Nor-West suffered a significant setback in their quest for a finals birth, when they succumbed to a more determined and polished Western Suburbs Magpies outfit by 68 points at Bensons Lane on Saturday afternoon.
The Jets were forced to make seven changes to the team that defeated Sydney Uni a fortnight ago, but seemed to be able to cover the significant outs with quality coming in. Clever forward and Co-Coach Chris Kyle, joint Best and Fairest winner Jesse Bray and in for his first game of the year, mobile ruckman Troy Clent. But, right from the start the Jets seemed listless and unable to combat the Magpies run and skill level around the ground.
With a gusty breeze blowing across the ground which provided neither team with any significant advantage, the Magpies had eight scoring shots to the Jets none, with the latter unable gain any significant entries past the centre. By quarter time things were looking bleak with West's dominating play and holding a 28 point advantage. In the second quarter, Nor-West tried to peg back the lead by getting the game more on their terms. Better defensive efforts from the midfield and more pressure from the forwards were evident and when Chris Kyle kicked his second of the quarter things were looking better for the Jets. But just before half time West's were able to goal and stretch the lead out to 31 points.
After the half, Nor-West were unable to match the Magpies intensity or run and spread and despite West's main danger player Chris Noordhof being tagged out of the game by Jets Utility Bradley Pond they seemed to have a host of others playing significantly better football. Salem Kassem was at his devastating best, finishing the day with eight goals, while play makers Paul Hardy and Mitchell Emery Dominated through the middle of the ground.
Nor-West who had very few winners on the day, struggled to make any impact on the scoreboard. Young Utility Blake Heggie tried hard as did midfielders Louis Butler and Josh Patterson. Defenders Daniel Guthridge and Matthew Schwagger who were under siege all day were solid also.
Goal Kickers: C. Kyle 2, P. Webster
Best Players: M. Schwager, B. Heggie, D. Guthridge, C. Kyle, L. Butler, J. Patterson
http://www.hawkesburygazette.com.au/story/1640494/afl-nor-west-jets-v-western-suburbs/?cs=1705
Gazette photos courtesy of Geoff Jones.
Other photos with many thanks to John 'JayTeeBone' Tibben.
Last Modified on 23/07/2013 15:54
