The Jets embarked on the longest road trip in Sydney footy on Saturday to take on Division 2 power house Southern Power, undefeated in 2010 and Minor Premiers in 2009. The Jets knew they would have to be at the top of their game, and with the additions of ruck Ash Condon, midfielders Brendan Cameron & Jarod Thomson and key defender Sam Makins returning from overseas duties, Nor-West fielded a strong line-up, however, the Power play their ground very well, slamming on 4 goals to nil in the first quarter.
Luke Ayling was receiving his usual attention at full forward, and 17 year old Josh Cass showed class beyond his years on his wing, but the Jets only troubled the scoreboard for one goal in the first half, as the Power kept the Jets at bay to take a strong 8 goal advantage into the long break.
Coach Bull made some key changes in the second half, and the Jets started to find some rhythm, but an inexperienced defensive 6 failed to halt the home team’s forward moves, and if not for inaccurate kicking for goal, the margin could’ve been worse. The Jets kicked 4 second half goals to go down by 94 points.
5.5-35 to Power 18.21-129.
Goals- L. Ayling 2, S. Tibben 2, T. Hurst.
Best- J. Cass, B. Cameron, M. Yee, S. Davidson, S. Tibben, J. Thomson.
The Seniors can expect as many as a dozen players to return to the line-up this week against Sydney Uni, and need a win to keep touch with the top 4.
Reserve Grade met the Power, led by former Jet Cheyne Anderson, and just made up the required 22 when co-captain Stu Potts pulled the boots on in a re-retirement game. With half the squad turning up late due to the M5 tunnel brain snap, preparation wasn’t as it should be, but the Jets came out of the blocks with the first 3 goals, before the Power knew what hit them.
The big frames of Hank Scorpio and Nick Milkins were dominating the field, while the running brigade of Dan Harding and Ryan Bowen gave great delivery to Daniel Graham, who kicked another 5 goals in a classic display.
The Jets let the Power dictate terms as tired legs set in, and went to the sheds with a 21 point deficit.
Soft tissue injuries to a few Jets, coupled with shoulder damage to full back Damien Shipley meant an empty bench after half time, as the Power kicked 9 goals to 3 for the rest of the game, as they ran out winners.
16.12-108 to 7..4-46.
Goals- Daniel Graham 5, S. Braid 2.
Best- S. Potts, A. Joyce, N. Milkins, D. Harding, R. Bowen.
The Ressies meet Penrith this week at Bensons Lane in Div 4, in what will be the 19th year of local derbies, while Seniors clash with Sydney Uni, in what should be two great games of football. Reserves start at Midday.
