Western Jets had a sneak peek into their bright future in a 29-point win over Northern Knights in the TAC Cup at the Williamstown Football Ground on Saturday.
With their Vic Metro stars unavailable due to under-18 national championships duty, it was a largely inexperienced Jets team which took to the field.
Fear not, the Jets showed the depth of their talent pool with a convincing win, inspired by stand-in captain Connor Thar.
“It was pleasantly surprising,” Jets coach Torin Baker said.
“We had five players on debut, two second gamers and largely a new mix coming together.
“Players were playing various roles and different positions, so there was a lot of the unknown about it.
“I was very happy with the new boys that came in and some of our experienced players really took the lead.”
The game will be remembered for a stellar performance from Thar who produced a triple double on the stats sheet, registering 20 kicks, 16 handballs and 11 tackles.
It was the continuation of a purple patch of form for Thar, who has stepped up in the absence of some of the Jets’ midfield stars.
“Connor’s last six or seven weeks, he’s been right at the top in terms of influence for our players,” Baker said.
“He’s not only a good leader, but he’s a player that continues to find the footy and uses it well and is applying some really good defensive pressure as well.
“We put it on him to stand up with the couple of boys that we’ve lost and true to his character he’s done that.”
Thar paved the way for a young Jets’ midfield brigade.
Jack Watkins and Jaden Rice also got off the leash to cause havoc through the midfield.
Spencer Johnson is a player who is improving by the game. The bottom-ager was superb in defence and is one to watch.
“He’s played every game with us this year and just seems to be getting better,” Baker said.
Josh Klaromenos has performed strongly on return from a knee injury. Klaromenos has kicked five goals in two weeks, including three against the Knights.
Daniel Pantalleresco was dangerous in attack with two goals, while Steven Kyriazis – the Jets leading goalkicker with 14 goals – kicked three.
The fourth-placed Jets will have a week off this week with the under-18 national championship season winding down.
Their next battle will be against rivals Calder Cannons at RAMS Arena on July 7.
