Most coaches whose teams led 37-0 at quarter-time would be happy with the quarter’s work.
But that wasn’t the case for Greenvale coaching staff in the Essendon District Football League premier division match against Airport West on Saturday.
And when the Jets then lost the second quarter to lead by 32 at half-time, coach Shannon Grant was less than satisfied.
Picture gallery: Greenvale v Airport West
“Our first half was poor,” he said. “We were kicking with a three or four-goal breeze in the first quarter and we didn’t make the most of our opportunities [they kicked 5.7].
“We lost the second quarter and the scoreboard flattered us at half-time.”
But the Jets stepped it up in the second half and went on to win 20.19 (139) – 8.5 (53).
“We started to work harder than in the first half,” Grant said.
“We were a lot tougher and started winning the stoppages, which we weren’t doing earlier in the game.
“I was pleased with how they performed after half-time.”
Grant said he wasn’t sure if the side’s slow start was a little bit of the players just thinking it was going to happen.
After losing in round one, the Jets entered the weekend game with an average winning margin of 108 points for the past three rounds.
“The boys have been good for a long time and we’ve had only one really bad quarter for the year, when we were massively outscored,” Grant said.
The Maric brothers were among the standouts for the Jets on Saturday. Nick kicked four goals while Addam was best on ground.
“Both have been really good for us this year,” Grant said. “They each add a different element for us in the middle and up forward.
“They’re both dangerous players.”
The test for the Jets will come over the next three weeks, as so far they have played only sides outside the top four.
“We have Pascoe Vale, Keilor and Strathmore in the next three weeks and we will find out where we’re at,” Grant said.
He said the midfield was the key to beating undefeated Pascoe Vale.
“They get a lot of opportunities through the middle and we need to restrict that,” Grant said.
“And when they do get it into the forward line, we need to make sure it’s under pressure.”
Tullamarine continues to surprise everyone in division 1, beating Westmeadows, while Craigieburn is the only undefeated side after beating Oak Park.
In division 2, Jacana and Roxburgh Park had massive wins over Keilor Park and Burnside Heights.
