THE Western Jets have assumed control of their own destiny in their quest for a TAC Cup top-four finish.
The Jets grabbed fourth spot on the ladder with a comfortable 35-point win over Oakleigh Chargers at Warrawee Park on Saturday morning.
“The good thing is now if we win our remaining two games, we’ll keep that top four position,” Jets coach Torin Baker told the Weekly.
“It’s nice to have that in your control.”
The Jets had the bulk of possession inside their forward 50.
Turning that time in the forward half into scores would prove harder given the blustery conditions and the steadfast Chargers’ defending.
Baker was thrilled with the pressure applied by his team to keep the ball in the attacking zone.
“We certainly controlled the game for most of the day,” Baker said.
“Any footy that did go outside the forward 50, went back in and that was through our defenders positioning themselves well and winning some one-on-ones as well.”
James Sicily has impressed this year with his versatility.
The Vic Metro representative has played back, forward and through the midfield. Set a fresh task as an inside midfielder, he came through with flying colours.
“We’ve thrown him another challenge and asked him to play as an inside midfielder onball for the last couple of matches,” Baker said.
“He hasn’t played a lot there so we’re just sort of teaching him to play that area.
‘‘He got better last week and his game this week was outstanding.”
Josh MacDonald made a good first impression with the Jets.
The forward has spent most of the season with the all-conquering Glenorden seniors in the WRFL, but he was identified as a player with potential at a recent multicultural exhibition game after making no appearances as a Jets-listed player earlier in the season.
“He’s quite talented; he was able to kick a couple of goals and put on a fair bit of pressure,” Baker said.
Daniel O’Leary’s desperation at the stoppages was crucial, while Braden Ferrari presented well at centre half- forward for two goals.
The TAC Cup takes a week off for a player development program before the Jets return to the field on August 17 for an away game against Bendigo Pioneers.
