By Caitlin Arnold
The Nor-West Jets went from three teams competing in 2012 to one team left standing in 2013. Happily, the Jets now compete in two divisions and as the highs and lows of football will sway you, are now genuine contenders for two premierships flags this year.
As a club that rests heavily on the commitment of many Air Force personnel to make up their numbers, player turnover at the end of each season is not a luxury that the Jets can rely upon. This year the Jets’ numbers have improved, so too their efforts on the field, much to the delight of their Club President, Dom Shipley.
“Positively, it brings a lot of quality young footballers from other states that wouldn’t normally come out west. Negatively, they can’t commit one hundred percent to the season and most miss a lot of footy due to work,” says Shipley.
“With the injuries we have had this year, we are very pleased that both teams are finals bound. Our Division Five team has been a good surprise.”
Heading toward the finals series, Shipley knows that his two sides cannot rest on their laurels. Managing playing lists, making sure that the youngest of the Jets gain enough game time, and even battling the wintery elements at their home ground are all on the mind of Shipley and club staff before the finals.
“We have the playing list to win both grades but it will come down to availabilities and hard work. We can’t underestimate any of the teams in the finals as they can all win on their day.”
Another campaign on the minds of the Nor-West Jets is that of a charity drive they have been holding all year. Stemming from the uncanny ability of some Jets to grow a healthy beard, Shipley made sure they did so for a good cause.
A charity that their sponsors ‘Mr Taxman’ and ‘ACG Group’ are involved with, ‘Beards of Hope’ was an easy choice to lend their name to.
“Beards of Hope do a wonderful job providing leading support and exceptional care for families who experience the loss of their baby.
“The funds raised provide a bear and support pack for families at their time of loss. One in four pregnancies end in loss, and six babies are still born every day in Australia.
“We have 12 at the Jets who are doing it and they have raised over six thousand dollars. We have sixty-plus men doing it Australia-wide, and they have raised over twenty-five thousand dollars.”
As the Jets look forward, they want to lift their Division Three and Five teams into Division Two and Four, and to gain a continuity amongst their playing group which is an element they have been missing in recent years.
Now back with two teams and a hopefully growing and consistent roster, Shipley recognises that without clubs sponsors, they would not have been able to produce their successes so far this year.
“I would like to thank all our wonderful sponsors that helped us get two teams on the field in 2014 – RG’s McGees, We Are Loans, Mr Taxman, Jubilee Stationery World, Handier Andy, Bakers Delight at Richmond Mall and Secure Onsite Protection.”
As another example of a truly local Sydney AFL club, the Nor-West Jets have certainly taken flight under the wings of their local supporters. Keen to make waves during the finals, the Jets have made their intentions clear. They want the flag as much as any other team, and will be doing whatever it takes to make sure they lift the premiership cup at the end of the season.
Last Modified on 08/08/2014 17:19
