Tara Murray
It was a case of close but not close enough for Greenvale in the Essendon District Football League premier division.
Facing Strathmore, the Jets were keen to get their biggest scalp of the season and further cement its spot at the top part of the ladder.
The Jets managed to lead by two goals at quarter time, before the Mores kicked five goals to take a 16 point lead at half time.
There was nothing in it in the second half and it reflected on the scoreboard.
The Mores were able to hold on in the final quarter, winning 10.14 (74)-10.11 (71).
Jets coach Darren Bewick said they let themselves down in the second quarter and it was the difference.
“It was a good game and it was really exciting,” he said.
“In the second quarter we played in their hands and gave it back to them. They had Kyle Weightman back from Coburg and he kicked four first half goals and that was the difference in the end.”
At the other end, the Jets lost one of their key forwards in the first half in Josh Porter.
Bewick said it was only bruising and they didn’t want to risk him in the second half being such an important player.
Daniel Micevski, Liam Podhajski and Jonathan Keratianos were named the Jets best.
Judd Brewster, Callum Di Pietro and Ben Speight kicked two goals each.
Bewick said one positive out of the game was having three 18-year-olds out there.
He said they knew they can match it with the majority of the sides in the competition.
“We want the players to see themselves as one of the top clubs,” he said. “It is very tight outside of one club at the moment.
“Keilor has been the benchmark for a long time and is playing brilliant football and we’re hoping they’re playing their best now.
“We’re in that next lot of clubs vying for position in finals, Any team can bob up and beat other teams on the day.”
The Jets sit in fifth spot with four wins and three losses.
The tests continue this week as they face second placed Pascoe Vale. After being smashed by Keilor the week before, the Panthers bounced back against Airport West on Saturday.
“It’ll be a great test for us,” Bewick said. “They are around the mark and are a really good side.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile in division 1, Roxburgh Park suffered heartbreak after the siren against Roxburgh Park.
The Magpies hit the lead late in the last quarter but weren’t able to come away with the points as James Fox scored a goal after the siren to give the Sharks a 14.9 (93)-13.11 (89) win.
Craigieburn suffered a shock loss to Oak Park, 10.12 (72)-6.7 (43).
The Eagles remain in fifth spot.
Tullamarine was able to match it with the St Albans for three quarters before fading, losing 18.12 (120)-11.7 (73).
