Greenvale’s season is at a crossroads, with the side losing its fourth match in five weeks in the Essendon District Football League’s premier division.
After getting their first win against the Northern Saints, the reigning premiers didn’t come to play against Strathmore.
While the Jets were able to outscore the Mores in the final term, the damage was already done, Greenvale losing by 39 points, 14.13 (97) to 8.10 (58).
Jets coach Adam McPhee said he had hoped the game against the Saints would be the season’s turning point.
“It was a big game for us [against Strathmore] with the rivalry between the two clubs over
the past decade and with where we are on the ladder.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t come to play and the first quarter reflected that.” McPhee said the side didn’t play good football for the first three quarters.
“We were undisciplined in the first quarter and gave away free kicks in our defensive 50, allowing them shots on goal.
“I don’t think we played good football in the second term, either, when we had opportunities in front of goal that we missed. We were too unaccountable.
“At three-quarter-time, I said we needed to show some character and, to the boys’ credit, they did fight the game out. [But] make no mistake, I think Strathmore wasn’t trying as hard in the final term.”
McPhee said defenders Daniel Campisano and Matthew Huckstepp were the Jets’ best players.
With the season close to slipping away, he said everyone at the club had to look at where they were at. “Right now I’m trying to find a side to pick that will give 110 per cent and follow the structures.
“We’ve been undisciplined and given away free kicks, and when you’re trying to get momentum that’s deflating. We have to look at ourselves as a playing
group, and I have to look at my own performance.”
This week, the Jets face Essendon Doutta Stars at Nipper Jordan Oval.
In division 1, results at the weekend, Tullamarine was too strong for Craigieburn, winning 14.8 (92) to 6.7 (43). Westmeadows led after every quarter against Oak Park, winning by 12 points, 13.9 (87) to 11.9 (75).
