The Western Jets were made to pay for a poor start against Gippsland Power in the second round of the NAB League Boys season.
The Jets hit the road and headed down to Morwell on Sunday to face the Power on Sunday.
It was the home team that got off to a flier, while the Jets were still getting settled in.
The Jets would respond and take the lead later in the game, but ran out of legs after getting back into the side.
The Power winning, 14.18 (102)-13.9 (87).
Jets coach Robbie Chancellor said while they fought back really well and he was proud of of their efforts, but they couldn’t be giving up leads like they did.
“Gippsland, they have a good side,” he said.
“We knew it was going to be a challenge for us we gave them a 43 point start. To our credit the boys fought back and we got in front or level midway through the last quarter.
“They were able to kick away late, a lot of positives for three quarters but at this level you can’t expect to give them that big enough start and expect to win.”
Chancellor said while there were some good signs, it showed them how much work they need to do heading forward.
He said it was a really even team performance, with different players standing up at different times.
Jhett Gaskett kicked three goals to be the leading goal kicker, while Massimo D’Ambrossio led the way with 22 possessions.
“Young Logan Morris, who is still 16, kicked a couple of goals in his second game,” he said.
“Jaelen Pavlidis our skipper was really good in the midfield and there were a couple of guys who played different roles for us.
“Noah Higgins played up on the wing and had some influence on the game.
“The strength in our group this year, the spread of talent relying on too few, we have a lot of different players who can stand up at any time.
“I think today was a bit like that, moments without taking the scruff of the neck.”
The big matches continue for the Jets, with the side to face old rivals the Calder Cannons on Saturday morning.
In other matches, the Greater Western Victoria Rebels will host Geelong Falcons, the Sandringham Dragons will face Greater Western Sydney Giants, Tasmania Devils play the Northern Knights, Gippsland Power hosts the Sydney Swans, the Murray Bushrangers take on the Northern Territory Thunder, the Eastern Ranges will host the Oakleigh Chargers and the Bendigo Pioneers will play the Dandenong Stingrays.
