The Jets have named a heavily experienced lineup to start off round 1 of the NAB League U18 Boys competition. Unfortunately, they will be without co-captain Lucas Rocci due to a concussion but the coaches expect him to be up and ready for next week. Aside from Rocci, the list looks at full strength. Expect key players like Spencer Johnson, Darcy Cassar, Emerson Jeka, and Josh Honey to impress early as they look to push for Vic Metro selection later in the year.
WESTERN JETS Vs NORTHERN KNIGHTS
B: 34. E. Bentley 42. E. Acevski 8. J. Kellett
F: 5. J. D’Intinosante 34. Z. Costello 3. B. Nikolovski
HB: 37. L. Conway 28. K. Crimmins 25. S. Johnson
HF: 9. C. Simonsen 40. L. Mcmahon 16. O. Simpson
C: 17. N. Reynolds 29. B. Ryan 2. H. White
C: 7. R. Gardner 18. S. Brazier 41. N. Kitchell
HF: 20. D. Cassar 18. E. Jeka 3. E. Ford
HB: 4. J. Davies 23. N. Cox 1. L. Potter
F: 5. K. Borg 44. A. Manton 31. S. Clifford
B: 29. J. Collins 51. R. Uwandu 11. R. Sturgess
R: 47. W. Kennedy 24. J. Honey 7. D. Andrews
R: 15. N. Howard 8. A. Carafa 13. S. Philp
Int: 13. D. Bolkas 45. A. Clarke 41. L. Rzanovski
33. S. El-Hawli 1. L. Failli 19. J. Horo
Int: 26. D. Akuei 28. K. Brandt 30. B. Leonard
10. J. Lucente 27. E. Macpherson 52. J. Mazzarella
Emg: 36. C. Mackenzie-George 21. P. Nesci 10. Z. Christofi
Emg: 6. X. Naish 2. L. Perry 19. J. Trudgeon
Who to look out for
Saad El-Hawli
El-Hawli has caught the attention of the Western Jets coaching staff in his first year. The medium half-forward has shown real pace and agility, El-Hawli knows how do dance around his opponents and win the hard-ball. Fans and scouts may want to look out for No.33 as he starts his 2019 campaign.
Aaron Clarke
Clake could easily be the one to watch as the tall timber has been impressive in this seasons practice matches. In the Jets first practice match against Calder, Clarke was dominant in the forward line, kicking four goals and pinch-hitting in the ruck. The ability of Clarke to play both of these roles makes him a real asset to the Western Jets.
Daly Andrews
A tall midfielder who covers the ground well and loves to crash through congestion, Andrews only knows one way and that's forward. Andrews will be lining up for his second year at the Jets as he looks to improve on 2018 season. Now playing as a more consistent rover in 2019, Andrews will help share the load with midfield jet Josh Honey.
Possible key matchups
Spencer Johnson vs Josh D'Intinosante
Johnson has proven to be a rock in the Jets defensive half but may have to tackle a very mobile forward in D'Itinosante this weekend. D'Intinosante managed to kick 18 goals from 16 games, ranked 2nd overall for the Knights. Spencer could be the one to shut down the new spearhead and set the tone for the rest of the season.
Josh Honey vs Adam Carafa
This battle of the mids will see two heavyweights collide in the center of the ground this Sunday. Both are highly rated by their clubs and could prove to be the game changers at IKON Park. Honey has always been hungry for the ball but may find a real challenge in Carafa.
Last Modified on 22/03/2019 18:28
