Tara Murray
Western Jets’ coach Robbie Chancellor liked what he saw as the Jets opened up their NAB Girls account against the Northern Knights on Saturday.
After a first up loss against Tasmania the previous round, the Jets were determined to put out a better performance this time round.
With a young side, the Jets beat the Knights, 5.8 (38)- 3.5 (23). The second quarter would be the difference, with the Jets kicking four goals to set up the wind.
Chancellor said the playing group had really responded after the previous week.
“The girls were really good,” he said. “They were a bit like setting ducks last week.
“Having had the Christmas break and the bye in round one, they came up against a physical Tassie team and had to get the cobwebs out.
“The loss reminded them of what they had to do. I was confident with another week of training under the belt, they would step up.
“They played some pretty good footy on the weekend and I’m pretty excited for the next few weeks.”
Chancellor said the side was starting to play a bit more of the game style they wanted to focus on, a fast game with lots of handballs and the girls taking it on.
He said that style was a reflection of their strengths and the direction the female game is going.
Captain Charlotte Baskaran was sensational with 38 possessions, while Montana Ham had 32 possessions, including kicking four points.
“That’s the best game I’ve seen her play,” he said of Baskaran. “She was a star last year and she’s always getting up there.
“She was up there for Montana for best on ground. She was crook heading into our first game.
“She was outstanding.”
The Jets futures side had a draw against the Knights.
The Jets are set to play the Greater Western Victoria Rebels on Saturday in Ballarat. Chancellor said it’s a challenge they’re looking forward to.
“We’re more than happy that the game was shifted. The opportunity to play on an AFL quality ground and a chance to go away as a group and build.”
