The Western Jets have been hit hard by the absence of their private school-eligible players in the first nine rounds of the TAC Cup.
Constant papering over the cracks has led to an inconsistent season, with the Jets struggling in 10th spot with a 3-6 record.
Jets coach Torin Baker sees a bright side to not having a number of top-end players available.
“We’re still trying to give opportunities to all the players on our list,” Baker told Star Weekly.
“Sometimes, the players who make the most of their opportunity … it’s very difficult to rotate them out. They can become regulars.
“Over the past three games, we’ve been able to find players who are standing up to make sure they’re in the selection frame when we’re at our strongest.”
The Jets’ situation is urgent. They need to start winning or they will find themselves missing out on the finals action.
With AFL recruiters in attendance, featuring in finals can be critical for players’ chances of being drafted.
There’s also a sense of regional pride in being part of the September action.
The boys from the west are eager to show they can match it with the other parts of the state for football talent.
“The players are really keen to experience finals,” Baker said.
“If they go well, it might lead to them getting drafted or propel them up the draft order.
“Even for the 17-year-olds, if you happen to go well in finals, you’re a fairly good chance to make the initial Vic Metro squad for next year.
“There’s a fair bit riding on finals for individuals and then it’s the enjoyment as a team of having success.”
The Jets expect to be close to full strength for five to six of the remaining eight TAC Cup regular-season games.
That is going to pose a few selection headaches for the coaching staff and create a more competitive team in the run home.
“Over the next couple of weeks it’s Oakleigh and Gippsland, who are either just below us or above us; they’re important games,” Baker said.
“It’s an important time for selection as well – players can lock in their spots in the next few weeks.”
Lance Jenkinson
