Western Jets’ girls coach Hayley Gossow is pleased with the mixture of new and returning players selected for the 2024 Coates Talent League season.
On March 18, the final squads for the girls and boys representative sides were announced.
In her second year as head coach and fourth year at the club, Gossow said she was looking forward to putting the team to the test.
“At the end of the day we’re a talent pathway competition, but if you do win a premiership, it’s an added bonus,” she said.
She said there are opportunities for players still in the system to grow, but for the most part, each year is a blank slate.
Sierra Grieves is one of those more experienced players returning to the side, after being named on the interchange in the last season’s team of the year. Grieves is part of the AFL National Academy.
Greives and Lou Lou Field were both part of the Vic Metro summer training squad.
Caitlyn Volpe, Mira Diab, Rylee Driscoll, Chloe Kropman, Mia Gordon and Sharni Battye from Caroline Springs were all selected to the side.
Keilor have the most selections with 18 across the boys and girls squads.
This includes four girls, Estelle Grimaud, Dakota Reynolds, Lexi Kerry and Olivia Castello.
Last year the Jets finished in 14th place with three wins and 10 losses.
The Jets’ development program was well represented at the AFLW’s draft night in December, with three players selected to play at the highest level.
Most notably, Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner went with the number one overall pick to the Western Bulldogs.
Starting her football journey at Sunshine Heights, Weston-Turner became a stand out player at representative level.
Darley’s Tamara Henry went at pick 28 to the Adelaide Crows while Kiera Whiley from Caroline Springs went at pick 10 to St Kilda.
Gossow said it was a pleasure to be able to watch her players develop.
“That’s the best part of being a part of this program, is seeing kids achieve their dreams,” she said.
“They’ve worked hard throughout the year… they deserved it off their own bat, it’s very exciting.”
The club won its only premiership in 2022.
The girls side start their season on April 16 on the road against Sandringham Dragons after having a bye in round one.
The Jets boys were in action on Saturday morning against the Northern Knights, after deadline.
This week the Jets face the Calder Cannons on Good Friday.
