Western Jets’ coach Torin Baker had one number on his mind leading into last week’s bye – number 909.
That is how many points the TAC Cup side has conceded across the first eight rounds of the season.
It’s nearly 100 more than any other side in the competition and a whopping 470 more than top-of-the-table North Ballarat.
A leaky defence has cost the Jets the chance of contending for a finals berth this year. After eight games, the team is in 14th spot on the ladder, with just one win.
With the youngest list in the TAC Cup competition, Western was always going to struggle against some of its bigger-bodied opposition this year.
Baker said the key to improving was to get back to basics.
“Initially, we just had some players who didn’t know how to defend,” he said. “We had to teach that and then get stronger around the ball.
“Now that we’ve been able to address a couple of key areas, we will look to add some attacking flair and ball movement.”
While it’s been a tough first half of the season, signs of improvement have started to signal a possible end to some big early-season losses.
The Jets secured their first win of the year, defeating Bendigo last month. Subsequently, the club was also much more competitive in general play against Geelong and Dandenong.
Baker is confident that as the little things continue to click, the Jets will feature more regularly on the winners’ list throughout the season’s second half.
“It’s just about making sure we can implement all the parts in a game,” he said.
Best of the Jets
Jackson Volpato:
Jackson Volpato has looked right at home on the big stage. Volpato’s efforts should come as no surprise to anyone involved in the competition after the tough midfielder came close to winning the TAC Cup’s best and fairest player award last year as a bottom age player. Volpato went on to finish eighth and has carried the momentum through to this season. He has been named in his side’s best players on six occasions including outright best on ground twice.
Jaycob Hickey:
After an injury interrupted start to the season, Jaycob Hickey is making up for lost time. Hickey was named among his side’s best players in their only win for the season against Bendigo. The Jets captain was also impressive against the Geelong Falcons two weeks later, winning 21 disposals and kicking a goal. Hickey is a member of the Vic Metro under 18 squad.
Daniel Foley:
In an inexperienced side, defender Daniel Foley has a tough job trying to restrict the opposition from scoring. However, he has been outstanding. Foley is a member of this year’s Vic Metro squad with his ability to stop his opponent and win the ball a clear highlight. From his seven games this season, Foley’s name has appeared in the best players four times.
