By ADEM SARICAOGLU
THE Western Jets are eighth on the TAC Cup ladder after easily accounting for the Murray Bushrangers by 63 points in Wangaratta on Saturday.
In horribly wet conditions at Norm Minns Oval, the Jets outclassed Murray from start to finish, conceding just one goal in the first half and four for the entire game, while kicking 14 of their own.
In a low-scoring affair the Jets dished out most of their punishment in the third quarter, in which they outscored the Bushrangers by six goals to two.
After the game coach Torin Baker painted a dreary picture of just how miserable the conditions were, but praised his side for playing them effectively.
“A lot of the ground was under water, it had rained continuously for the whole game and they were really difficult conditions to play in but our guys really adjusted well,” Baker said.
“We played really smartly, but above all we were really hard and tough in the conditions and that was probably something the boys set themselves (to do) at the start of the game.”
Baker was also pleased to simply get a decent win on the road.
“It’s not too many times these guys have gone away, stayed overnight and then played footy,” Baker explained. “So to have that sort of weekend and finish with a really good four-quarter performance topped off a good weekend all round.”
Mitch Norton continued his good form with another two goals that brought his season tally to 21, while Billy Myers also came up with two majors of his own.
David Iaccarino also snagged two goals for the day, but was also given best on ground honours for his efforts through the midfield.
Daniel O’Leary’s performance (one goal) through the middle and ruckman Daniel Burton also drew credit from Baker, but it was the Jets’ younger brigade that really stood out to the coach.
“We also had some really good performances from some of our 17-year-olds like Caleb Sullivan (one goal), who played forward, and Brenton Payne in his first game was handy as well,” Baker said. “So we had some of the younger guys really step up.”
Vic Metro representative James Sicily was again impressive after backing up from a good performance at the national championships six days earlier, kicking a goal.
Sicily’s Vic Metro team mate Jake Greiser also played, but struggled to impose himself on the game after picking up a minor injury.
“Jake Greiser got a corky that probably limited his output a little bit, but he still contributed to the win,” Baker said.
“We just have to make sure that he has a good week in terms of his rehab, but he’ll be fine.”
