Tara Murray
Greenvale has exceeded expectations in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 competition.
The Jets secured a top two position with two rounds remaining, having lost just one heading into Saturday’s game with Essendon Doutta Stars.
Coach Troy Newton said they had been very happy with how the season had played out so far.
“We’re very happy,” he said. “We’ve probably exceeded expectations. We were aiming to just be competitive every game and aiming to play finals.
“We were not expecting top two, but we will take that. We can start planning for finals now, as we know where we will finish.”
Newton said the key to the side’s success this season had been an even contribution across the board and players stepping up when they needed to.
The Jets were one sided that added a number of key players in the off season. Alisia Magri, who is leading the division goal kicking and Teiria Fry, who won the league rising star award last year, were among the key additions.
“We have a good balance of a lot of contributors every week,” he said.
“Basically we lost some players this year due to work commitments and we looked to fill those roles.
“We added a bit more class to our side and a bit more experience which we were lacking last year.”
With that experience they brought in, they also brought more flexibility. It gives Newton plenty of options on game day.
“We have multiple players who can play anywhere, forward, back and through the midfield,” he said.
“Terira Fry, Zoe Hardiman and a few others can do the same. It’s a strength that we can know we can move players around and get the matches up right and maybe expose some the other way.”
The Jets fine tuning ahead of finals includes getting key players back on the field and full fitness before the pointy end of the season.
Haylea Cooke returned across the Sunbury Kangaroos and kicked two goals. Alex Quigley one of the competition’s best goal kickers has also returned in recent weeks.
“She has pretty much missed the whole year with a foot injury,” Newton said. “We weren’t expecting to have her back, but she’s worked hard in her rehab.
“She is still getting her touch back. She’s a big bonus for the forward line.”
Newton said they were only a couple of players away from having a full strength team.
The Jets are due to Essendon Doutta Stars on Saturday. The Stars are the only team to have beat the Jets this season.
Newton said they rated the Stars. He said it would be good preparation for finals.
“Finals will be a challenge for everyone,” he said. “Everything is highlighted more. What you do well and what you don’t do well.”
Tara Murray
