It all started back in November when a group of committed footballers, still with the memory of the last gasp Preliminary Final loss to Randwick burning in their minds, took to the fields of Bensons Lane determined to atone for that heartbreaking loss and make Season 2014 all the more memorable.
Off the field, the Committee were focusing on bringing back the ‘Ressies’ after a year’s absence, to give those players that missed out week to week a chance at a consistent run, and to add much needed depth and support to the single Senior grade. Coaches were the first to be sought after, and after much deliberation, Mark ‘Johno’ Johnston, who guided the Under 18s ‘Cessnas’ in 2012 to the finals, coupled with 2013 Captain Pete Kyle, were selected to take the Senior grade reins from Michael Gray and Chris Kyle after their incredible effort in 2013. Doug Linnett, an inspiring footballer with an astute knowledge of the sport, stood up to lead the Ressies in his first year. With the coaching staff sorted, it was up to them to sound out potential players across the district, guys returning after a few years off, new players to our great game, to complement the strong yet youthful squad remaining from 2013.
The Jets restarted their gruelling pre-season in late January, with a mix of ball skills intertwined with some punishing fitness work, led by Army disciple Kyle Clarke. Only 5 weeks until our first trial, and 8 weeks until Round 1 and the road to redemption. Numbers increased by the week, familiar faces heading down to see what the fuss was about, and being caught in the infectious atmosphere as all those involved chose to ‘buy in’ to what the coaches were spruiking – a ‘club first’ ethos, with all players pushing for the 22 Senior spots available, no one with a frame of mind to be content with just playing Ressies. Everyone was pushing beyond their limits to get the best out of themselves.
March 1 rolled around and the Jets headed down to Canberra to take on the might of the Eastlake Demons, a strong club whose top grade play in the Tier 2 NEAFL. The District teams we faced were laced with young, fit and talented blokes who were keen for payback after the Jets took the ‘Webster Shield’ off them the year before. With a young team on hand, complemented by a few of the older heads to guide the ship, the Jets battled manfully all day, but a slow start cost them dearly as EFC piled on the goals with strong rebound football and punished the Jets turnovers. Debutants Ash Light and Owen Hickman stood up against their more experienced opponents, while the young brigade of Ethon Coombs, Brent Johnston and Sunday Achiek, all products of the Cessnas of 2012, won their share of the ball out of the centre. Jesse Pinder and Bennett Idstein showed cool heads in the backline, feeding the runners, while Musa Bakan, Rylan Delamare, 17 year old Josh Edwards, who chipped in with a gutsy mark and goal, and Josh Patterson used the ball well on the run. The Jets forced the Demons into their own errors after half time and drastically reduced the damage on the scoreboard, and Nor-West took some valuable lessons back up the highway as the Demons recorded a comfortable win.
The second trial saw the Jets host the Wollondilly Knights at Bensons Lane on March 9. The Knights, once part of the old Sydney Districts Football Association before nearly 2 decades plying their trade in the Leisure Coast/South Coast FL, have recently been accepted back into the Sydney FL in Division 4 and were given a trial opportunity by the Jets, as they know only too well how hard it is to set up trials with only one grade. Played over 4 quarters, the Jets had the better of their opponents but were made to earn the football all day. Returning to the field were old heads Steven Quirk, who last played at Bensons Lane in 2004, and Cheyne ‘Ox’ Anderson, a product of the 2009 campaign. Both players acquitted themselves well, as if they never left. Mick ‘Sunny’ Gray bobbed up with a handful of goals, Louie Butler racked up countless possessions, and James ‘Spesh’ Moynihan provided a strong target up forward. While the Jets won the game by a decent margin, both clubs showed great promise for the season ahead.
And so, after another two tough weeks on the track, we find ourselves on the cusp of Season 2014. Division 3 face a stern test against Western Suburbs on the historic Picken Oval – the Jets coming away with a first up win in Round 1 2013, only for Wests to dish out a savage beating in the return fixture later that year – and are keen to start the season with a bang, as the hunter become the Hunted. The return of the Magoos, now in Division 5, sees Dougie’s band head to Henson Park, home of the Newtown Jets, to face Sydney University in an 0830 game, surely under lights. The Jets face away games for the first 3 rounds before they return to Bensons Lane on April 26 to face the team that ended their dreams last year, Randwick City, while Division 5 play host to the Jets (and Saints) oldest rivals, Penrith Rams, in a grudge match that goes all the way back to 1982.
With thanks to our valued sponsors, RG McGees Hotel Richmond, Mr Taxman, Jubilee Office Supplies, WeAreLoans, Handier Andy Carpentry and Bakers Delight Richmond.
Keep your eye on the white and the blue.
Last Modified on 31/03/2014 15:19
