THE Western Jets faded out in last season’s TAC Cup finals because their fitness was not up to scratch, says coach Steven Kretiuk.
The Jets set about improving that area of their game with the acquisition of fitness coach Mathew Pell.
Pell, a fitness adviser to the Australian women’s cricket team and part of the elite sports program at Caroline Springs College, arrived at the Jets for the start of pre-season and immediately set about shifting the club’s focus.
“We were a bit behind in that area,” Kretiuk admitted.
“He’s turned the club around in terms of professionalism on and off the field.
“It’s probably the best I’ve seen our fitness in five years.”
The fitness focus has not taken away from the Jets’ player education and skills work.
They are just striking a “better balance” of mileage in the legs and game plan study. “I’d hope every player on our list knows our game plan inside out,” Kretiuk said.
“We’ve been preaching our game plan since day one.”
The Jets have unveiled a new leadership group with Ashlin Brown holding the fort as captain, Jack Dorgan will be his vice-captain and Keenan O’Shea the deputy vice-captain.
