on mid week was working well, keeping the ball forward and creating some opportunities but we only capitalized with points.

At quarter time Gareth asked the players to mark their men when they had the ball, and keep within a metre at all times, and be more desperate in the contests.

Second Quarter: We started better in the second. Harley Collins had two quick possessions. Defensive skills of the team around the ground still needed work. Joel Lincoln came off the bench for two fine overhead marks, attacking the ball and keeping his eye on it. His play on and accurate delivery were something we lacked in the first quarter. Oliver May was doing nothing wrong either, winning his share of the footy and his attack on the ball was good. The Hawks were relentless in their attack on the ball and the man, and we continued to leak goals.

At half time Gareth praised Joel Lincoln, said our attack and run was much better but still we needed more. The team was moved around to get players into the game, and get the ball out of the centre, Joel Grasby Toby Williams and Lincoln were moved on ball, the captain Furniss to the ruck to lead from the front.

Third Quarter: Tom Battersby’s good defence and kick to Malmborg, Collins making a contest, May eye on the ball and hard at it. Hayden Betts abused the umpire and gave away multiple 25 metre penalties and a goal. Dale Zaskin stood under the ball to mark strongly, Travis Roberts in after it at ground level, May good pick up under pressure and handball off. Lincoln - good contest in the ruck, Battersby another good mark, Louis Meagher’s great spoil in a one on one at full back, Williams in for the hard ball. Lincoln copped a hard hit but showed courage in getting up, won it out to Jacko, who kicked long to Jack Dunlop, then point.

Contesting for possession was much better this quarter. This gave us more time in possession and less opposition goals. Hawken playing well, trying to create off half back and getting in for it. Jacko started getting a bit of the ball after being moved into the ruck, Furniss leading by example off half back winning the ball and disposing up field. Handballs - Furniss to Fowlie to Collins - Heathmont goal! Ball at centre half forward - opportunist Josh “Bootsma” Freeman kicks an educated bender on the left which bounces through for another major! Despite the positives, the Hawks were still getting a number of goals and easy possessions.

The coach highlighted Williams’ and Hawken’s attack on the ball at three quarter time.

Fourth Quarter: Lincoln pass to Malmborg, clear from the backline Battersby to Collins to Benjamin Pedrosa for good clearance out of the full back line. Zaskin’s good attack on the ball at half forward, Hayden Betts’ good chase and pressure, Furniss good mark to Hawken for shot on goal. Battersby playing in front - great strong mark. Williams another good attack on the ball, got hurt and got back up. May involved again with good play, running straight and hard. Lincoln’s tremendous mark at half back rising over two Hawks forwards. Joel Grasby using his pace at half forward, pass to Dunlop, sidestep, goal! Bloomfield’s handball to Lincoln, hand off to Kolevich, long kick to contest at full forward. Dunlop to Freeman - goal!

Despite the loss, there’s talent in this side. Once they bond together and refuse to lose any contest, and improve manning up and defensive skills, they can do really well. It starts on the training track.

My best players: Fowlie, Lincoln, Hawken, May, Williams, Furniss, Malmborg and Battersby. Mention to Freeman for two goals, well done.

- Mick Clarke

Comments: The Jets hosted Wantirna South last Saturday in a battle of sixth versus third on the ladder. With both sides on three wins and a loss, I was looking forward to what I had hoped would be a close match. That unfortunately proved not to be the case. The two sides only met once last year with the Jets winning a close one at Walker Reserve by just four points in round five.

The Jets had made just one change for this match, bringing back Stephen Burns to replace Anthony Hickey (injured). The weather was fine and sunny at the hangar with a moderate north westerly favouring the Dandenong Creek end of the ground. With the good weather came a good crowd, looking forward to some entertaining footy.

The Devils kicked with the breeze in the first term. Aided by a 25 metre penalty, Peter Cahill scored their first goal at the four minute mark. Robby Savory replied for the Jets a few minutes later with a strong set shot from about 50 metres out. Callum Ransom booted one in return for the Devils, only to have Jayden Himmerman return fire at the 18 minute mark. A hand pass from Dave Sindrey to Kevin Clark a minute later resulted in the Jets' third goal when Clark converted for a major. Both teams were playing well but the Devils had the upper hand towards the end of the term, slotting through three goals in a row via Tim Lee, Brent Walker and Brad Hutchinson in the the last five minutes to give them a 13 point lead.

Coach Steve Buckle was generally pleased with the Jets efforts in the first term, although did express some concern with the last five minutes of play. They were playing great, composed footy. He warned that the Devils spread out very quickly when taking control of the ball at stoppages. He asked the forwards to increase their attack on the ball too. Jake Sherriff and Dave Sindrey were noted for their good play.

