Greenvale will have to step up to a higher level if it is to get a second crack at Aberfeldie in Essendon District Football League premier division finals.
The Jets were disappointing after quarter-time in their semi-final against the Gorillas, being held goal-less in both the second and third quarters.
There was no last-quarter comeback for the Jets, as they lost 10.14 (74) – 3.6 (24)
Jets coach Shannon Grant was very disappointed.
“We went out there with a plan … but for certain reasons that didn’t happen,” he said.
“Full credit to Aberfeldie – they had good players all across the ground.”
Grant said he was happy with the start to the game but it all went downhill from there.
“I was pleased with the way we started and played well for the first quarter,” he said.
“But then their better players started to get on top.
“We had great opportunities in both the second and third quarters to put on scoreboard pressure.”
Nicholas Parthenopoulos, Addam Maric and Christopher Spinella were Greenvale’s goal scorers.
Grant said Josh Smith, David Sardo and Jarryd Bonello were best in the loss.
“The defenders stood really tall, especially with the amount of ball that was coming their way,” Grant said.
Recovery and making sure the players have the right mindset is the key for preparing to play Keilor this weekend in the preliminary final. A date with Aberfeldie in the grand final a week later awaits the winner.
“I’m going to give them a couple of days off to recover and repair, with Keilor being another quality outfit,” Grant said.
Grant is expecting a tough contest against the Blues, who beat the Jets by six points the last time the two met in round 16. The Jets won the first match of the season between the two by 45 points.
The Blues won through to the preliminary final with a 20.11 (131) – 12.10 (82) win over Pascoe Vale.
“They are a very good team and have good players in every position,” said Grant, of the Blues. “It will be a tough game against a good side.”
Tara Murray
