Greenvale sent a warning to other teams in the Essendon District Football League with a convincing 59-point win against Keilor in Saturday’s premier division clash.
While the Jets had already bounced back from a poor start to the season by winning their past two games, they had yet to prove themselves against one of the top sides.
But in a match that many – including Jets coach Adam McPhee – predicted to be close, the reigning premiers dominated Keilor from the first bounce, winning 17.19 (121) to 9.8 (62).
“It is a great result,” McPhee said.
PICTURE GALLERY: Greenvale v Keilor
“The way we started the game and the mindset we took in was what we wanted. We gained confidence in our last two wins, but it was a danger game for us.’’
McPhee said it was the Jets’ best game for the year on both sides of the ball.
“The most pleasing thing was the difficulty picking the best six players, as it was an
even spread.”
McPhee said there had been a massive turnaround at the club in the past few weeks.
“It’s amazing what a month can do.
‘‘How they have stuck to the game plan and got through a difficult period to start the
year … it’s been a complete turnaround, a change of attitude. Ball movement has been the biggest thing.”
McPhee said three consecutive wins meant the Jets (4-4) could still play finals.
“I dangled that finals were still a possibility when we were struggling. I said, we can’t make the top two but we can play finals. It’s only the halfway mark of the season.
‘‘We need to continue to play consistent football.
“We have sent a message to the competition that we are still here.
“We still have senior players to come back into the side, but at the same time we are starting to develop our players for the future.”
In division 1, Oak Park defeated Craigieburn 13.17 (95) to 9.12 (66) and Tullamarine triumphed against Westmeadows, 23.9 (147) to 12.7 (79).
In division 2, Roxburgh Park continued its winning ways against Keilor Park, with a 28-point win, 13.20 (98) to 10.10 (70).
Coburg Districts thrashed Jacana by 147 points, 29.14 (188) to 4.17 (41), and East Sunbury secured its maiden win with a 38-point victory over Burnside Heights.
