Jacana’s playing group continues to stick together despite a tough Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
The Jaguars are the only team without a win and have been on the end of some big losses this year.
Jaguars coach Robert Fletcher said despite the results he was proud of the playing group.
“There’s been a lot of tough days,” he said.
“The boys have stuck together, whereas some other clubs self destruct in the same position.
“We’re just not going the wins.”
It was a tough day on Saturday all round for the Jaguars, as both their reserves and seniors had big losses.
The reserves team started the game with just 14 players, with a few having to double up in the seniors.
The seniors then ran into a hot Craigieburn, who won 20.20 (140)-4.2 (26).
Fletcher, who was previously an assistant coach at the Eagles, rated the opposition highly.
“We had 12 of our best 22 not playing, but that’s no excuse. We weren’t good enough.
“We played one of the best sides in the competition. They’ve got great leaders out there like Tuckey [Brent Gordon] and Christian McErlain.
“They’re a massive chance to win this year and go back up and have another crack.”
Fletcher said for his side a couple of the younger guys like Zac Hill and Dean Robinson were the standouts along with Jason Cloke, who provided a contest.
For the third-placed Eagles, Dean Limbach kicked seven goals, while Nathan Perrone was named best on ground.
The Jaguars sit bottom, three games and 35 per cent behind Westmeadows.
While mathematically still a chance not to finish bottom, Fletcher said they were resigned to the fact they would finish last and be relegated.
Fletcher said they were unlikely to get many of their missing players back in the run home.
“The club has a plan and we’re trying to get under-19s up and running,” he said.
“Our hands are forced and we’re having to throw guys around anywhere.
“We don’t think we’ll get players back, so we’re stuck with what we have.
“There’s 22 blokes going out there and having a crack, which is all the coach can ask for.”
In other division 1 matches, Westmeadows suffered a 10-point loss to Oak Park.
The Tigers led by 22 points at quarter time, but kicked just four goals from that point, losing 10.5 (65)-7.13 (55).
Tullamarine had the bye.
In premier division, Greenvale defeated Glenroy, 13.12 (90)-10.7 (67).
The Roys were in touching distance all day, but a six goal to four final quarter sealed the win.
Addam Maric kicked three goals for the Jets, while Nick Maric was named best on ground.
The Jets sit third, percentage behind second placed Keilor.
The closeness of the competition means there’s just eight points behind top and fifth.
