The Western Jets went into last week’s bye having already experienced the highs and lows of TAC Cup football.
In the first round, the Jets were sublime, shaking off injury concerns to produce a stunning come-from-behind win against the Oakleigh Chargers.
Seven days later, the Jets were put to the sword by a hot Eastern Ranges outfit that booted 12 of its 16 goals in the second half.
Jets coach Torin Baker said his side needed to close the gap between its best and its worst in order to compete week in, week out.
“We were really pleased with our performance in round one,” he said.
“We played exactly the style of football we wanted.
“That was what was so disappointing about round two – our kicking and our ball use, it just didn’t reach the same level. It was very disappointing, given the standard we had set the week before.”
While it is only early in the season, the Jets have already had a number of players throwing themselves into the draft calculation spotlight.
Key defender Brodie Romensky has been named among the club’s best players in both of the Jets’ matches.
Also impressing Baker have been Cameron Rayner and Jordyn Cotter.
“Brodie has been fantastic,” Baker said. “We are really pleased with the way he’s going. He has had a couple of jobs on key forwards, especially the first week. Then his ability to rebound for us has been excellent.
“Cameron has had two really good games as a bottom-age player. That has been really pleasing, to see him working hard and getting the rewards.
“Jordyn Cotter is another one who’s in good form as well. He has had two really solid games.
“We think there’s a fair bit of upside there with all those boys.”
The Jets will have the chance to get back to winning ways this week when they take on the Sandringham Dragons.
Across the next three weeks, they will be strengthened by a number of players expected to return from injury.
The Jets are missing 10 players through injury, including the star trio of Judah Dundon, Brock McGregor and Oscar Junker.
All three are in the preliminary squad for the Vic Metro side that will compete at the under-18 national championships.
Five other Jets – Wilson Berry, Harry Bult, Jordan Robinson, Lachlan Fogarty and Daniel Venables – are in the training squad.
