By Tara Murray
The Western Jets have gotten some reward for effort as they came away with their first win of the Coates Talent League boys season.
After a rushed start to the season, the Jets have started to build into the season and how they want to play.
With 20 players making their debuts in the first three rounds, along with a number of byes, it has been a challenge.
In round six, the Jets were able to finally sing the song as they beat the Northern Territory, 16.12 (108)-11.10 (76).
They had a bye on the weekend.
Jets coach Christian Stagliano, who started not long before the season started, said it was nice to get that off their back.
“To be honest, it’s been a bit of a mad scramble,” he said. “Starting in late January and finalising the squad quickly, about three weeks to get going.
“Stepping into a game plan and different ways of playing and getting into a group. It’s been hectic, busy, but it has been good.”
Stagliano said having a later start than other clubs had put them behind the eight ball and they had been playing catch up since.
While it’s been different to other regions, Stagliano can’t speak highly enough of the playing group and how they have adapted.
“They’ve been super impressive,” he said. “They have been brilliant taking on a game plan and trying to implement it.
“It’s a credit to them. We had a practice match and then two games, before we lost our nine private school kids and had to start again.”
The Jets have had a number of changes every game and its given players opportunities.
Stagliano said it was exciting to see so many make their Coates Talent League debut.
“We had 20 guys play their first game in the first three weeks,” he said. “It’s really positive.
“We feel like we’re on the right track. Credit to the entire list.”
Stagliano said the first win against the Northern Territory had its challenges with many players playing their first football game interstate, while there were warm conditions.
He said it showed some validation in the game plan and what they were doing.
Stagliano said the bye wasn’t the worst thing after coming back from Darwin.
It’ll be a big few weeks after that.
Thomas Burton, Thomas McGuane and Jacob Marron are all still part of the Vic Metro squad ahead of the national championships starting next month. Finn Davis has been named as a train-on.
For the Jets, Stagliano said they would continue to look to build.
“We’ll keep building together, get them improving week by week.,
“Hopefully still a stack of growth ahead.”
