THE Western Jets are breathing a sigh of relief after escaping with a six-point win over North Ballarat Rebels in a TAC Cup tale of two halves at Eureka Stadium on Sunday.
The Jets were in command at half time with a 36-point lead and seemingly headed for a percentage booster, but the game took a dramatic twist after the main break.
The Rebels launched an audacious comeback, booting four unanswered goals in a low- scoring game and keeping the Jets to just two behinds for the entire second half.
The Jets were thanking their lucky stars after somehow holding on for a victory that keeps them in touch with the top four sides.
“Without doubt it was a big relief to get the win,” Jets coach Torin Baker told the Weekly.
“I don’t think there was an enormous amount of satisfaction in the way we played, but we’re satisfied to get the result. When you look at the ladder, it’s just important you get the wins at this time of year; a win’s a win.”
The game’s momentum shifted on the back of the midfield battle.
In the first half, Jake Greiser, Connor Menadue, Brett Bewley and James Sicily were dominant for the Jets. They were first to the ball, tackled hard to create spillage and used it exquisitely inside the forward 50.
The complexion changed in the last hour as the Rebels began getting first use of the ball, while the Jets had their own issues with injuries to stars Harrison King (ribs) and Mitch Norton (shoulder) and a bit of complacency creeping in.
“We certainly got beaten in the midfield in the second half,” Baker said. “Losing a couple of key players with injuries took its toll in the end.”
Greiser did much of the grunt work in the middle for the Jets to earn best-afield honours. His fellow Vic Metro representative Sicily also had the ball on a string.
Goal sneak Will Krithararis booted three goals, all in the first term. Menadue was effective in a run-with capacity on the dangerous Dallas Willsmore, limiting his output and finding a stack of possession of his own.
The Jets will face Oakleigh Chargers on Saturday morning. at Warrawee Park.
