Western Jets have ground out an ugly 31-point win over Eastern Ranges to make it two wins out of three in TAC Cup.
The Jets left it late to create separation on the scoreboard, kicking five goals to one in the last quarter for a runaway win at the Williamstown Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Jets coach Torin Baker admitted that his team was far from its best for large chunks of the game.
“It certainly wasn’t a great spectacle today, even if it was some of the better conditions I’ve ever seen down at Williamstown,” he said.
“The first half was pretty ordinary, to be honest, and even the third quarter we missed a lot of opportunities.”
The Jets’ skill level was generally down, with midfielder Zak Butters an exception.
Butters’ clean ball use was important to the Jets breaking free.
“He was one who executed on the day when others were making mistakes around him,” Baker said.
Connor Thar also had a big impact for the Jets. Like Butters, Thar did most of his damage in the midfield, but also rested forward to good effect.
“They’re two boys who have played a lot of TAC Cup footy and are both in our leadership group, so it’s really good to see them playing the footy that they are,” Baker said.
Xavier O’Halloran was challenged by the coaches at half-time and responded.
The Jets’ captain had a greater impact in the second half, along with Stefan Radovanovic, Hamish Murphy, Jaden Rice and Tom Warner.
Steve Kyriazis was dangerous in attack with two goals, making it six majors from his past two games.
“Steve’s just a really crafty mid-sized forward,” Baker said. “He plays taller than his height, he’s very good overhead and he’s a nice kick.”
The TAC Cup will have this weekend off due to a Vic Metro trial game.
Butters, Murphy, Radovanovic, O’Halloran, Emerson Jeka, Daly Andrews and Aaron Clarke will feature in that game as they stake a claim for a spot in Vic Metro’s squad for the under-18 national championships.
