The Western Jets suffered their first loss in the TAC Cup since round three, going down to the Geelong Falcons by 16 points at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday.
Both sides were in control of the play for prolonged periods in the first half as the momentum and the lead changed several times.
A burst of three late goals put the Jets on top going into the main break and handed them an 11-point lead.
Despite giving up the first goal after half-time, the Jets looked the stronger team and began to take charge. A combination of precision kicking and hard tackling inside their attacking 50 helped them extend their lead to four goals.
But as three-quarter time approached, the Falcons hit back hard.
PICTURE GALLERY: Western Jets v Geelong
Geelong won a number of crucial centre clearances and made the most of its forays forward to cut the lead to just five points at the final break.
From there, the Falcons carried the momentum through the final term, kicking five goals to seal a 17.8 (110) to 14.10 (94) win.
Western Jets coach Torin Baker said the game was a good learning experience for his side.
“It was a good clash.
“[But] When we did get behind, we didn’t challenge the opposition and we didn’t find a way to put the pressure back on them.
“After the game I just spoke to the boys about some of the things we can do when we are behind,” Baker said.
“It was a bit of a learning experience for our players.”
Leigh Spiteri worked hard for the Jets to be among his club’s best players.
Spiteri competed well up forward and finished the match with three goals.
Baker also praised the work of his captain Liam McMahon who continued his great form with another impressive game on the backline.
Western will have an extra week to regroup from the loss with no TAC Cup football being played over the Queens Birthday long weekend.
The Jets next clash will be in round 10 against the Eastern Ranges at Box Hill City Oval.
The match is already shaping up as a blockbuster with both teams currently in the top four.
