WESTERN Jets will feature in the TAC Cup finals in coach Torin Baker’s first year in charge.
The Jets booked their September ticket with a go-to-whoa 74-point drubbing of the Bendigo Pioneers on Saturday.
The Jets meant business from the outset, piling on 10 scoring
shots to nil in a dominant first quarter to lead by 40. The one-way
traffic continued for most of the game, with only the Jets’ inaccurate
kicking for goal sparing further damage.
Jets region manager Shane Sexton told the Weekly it was close to the complete performance.
“We needed to win, we knew that,” he said. “If we hadn’t won
today, we would’ve put not only our double chance in jeopardy but also
our spot in the eight.
“It was a good solid performance the whole way through.”
Twin towers Duom Dawam and Mark Orr were outstanding in the ruck
for the Jets and David Iaccarino’s stellar season continued, earning a
fourth best on ground performance.
Brett Bewley, Daniel O’Leary and Liam Duggan are a mark of
consistency, while Braden Ferrari and Pele Manivong were reliable
options in attack.
Bottom-ager Manivong has impressed with his skill set.
“He’s got a strong attack on the ball, good leg speed and capable overhead,” Sexton said.
The Jets still have some work to do to secure the double chance, but they will shape their own destiny.
They will face the Sandringham Dragons at Highgate Recreation Reserve on Sunday knowing a win will give them a top-four finish.
