Greenvale has taken the upper hand in the fight for second spot in Essendon District Football League’s premier division.
Only percentage separated the Jets and Pascoe Vale going into Saturday’s clash and in the end it was the Jets’ fast start that proved the difference.
The Jets led by 25 points at quarter-time and extended that to 37 at the main break.
The second half became a display of how not to kick for goal as the Jets won 13.20 (98) – 8.15 (63).
Jets coach Shannon Grant said making a fast start had been a focus.
The Panthers were able to get plenty of the ball early but coughed up turnovers due to Jets pressure.
“Our starts haven’t been great the last few weeks,” he said. “Starting well was a strong focus for us during the week.
“Our senior boys led the way and got the job done. We needed to make sure our pressure was good and tackling was on. We forced them to get rid of the ball a lot earlier than they normally do.”
Grant expected the Panthers to come at the Jets in the last quarter but was pleased with how his team responded.
“We knew they would roll the dice and attack a lot more,” he said. “We had to absorb that.”
Grant said both sides were sure to address goalkicking during the week.
In the second half, the Jets kicked 3.11 to the Panthers’ 3.13.
“They missed easy goals and we missed goals we should have kicked as well,” he said.
“I’m sure myself and the Pascoe Vale coach will be pretty disappointed with it.”
Grant said discipline would be another area he would discuss with the players.
The Jets gave away a number of free kicks and 50-metre penalties.
With several senior players missing for the Panthers match, Grant said he was happy with how the younger boys had stepped up.
Jarryd Bonello, Brandon Marlow, Korey Jonkers, Adrian Salvatori and Anthony Caligiuri got a taste of senior football.
This week the Jets play Keilor, which is a game behind them on the ladder.
In division 1, Craigieburn and Tullamarine were on the winners’ list, as were Jacana and Roxburgh Park in division 2.
