By Lance Jenkinson
A shorthanded Western Jets slumped to their second defeat in three TAC Cup matches as the player drain from representative demands took its toll.
The Jets struggled to cover the absence of seven walk-up starters in an 18-point loss to the North Ballarat Rebels at Eureka Stadium on Sunday.
Jets coach Torin Baker was proud to have six players running around for Vic Metro and one for the Northern Territory in the under-18 national championships last week.
But it did his line-up no favours for a crucial game in which they coughed up third spot on the ladder to their opponents.
“We were really pleased with the fact we’ve had good representation [at the national championships] and the players have actually played really well,” Baker said.
‘‘There’s another week to go in the national championships so we won’t have the majority of them next week either.’’
The spirited Jets were up by three points at half time. They were superbly led by winger Brayden Monk, who continued his rich vein of form to be named “best” for the visitors.
“His performances over the past nine or so weeks have been outstanding,” Baker said.
“He was a great competitor and won a lot of the ball.”
Scoring was already at a premium with blustery conditions in the first half, so a fast start was imperative before the rain set in midway through the third quarter.
The Rebels kicked the only two goals of the third term and flexed their defensive muscle, keeping the Jets goalless for the rest of the match.
Baker was pleased with the fight shown by his team, minus so many of its leaders.
“Both sides cracked in really hard and it was a good game of footy, but they just made the most of their opportunities in the end.”
Ruckman Mark Orr, onballer Mitch Palma, defender Braden Ferrari and captain Liam McMahon were the standouts for the Jets.
Ryley Stuhldreier was the lone multiple goalkicker with two of the Jets’ paltry five goals.
With so many of his top-liners unavailable, Baker got the chance to blood Daniel Venables, a player out of the talented crop of under-16s at his disposal.
“With a lot of the older boys out, it’s good that we’ve been able to give opportunities to most of the players on our list.”
The Jets face Calder Cannons at Burbank Oval, Williamstown, at 12.30pm on Saturday.