The Devils got off to a good start in the second quarter with a goal each to Walker and Luke Smith in the first four minutes. Tom Burns kicked one in reply for the Jets a few minutes later. The Devils really took control, slamming home six goals in a row courtesy of Anthony Papa, Walker, Hutchinson, Brayden Harkness, Scott Edgcumbe and Andrew Teakel. A late goal from Anthony Bucello (nice set shot from a pretty tight angle in the pocket) brought the Jets deficit back to 46 points at the main break.

Bucks expressed his concerns with the team back in the rooms at half time. He mentioned that the effort had clearly dropped off in the second quarter, the transition running when the ball was turned over to the Jets was lacking and that poor disposals were really hurting them. The Devils had all the momentum and it would take a lot of effort to get back into the game.

That momentum continued in the third term with the opening seven goals all coming from Wantirna South. Walker kicked the first two, followed by Papa with another two, then Sam Purdon, Edgcumbe and Dan Beddome. Sindrey slotted through a nice goal on the run from 45 metres out, closely followed by Dave O'Brien with another major. That brief switch in momentum was quickly rebuffed with two late goals to Sam Bates and Walker.

The Devils held a massive 86 point lead at the last break. Things were looking very ominous indeed - how much would the final margin be if things continued at this rate? Bucks said to the boys that they had had quite a lot of the play in that term but had failed to capitalise on the scoreboard. He urged them to play the game out to the end and try to win the last quarter. He suggested they slow the play down when needed to give themselves time to consider their options. Sherriff, Nathan Parker, Darcy Grasby and Clark all got a mention for their good efforts.

Taylor Leggate kicked truly at the three minute mark of the final term to extend the Devils lead again. Tom Burns got a quick reply, then another at the 11 minute mark. Papa kicked two quick goals in the middle of the term, followed by Teakel with one more at the 19 minute mark. The rest of the term was largely uneventful and the Devils finished up with a 94 point win.

Bucks remarked at the end of the game how the effort shown by the Jets over the previous three weeks had dropped off in this game. He acknowledged what a great performance it was from the Devils and said that the Jets should aspire to play that well themselves. Whilst clearly disappointed, he urged the boys to regroup and prepare well for another big challenge when they take on Doncaster next week.

He made mention of a number of players for their solid efforts through the match. Sherriff was amazing in his defensive role on Dan Beddome, restricting him to just one goal. Given the amount of times the ball came into the Devil's forward zone, that was quite an achievement. Savory, Sindrey and Clark all worked tirelessly throughout the match. Kieran O'Driscoll, Himmerman, Stephen Burns and Tom Burns all got a mention too.

Whilst it was a big loss for the Jets, hopefully the players can learn from it and regroup for next Saturday's game against Doncaster. Make sure you're at the hangar to cheer the boys on.

Go Jets!

- Chris Mirtschin

Comments: Not yet received

Comments: Thursday night selection and captain Sean Furniss read out the side which included the return from injury of Jack Deerbon, Marcus Lim and man of steel Darren sturdy, just two weeks after having his appendix out!

John ‘Bricky’ Thierauf was out injured, along with two boys still on the long term injury list. Apart from that it was a full list to choose from. I’d like to mention these lads as they are down doing the training and supporting their mates on Saturday, a great team attitude. The boys had a good week on the track with most there.

Prior to announcing the teams on Thursday, fines were read out with Toby Williams copping one. Darren and Liam had to cough up ten bucks on his behalf. I'm not sure what he did ‘wrong’ but they could have at least given him change of that twenty! Totally ruthless these guys.

The Saturday game was at home to nearby rivals Wantirna, third on the ladder with a 3-1 record, our only win still being the Chirnside Park game. The track was dry and fast and like many of our games so far, with a warm north wind blowing towards the creek end. Photography this week done by website maestro Chris Mirtschin so I put my box brownie away for the day.

First Quarter: Kicking to the northern end against the breeze, we won the ball out of the centre at first bounce after a good tap by Fowlie. The backs were then under pressure but there was some good handball in close. Point to Wantirna, kick out to a player outnumbered - goal to Wantirna South. From the bounce during play, Oliver May immediately in for the hard ball, Marcus Lim kick to full forward, two Wantirna backs collide and Furniss picks up and goals from the spillage!

Jack Hawken creating from half back with handball. Good contest in the ruck for Fowlie; he’s winning the taps, but Wantirna South onballers are sharking them and winning the clearances. Luke Malmborg great grab, Jackson Kolevich good mark and play on. May, a great tackle and desperation for ball. Tom Battersby great mark in defence, Lim good tackle wins free. Harley Collins pass to Joel Grasby kick forward. Sturdy comes on bandaged up looking like the mummy from the crypt under his jumper. Hawken’s good pass from down back.

