THE Nor-West Jets are just one win away from completing an undefeated season and successfully defending their Sydney AFL Second Division premiership after outslugging the University of NSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs by 22 points at Kelso Oval on Saturday.
The Jets gained a handy two-goal lead after a strong first quarter and never really looked like losing, despite being unable to shake the persistent Bulldogs, finally prevailing 5.6 36 to 1.8 14.
But like the last round against Sydney University Red, the win may have come at a cost, with ruck-rover Dave Vance (shoulder), ruckman Andrew Travers (ankle) and forward Chris Kyle (cheekbone) suffering injuries that have them in serious doubt for the September 2 grand final.
All three were injured in the second quarter, with Travers bravely battling on in the second half, gathering 20 possessions after his injury. He was a crucial factor in protecting the lead.
Damien Brown, Luke Ayling, Casey Wenselowski and Nick Milkins will return for the grand final.
The same match last season saw the Jets suffer their only loss of the year, and co-coach Peter Kyle said it was that memory that helped spark them this time around.
"The difference between last year and this year was we came in committed, whereas last year we thought we had it won before the bounce," he said.
"Sydney Uni came at us last year, pretty much the way the Bulldogs did, but this time we held firm.
"Our backline was really strong and the midfield was good despite losing Gerard Smits. There's a couple of things there we've got to learn but we slugged it out and I'm very happy."
Kyle said the huge ground at Kelso Oval contributed to the low-scoring encounter, with both teams struggling to come to terms with its width, although the Jets' backline was fantastic in restricting the Bulldogs to just a solitary goal.
"I don't think newsprint does the ground justice, the place is massive (180x149m)," he said.
Nathan Holland was impassable at half back, accumulating 30 touches and repelling many Bulldog raids before they got into scoring range.
Anything that did get past Holland was quickly turned back by Peter Kyle, Damien Shipley and Steve Chase. Adrian Wagner was also impressive.
Up forward, Matthew Lloyd kicked two goals but was hamstrung by lack of opportunities and the Bulldogs dropping numbers back, while Steve Burrows, Chris Kyle and Dom Shipley worked hard to provide strong support.
