By Lance Jenkinson
Western Jets have been privy to what it takes to be a contender in the TAC Cup in their past two games.
The Jets have come face to face with two of the leading country sides, Gippsland Power and Murray Bushrangers, with harsh lessons delivered on the road on both occasions.
It has been part of a three-game losing skid for the Jets, who are fast losing touch with the top four.
Jets coach Torin Baker is not worried by the form dip and has backed his side to rebound.
“We’ve come up against really good opposition and had to travel away,” he said. “We were certainly in the Murray game for a longer period of time today and probably Gippsland were much stronger across the day last week.
“There were some good improvements from last week, but it still wasn’t good enough against a quality opposition.
“The boys are a really resilient group … so I back them to take on each challenge.”
On Saturday, the Jets let it slip away late in a 47-point loss to Murray Bushrangers at Norm Minns Oval. The Jets were in with a shot at three-quarter time, trailing by just 11 points, but the Bushies banged on eight goals to two in the fourth to run out big winners.
“It was disappointing because we had a good third quarter, so we were right in the game,” Baker said. “They dominated that last quarter, their forwards completely got on top.”
Jack Watkins is showing some great signs in the Jets midfield. The 17-year-old, a product of Melton South, racked up 27 disposals, eight marks and six tackles to continue his consistent form.
Stefan Radovanovic showed some poise across half-back for the Jets and Connor Thar was busy in the midfield. Daniel Pantalleresco and Jake Hazik snared two goals apiece.
The Jets are looking forward to getting back to the Williamstown Football Ground – a ground where they are undefeated in five games this season – on Sunday to face the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
