Greenvale produced its most consistent four-quarter performance of the Essendon District Football League season on Saturday to record its first win over a top-five side in more than two months.
It was an encouraging performance by the perennial premier division finalists, as they have struggled with consistency at times this season.
They faced ladder leader Keilor on Saturday in a match-up which is normally a close affair.
And it was no different this time, as conditions pointed to a tightly contested tussle.
The Jets had their noses in front at every break and despite not kicking a goal in the last quarter won 10.9 (69)-7.9 (51).
Jets coach Shannon Grant said it was a crucial game in the context of the season and making sure that they play finals.
The win keeps Greenvale in third position, a game clear of fourth and fifth.
“It was probably the best we’ve played across the board for four quarters,” Grant said.
“The ground was a bit heavy as all grounds are at the moment and was a slower track.
“Keilor gave it a crack and so did we and it was a bit of an arm wrestle.
“To control the game like we did will give us confidence and I hope we can play tough contested football for the rest of the year.”
For more pictures of Saturday’s game, CLICK HERE
Matthew Smith and Trent Shinner kicked two goals each for the Jets, while the experienced trio of Nick Lower, Fabian Deluca and Fort Caruso were best.
Grant said the side had been helped by the return of three or four players in recent weeks which had helped some of the younger players.
“We’ll continue to play some of the younger guys and it’s great to see them step up,” Grant said.
“Daniel Trifunovic has played well, Ryan Townsend is an under-18, Jayden Ranno was good before he got injured and Cody Lynch is another who got a chance.
“We’re building a good group of young players.”
In division 1, Craigieburn suffered a second loss in three weeks when they were upset by Glenroy.
Westmeadows and Tullamarine cemented their spots in the top four with wins against Hillside and Hadfield respectively.
The Demons have all but sealed a finals spot, sitting three games clear of fifth with three games remaining.
The Tigers are third.
In division 2, Roxburgh Park won the top-of-the-table clash with East Keilor, coming from behind to get home by 11 points.
Jacana was on the right end of a close one, defeating Moonee Valley by four points.
