By Lance Jenkinson
Point Cook has won six of its past seven matches in the Football Victoria women’s state league 4 west, but it is that one defeat that sticks out like a sore thumb.
The Jets’ 3-0 loss to second-placed Kyneton District way back on May 26 could prove to be problematic or beneficial in the long run – depending on how the season shakes out.
There was no denying that Kyneton was the better side on the day, but are they the better team overall?
Point Cook is stuck in third place, despite having a +40 goal difference over Kyneton.
That May game is what separates the two sides on the ladder.
If Point Cook does go on to reclaim second spot and earn promotion, it might look back on that loss as an important turning point.
The Jets probably needed that sort of wake-up call to come early in the season.
Since then, Point Cook has produced some outrageous scorelines in its wins, annihilating Maribyrnong Swifts Lightning 20-0, beating Castlemaine Goldfields 4-0 and slaughtering Barnstoneworth United 11-0 in their last start.
Jets coach Graham Moran is hoping his team will learn from that losing experience against Kyneton and take it into their remaining games, including this Sunday’s blockbuster against top-of-the-ladder side Avondale, which is undefeated, at Saltwater Reserve.
“Kyneton wanted it more than we did and we paid the price,” Moran said.
“It could be an expensive loss for us in the long run because two teams are going to get promoted and now our whole season could pin on the away game against Kyneton.
“After a bit of a razz at training in that week, the girls turned up to play the following week and put 20 past Maribyrnong. They’ve played much better since.”
Point Cook is eager to get promoted as quickly as possible. The Jets have some quality junior players coming through the ranks and cannot afford to be languishing in the lower reaches of the state leagues.
“We’ve got a good female program at Point Cook” Moran said.
“As the senior coach, I’ve been down to watch all the different age groups.
“A couple of my senior girls came down to help me out and coach the under-10s team and they were a great little bunch of players.
“If we can retain all of that talent within the club, then female football, which is the biggest growth area for us – this is going to continue to grow.”
Aside from that blemish against Kyneton, Point Cook has been in red hot form. The Jets have scored 54 goals this season and conceded five.
The Jets have so much firepower, with Melissa Naumovska sitting second in the golden boot race with 16 goals and Regina Mariel (11 goals) and Madison Filer (10) already hitting double figures. Moran is full of praise for his captain Taylah Brown and goalkeeper Trinity Gardiner – both key team leaders. Teenager Jasmine Zilic has been superb at centre back.
Fresh off a bye, Point Cook is ready to give star-studded Avondale a run for its money on Sunday.
