By Tara Murray
Greenvale showed plenty of character and resolve as it came away with its first win of the Essendon District Football League premier division season.
It has been a tough start for the Jets and it didn’t get any easier on Saturday as it faced last season’s grand finalists Pascoe Vale.
The Panthers threw everything at the Jets, dominating inside 50s and scoring opportunities throughout the whole game.
While the Panthers struggled to convert, the Jets made the most of their opportunities to give themselves a chance.
A Ryan Townsend goal in the 28th minute put the Jets in front one last time and they were able to stay there, winning 10.5 (65)-7.18 (60).
Jets coach Darren Bewick told the EDFL post-game show that they were really proud of the performance.
“The message has been pretty constant during the week, the last two weeks since our poor effort against Deer Park,” he said.
“We need to bring continual effort and work and be the best teammates we possibly could.
“It was a good win, a determined win and it showed a bit of grit. We had a few questions asked about us and what we served up the first couple of weeks, mainly internally.
“I was really proud to hang in there against a good side.”
Bewick said they were hoping this performance would help kick start their season.
Defensively was where the Jets won the game.
“I thought they were terrific all game,” Bewick said. “When it was required in the final quarter, they were able to withstand a fair bit of heat.
“Kieran [Gallagher] is only 19, Corey [Baker] is 22-23, Jack [Wood] has only played a few games, JJ [Joe junior Giarratana] four or five games, Jase Kenneth did a good job.
“It was helpful with a bit of pressure through the midfield as well.
“To their credit they just hung in there, I thought they were excellent.”
As well as the pressure from the Panthers, the Jets had a couple of injury concerns.
Daniel Trifunovic hurt his ankle in the opening minutes of the game while Hayden Fraser ended with his arm in a sling.
Bewick said they chatted about that resolve after the game to continue on when things weren’t going their way.
Dylan Ozenc finished with three goals for the Jets, while Samuel Zumbo, in the unusual position as a forward, kicked two goals.
It was a number of the Jets young recruits that really shone. Gallagher, Reuben Rode and Riley Leedham were named in the best.
Rode was on debut, while Leedham battled against the competition’s best ruck, Matthew Dennis.
The Jets face Airport West this Saturday.
The Eagles have had a disappointing start to the season, dropping their past two matches.
Bewick said they hadn’t looked at the Eagles yet.
Meanwhile in division 1, Craigieburn had a hard fought win against Moonee Valley, while Roxburgh Park and Tullamarine both suffered losses.
