Brenton Payne is one of several Western Jets used in multiple positions. Photo: Damian Visentini
Western Jets coach Torin Baker will take part in the juggling act that all finals-bound TAC Cup coaches are confronted with at this time each year.
Baker will have to weigh up player development versus team success in the last two rounds of the season and into the finals.
The idea of the elite under-18 competition is to develop each individual player.
They are road-tested in various positions to give recruiters a more rounded look at their strengths and weaknesses.
Brenton Payne is a prime example of a player who has made an impact as a forward but could well run out at the opposite end of the ground in the crunch game against Dandenong Stingrays on Saturday, simply to be tested in a different role.
Team success is also important in the eyes of the recruiters, because they get to see how a player reacts in the pressure-cooker of the finals.
A number of ‘draft bolters’ have undoubtedly been chosen on TAC Cup finals form alone over the years.
A catch-22 faces Baker, who says that player development and a winning football team go hand in hand.
“We prioritise development over winning games. But at the same time, we believe winning is important because it creates a good environment and a competitive environment where players thrive,” Baker said.
“We’ll still have to play players in positions that are going to be better for their future development and draft prospects.
“That’s always the balance you’ve got to find, because we certainly want to be competitive and look to give the players an opportunity to play as many finals as possible.”
The Jets are fifth on the ladder. They are still in with a show for a double chance, but there’s also a slim chance they could miss the finals.
The last two weeks of the season will be massive tests, away to the Stingrays on Saturday and then a trip to Gippsland Power in the last round.
Baker can sense a finals-like atmosphere around the club even at the penultimate round of the season.
“From winning the last two games and having some results going our way, when I spoke to the players there was a definite sense of excitement about what lays ahead,” he said.
A lot of hype has surrounded Jayden Laverde, Corey Ellis, Connor Menadue, Liam Duggan and Dillon Viojo-Rainbow, but others have flown under the radar to produce solid form that has the Jets in a position to challenge for the top four.
Baker said Brayden Monk was one who “hasn’t looked back” since breaking into the team in round two.
In fact, the wingman’s numbers have grown week on week, and he is one of the Jets most consistent performers.
“He’s got better and better as the year has gone on,” Baker said.
Billy Myers is one of the form players in the side, relishing additional responsibilities thrust his way when big names are missing through representative duty.
Myers has enjoyed a sizzling month-and-a-half as an onballer.
“He’s had a very good year but his last six weeks have been outstanding,” Baker said.
“His form has been as good as anyones.”
Captain Liam McMahon and 19-year-old ruckman Mark Orr have shown tremendous leadership.
The depth in the line-up will pose selection headaches for Baker and his coaching staff for the remainder of the season.
“It’s going to be a difficult week with selection, because we have a number of players who have been doing a really good job for us over the past couple of games,” Baker said.
“There’ll be some unlucky players.”
