Western Jets saw off a fast-finishing Calder Cannons to secure a vital win in the TAC Cup competition at the weekend.
After leading by as many as 22 points at one stage, the Jets were forced to call on all their fighting spirit to hold on, 8.7 (55)- 7.11 (53).
The Jets looked at home in the wet and windy conditions at Williamstown’s Burbank Oval, regularly pushing the ball inside 50 and making the most of their chances.
It was the opposite for Calder, which managed just three goals before three- quarter time before finding their range in the final term.
Calder started the quarter on fire, kicking three goals in three minutes to cut the deficit to single figures.
Another goal to the visitors put the Jets behind for the first time in the match and it looked as though the Cannons were primed for an unlikely win.
But Western’s Brandon Lester had other ideas, putting his side back in front with the sealing goal late in the match.
Jets coach Torin Baker was rapt with the fight his players showed when the pressure was at its toughest.
“I was really pleased with the way we attacked the game,” he said. “They hit the front in the last quarter and had the momentum. For us to kick an important goal and then be able to hold out for the last eight minutes was a testament to the group and how we want to play.”
In the tough conditions for goalkickers, Tristan Xerri was a clear standout for the Jets. Playing in just his second TAC Cup match, Xerri finished with four vital goals and was among his side’s best players.
He was well supported by Connor Griffiths and Daniel Foley.
After a slow start to the season, the Jets are now back in the hunt for a finals berth.
Western has won back-to-back matches and now sits in ninth place with three wins and five losses.
The Jets will have the perfect chance to make it three in a row when they take on the struggling Northern Knights this week.
Baker said he could see the improvement in his side as his players started to get more continuity.
“We had a tough draw early on and we probably just weren’t quite up to the mark in a few of those games,” he said.
“Now we’re playing teams that are around us on the ladder.
“If we want to play finals it’s really important we win these sort of games.
“We have a couple more coming up that are really important for us.”
