It was a long six-week wait, but the Western Jets finally got to belt out the club song.
The Jets churned through an inordinate number of players to reach this milestone, with injuries and school football commitments taking their toll on a club already rebuilding with a host of bottom-age players.
The Jets put a strong team out on the park on Saturday for their breakthrough 21-point win over Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup at Burbank Oval.
“It makes a bit of a change after last week and the few weeks before that,” Jets’ coach Torin Baker told Star Weekly.
“Now a number of bottom-age players have played all five games, so they’re getting better with their footy.
The biggest inclusion for the Jets was the return of captain Jaycob Hickey, who snared two goals. The onballer had not played since round one due to a foot injury.
“He’s a genuine leader … he plays a real hard and determined style of game and the voice that he provides to players is really good.
“He had a big influence in the second half with some one-on-one wins and his strong marking was critical,” Baker said.
Mitch Norton, in his second game back from injury, was another key inclusion. The small forward proved a real headache for the Pioneers defenders, even with just one goal to his name.
“He was one who looked dangerous every time the ball went into his area,” Baker said.
“He converted on one occasion but also brought others into the game.”
The Jets can look forward to more returnees for the tough road test against Dandenong Stingrays on Saturday morning.
There could be some selection headaches with Brayden Monk, Matthew Knezevic and Anthony Daw all in line to return, along with PEGS-aligned players who have been out with school football commitments.
While their inclusions are necessary for the Jets to stay competitive, the side has been kept afloat by consistency from Jackson Volpato, Lachie Knight and Daniel Foley – and that won’t be forgotten. The trio offered a reminder of their hot starts to the season, being adjudged the three best Jets on the ground last weekend.
Volpato produced his usual hard-nosed efforts, while Foley caught the eye with his run and carry off the half-back line. Knight brought a new dimension to his game as a bigger-bodied onballer.
“We’d like to have two of him,” Baker said.
Quade Butt was the Jets’ other multiple goalkicker, with two.
The Jets are now off the bottom of the ladder, leap-frogging Bendigo.
