The question for the Western Jets was who would rise in the absence of their X-factor.
With captain and star onballer Xavier O’Halloran being “managed” on the back of a heavy load due to school football and Jets’ commitments this season and a view of keeping him fresh for his Vic Metro representation at the under-18 national championships, there was a chance for other players to step up and play starring roles.
In the Jets’ seven-point win over Bendigo Pioneers at the Williamstown Cricket Ground on Saturday, it was one player from each area of the ground – half-forward/wingman Darcy Cassar, midfielder Connor Thar and defender Buku Khamis – who rose to the occasion.
Expect more Jets players to thrust their names into the spotlight in the coming weeks as the Jets will be without up to six of their Vic Metro representatives, including O’Halloran, Khamis, Emerson Jeka, Stefan Radovanovic, Daly Andrews and Zak Butters.
“We decided to manage Xavier’s load because he has played a number of games for school as well,” Jets coach Torin Baker said.
“Fact is, we’re going to lose Xavier and a number of other players over the national championships period, so we’re going to have to have players step up.”
It was a much tougher assignment than most would have envisaged for the Western Jets against one-win Bendigo.
The Jets led most of the way, but it was always by uncomfortable margins.
Baker lauded the Pioneers for making it hard on his team and was disappointed by some of his own side’s execution and discipline at times.
“We probably struggled with the style of play they had,” Baker said.
“We got out to a lead a couple of times but they were able to drag us back.”
Cassar had a huge influence over the result.
The bottom-age player from Keilor spent most of his day across half-forward, recording 25 disposals due to his high work rate.
“I thought that was probably the best TAC Cup game that he’s played,” Baker said.
“He was very good the whole day, one of the players who was really clean and good with his skill execution across the four quarters.
Khamis has hit a purple patch just ahead of his Vic Metro commitments. The AFL Academy graduate has been a star across half-back the past two games and saved the Jets on countless occasions with his intercept marking.
“His best game for the year was probably last week, but again he was someone who, down back, intercepted the ball really well and provided us with a lot of drive,” Baker said.
“We had him down for about nine marks, but he took five of those in the first quarter off opposition kicks, so he stood up when Bendigo were really pushing.”
Thar did as Thar does, only this week, he thrived with the added responsibility of the captaincy. Jack Watkins and Hamish Murphy booted two goals apiece.
Western Jets are in third spot.
