The Western Jets built a reputation as one of the toughest nuts to crack in the TAC Cup under first year coach Torin Baker last season.
A fight-to-the-death attitude brought them within a whisker of victory late in most games, en route to an appearance in the second week of finals.
Just days out from the Jets’ 2014 opener against semi-final conqueror Calder Cannons at Highgate Recreation Reserve, Baker has implored the new crop of players to adopt the same work ethic, desire and stubbornness as their predecessors.
“I’m looking for real competitiveness among the group and a genuine effort level through the entire game, which is what we got last year,” he told the Weekly.
“We were rapt with the way the boys were able to display that brand of footy. That’s the hallmark of a good side and if you can do that, generally the results pan out in your favour.”
The Jets showed flashes of their best in preseason hit-outs but could not sustain it over four quarters. They need to take it up a notch to be first-round winners.
“Our form has been a bit patchy over pre-season,” Baker said. “There’s certainly been some good signs, but … we haven’t put anywhere near a four-quarter performance together yet. I want to see the players play a certain way, whether it’s five minutes into the game or five minutes from the end of the game.”
There is always plenty of spice when the Jets and long-time rivals Cannons square off. The rivalry has increased in recent years with a number of tight finishes between the clubs and two finals meetings.
Irrespective of the opposition, round one is always much anticipated. “After a long pre-season, round one gets built up pretty big at whatever level you play and that’s certainly the case for us,” Baker said.
Mitch Norton, on the comeback trail after a shoulder reconstruction, is a player to watch for the Jets.
The mercurial forward could be set to show his wares in the midfield after spending most of last season closer to goal.
“He’s only played six quarters of footy in the pre-season but he seems to have gone to another level,” Baker said.
Connor Menadue had a strong lead-up to the season and will be used in a variety of roles, while Liam Carter looks set to take the vacant key defensive post.
Dillon Rainbow was the stand-out Jet in the final practice match against Northern Knights, working across half forward and half back.
The first bounce will be at 11am, Saturday.
