Sometimes it’s more important just to get the four points than to worry about how you did it, and that was the case for Greenvale on Saturday.
In average conditions, the Jets lifted a level in the second half against Strathmore to record their second win of the new Essendon District Football League premier division.
Leading by just seven points at half-time, the Jets kicked five goals to nil in the third quarter to break open the match and ended up winning 12.14 (86)–7.12 (54).
Jets coach Shannon Grant said his side’s intensity around the contest made the difference in the second half.
“Conditions weren’t great and sometimes you have to win ugly,” he said.
“We started to get on top around the ball and the midfield started to take charge.”
After opening up a 39-point lead in the third quarter, Greenvale was tested in the last quarter.
“There was a two or three goal breeze and you had to work hard against it,” Grant said.
“There were five or six minutes in the last quarter when we were poor, but we were able to hold strong and get a good win.”
Chris Farchione was named best on ground, while Fort Caruso’s hot start to his career with the Jets continued in his second match.
“Fort is a beauty,” Grant said.
“The way he plays and the standard he sets on field and at training is great for the young guys to watch.
“Both he and Nat [Caruso] are having fun with their football and are hungry for success.”
Grant was also full of praise for the defensive group, which has kept their opposition goal-less for a quarter in both matches so far.
“We’re building a very solid defence and it’s really good to watch,” he said.
“They’re valuing what we’re doing and it’s a good mix of younger guys who haven’t played so much and older guys.
“They’ll just keep getting better.”
In division 1, Craigieburn made it two from two with victory over Hillside.
The Eagles led at every break to get home 19.7 (121)–12.15 (87).
Westmeadows was overrun by Oak Park, after leading by 12 points at the final break, to go down 9.11 (65)–9.6 (60).
In division 2, Jacana came from behind against East Sunbury to record its first win of the season.
The Thunder lead by 16 points at three-quarter time, before the Jaguars kicked five goals to one in the last quarter to get home 10.12 (72)–9.10 (64).
Roxburgh Park suffered its first loss of the season, going down 11.12 (78)-7.10 (52) against East Keilor.
