Liam McMahon has completed a remarkable transformation in the past 12 months to be named Western Jets captain.
Last summer, McMahon was left off the final cut for the Jets’ playing roster, but he was offered the chance to train with the team in the early part of the season.
McMahon, out of the strong Hoppers Crossing junior ranks, jumped at the opportunity and by round six would be lining up in the Jets’ blue and gold.
“He just impressed us so much with his willingness to get on the list,” coach Torin Baker said.
“We ended up playing him in round six and he played every game from there.
“He got better and better to the point that he was a mainstay of our team.”
McMahon, a talented small defender, is seen by his coaches and peers as a real leader.
He was the recipient of the Victoria University Nathan Prince scholarship, which recognises strong character, values and the capacity for leadership.
“Among the boys, he’s very much seen as the captain,” Baker said.
“He demands a lot of his teammates and is a good speaker in front of people.
“He represents the club well and lives his life in a way that he’s a role model to other players.
“It was an easy choice.”
The Jets named a six-man leadership group consisting of McMahon, 19-year-old Mark Orr, Liam Duggan, Braden Ferrari, Lachlan Knight and Jayden Laverde.
The club has finalised its squad with 51 players vying for the round one clash against the Calder Cannons on March 22.
It feature three players with AFL links including Anthony Daw, the younger brother of North Melbourne trailblazer Majak; Dylan Swann, the son of Carlton chief executive officer Greg; and Caleb Sullivan, the brother of former West Coast-listed play Will, who is now at Footscray VFL.
The Jets’ side will be a bit more battle-hardened this season with more top-age players on the list.
“In comparison to last year, we’ve probably got a few more top-age players than bottom-age,” Baker said.
“Last year, we had a lot of bottom- agers who ended up playing a lot of TAC Cup football. They’ll get an opportunity as top-agers to cement their spot in the side.”
The Jets face the Northern Knights in their final practice match at Victoria Park on Sunday.