Jack Dunlop shrugged a tackle on the wing passed off to Williams who stood under the ball with courage and took the mark. Joel Lincoln handball Grasby kick down field turnover. Dunlop intercept handball to Benjamin Pedrosa good kick to position. Lincoln strong in the tackle, Grasby pass to Battersby, Furniss point from a free. Mitchell Tampaline into the ruck, good contest from Pedrosa. Kolevich’s kick out to Fowlie for a great mark, Lincoln’s great pack mark, copped one in the mouth for his trouble and kept going. Plenty to write about this quarter which shows we are doing better than last week. Winning centre tap outs but Wantirna South taking it away.

Gareth asks the forwards to push up more, praises Hawken, Deerbon and May. No long kicks from now on, don’t blaze, don’t bomb it, chip it as they are a lot taller than us. Collins to move to half back.

Second Quarter: Fowlie wins tap, sharked by Wantirna South. Fowlie knocks long to 50/50. Malmborg awesome spoil in marking contest. Dale Zaskin good contest on the ground, May the same, Lincoln wanted the ball and won the free. Fowlie again wins the ruck, May attack on the ball, Sturdy clever kick forward followed by Tampaline with a nice mark, pass to Williams on the flank 45 metres out , set shot, fine kick and goal!

Fowlie wins tap, Jack Deerbon eye on the ball in the contest, mistake from kick out, goal to Wantirna South. Fowlie 50/50 in the ruck, Collins mark and handball, scuffle on the boundary in front of the crowd, (why never a scuffle on the far side in front of nobody?) we win the resulting ball to the cheers of the crowd. Three players in for the ball, good to see. Two goals to Wantirna South let them run loose.

Grasby, three on one at full forward, twist turns and gets the ball, would've been a goal if he’d kicked straight. Great contest. Collins good pass out from full back, Hawken great spoil Kolevich good kick out to Battersby. Josh Freeman long to forward line - nobody home. Great tackle by Dunlop, good clearance Grasby, Williams strong at the contest, Pedrosa attacks the ball, hands off to Furniss at centre half forward - goal! Battersby pass to Furniss, pass to Sturdy for another goal.

We were in it, almost outscoring them, restricting their run, making contests all over the ground, great stuff. We were breaking even in the ground contests, we had a share of the ball and were doing something with it. Sturdy’s presence on the ground was making the boys walk taller even though he still virtually had the hospital drip hanging out of his arm. Still winning the ruck about 80% of the time but Wantirna South were winning the clearances.

HALF TIME: Gareth: keep looking for leads, passing short, good work backline, Furniss is our one man forward line now and Gareth backs him to win the ball, runners come in to make a contest.

Third Quarter: Fowlie organizing his centre bounce team early on, Battersby running through but a bit wide at first, on the second takes Fowlie’s tap out and clearance. Kolevich good spoil at full back, pass to Battersby. Scrappy first half of the quarter, our backline is flooded but Wantirna South goals keep coming. Malmborg being chased by three Wantirna South players but no support for him at the ball.

Fowlie won tap, Pedrosa clearance. Kick out Pedrosa attacks ball, May in, head over ball. Fowlie in contest at ground level, backline runs ball well around far boundary, May again in well, Lincoln wins free after a contest, Hawken’s pass to Freeman, Hawken’s clearance, Hawken’s mark! Bashgen Bloomfield gets his hands on it, Lincoln good clearance and handball, tackle to Lim. This would have been the most lacklustre quarter for the year.

Gareth address the players - forget that quarter. Start again. Hawken to kick out, no long kicks, avoid their talls, possess the ball, more talk out there.

Fourth Quarter: Fowlie winning tap outs. Kolevich kick to Furniss for a mark and goal. Fowlie hit out, Lincoln wins ball out of centre. Dunlop good contest, and Hawken’s clearance. Started off much better. Fowlie in after ball, Zaskin contest and kick. May attacks ball handball off, Hayden Betts strong play in the middle and a couple of nice long kicks. Kolevich good spoil, follow up and tackle. Battersby, a great grab at the back moving back into a pack. Courage. Betts good call - May won footy and hand off kick to Fowlie mark at centre half forward. This quarter was a marked improvement on the previous.

My best players for the day: Hawken, Battersby, Fowlie, May, Kolevich and Lincoln. Special mentions: Betts for his last quarter, his best for the year - look forward to four from you next week; Grasby starting to find the football again, hope to see you at training; Tampaline and Pedrosa showing some good signs; Deerbon a good return from injury; Dunlop steady improvement love seeing you run through tackles; and Lim good return from injury, winning free kicks from strong tackles.

Hard work on the track will enable you to run four quarters out. Playing winning football requires five times more effort and running than playing losing football and you’re all capable of matching the likes of Wantirna South if you get fitter and as a team decide to push hard for four quarters.

- Mick Clarke