Shorthanded Western Jets slumped to a second loss in three TAC Cup matches as the player drain from representative duties took its toll.
The Jets struggled to cover the absence of seven walk-up starters in a costly 7.10 (52) to 5.4 (34) loss to the North Ballarat Rebels on Sunday’s slippery turf at Eureka Stadium.
Jets coach Torin Baker was proud to have six players running around for Vic Metro and one for the Northern Territory in the NAB AFL under-18 national championships last week, but it did his line-up no favours for a crucial game in which they coughed up third spot to their opponents.
“We were really pleased with the fact we had good representation [at the national championships], and the players have played really well,” Baker said.
“That’s what the [TAC Cup] competition is designed to do and it’s important we play our part. There’s another week to go in the national championships, so we won’t have the majority of them next week either. It will be great when we do get them back.”
The spirited Jets held sway in the contest by three points at half time.
They were superbly led by winger Brayden Monk, who continued his rich vein of form to be named the visitors’ best player. “He came into our team in about round three and his performances over the past nine or so weeks have been outstanding,” Baker said. “He was a great competitor and won a lot of the ball.”
Scoring was already at a premium with blustery conditions in the first half so a fast start was imperative before the rain set in midway through the third quarter.
But the Rebels kicked the only two goals of the third term and flexed their defensive muscle to keep the Jets goalless for the remainder of the match.
Despite the loss, Baker was pleased with his team’s fight.
“We were proud of the way they fought it out,” he said. “After they got a lead in the early part of the third quarter and the rain came, it made it really difficult.
“Both sides cracked in really hard and it was a good game of footy, but they just made the most of their opportunities.”
Ruckman Mark Orr, onballer Mitch Palma, defender Braden Ferrari and captain Liam McMahon were the Jets’ best.
Ryley Stuhldreier was the lone multiple goalkicker with two of the Jets’ five.
