THE Nor-West Jets finalised their preparations for the 2012 AFL Sydney season with a comprehensive 77-point victory over South Coast AFL team Albatross in Nowra on Saturday.
In a match played across six 15-minute terms, the Jets took control in the first term and controlled the contest for most of the match to win 16.14 110 to 5.3 33.
With the Jets’ reserves and under 18s opening proceedings against the Demons’ reserve players, Nor-West flew out of the blocks despite kicking against a gusty breeze to take a four goal lead into the first break.
With young guns Jesse Cass, Nick Edwards, Brent Johnston, Seb Goldrick and first-gamer Harry Stever all impressing, and small forward Scott Braid also on fire on his way to five goals, the Jets led by 42 points at the second break.
With the breeze strengthening, Albatross were able to ensure a goalless third term and won the fifth, but Nor-West kicked four goals in each of the fourth and sixth periods to record the comfortable victory.
Braid was the leading goalscorer with his five majors, and Jake Berry was also impressive with three, while Peter Kyle made a successful return in his first match after two years on the sidelines through injury to kick two goals, a figure matched by Cass and Josh Howe.
However, it was the Jets’ defence that shone, with Daniel Guthridge dominant to be named best on ground ahead of Tom Roberts, while recruit Matt Smith, ruckman Paul Webster and returning former junior David Clinch were others to shine in a positive sign for the season.
But there is still plenty to work on ahead of the season openers against Moorebank and Penrith at Bensons Lane this Saturday, with discipline a key problem after the Jets conceded six 50m penalties for dissent throughout the match, a figure that left coach Don Ollington fuming.
The Jets also need only look back 12 months to last year’s pre-season, when 10-goal wins over Gosford and Penrith failed to translate into round one success and led to a disappointing season in which both teams missed the finals.
The club will hold its guernsey presentation night at R.G. McGees after training ON THURSDAY NIGHT, with round one action kicking off at Bensons Lane at 10am this Saturday with the reserves meeting Penrith in Kyle’s long-awaited 100th match in blue and white, followed by the debut of the Under 18s against Moorebank at 12pm and the seniors also taking on the Magpies at 2.10pm.
NOR-WEST 16.14 110 def ALBATROSS 5.3 33
Goals: S Braid 5, J Berry 3, J Howe, P Kyle, J Cass 2, M Smith, B Johnston.
Best: D Guthridge, T Roberts, S Braid, M Smith, P Webster, D Clinch.
Last Modified on 26/03/2012 22:05