Premier shows Greenvale no mercy

Nick Lower was Greenvale's best on Saturday. Picture Shawn Smits.

Greenvale’s season has come to a disappointing end in Essendon District Football League premier division.

In a one-sided preliminary final against reigning premier Aberfeldie, the Jets proved no much for the Gorillas.

The Gorillas led by 29 points at half-time, but having kicked an inaccurate 6.11, they could have been much further ahead.

It didn’t get any better for the Jets in the second half – they scored just two goals, both in the third quarter.

The Gorillas kicked the last 10 goals of the game to win 17.18 (120)-4.10 (34) and set up a grand final match-up with Keilor.

Jets’ coach Shannon Grant said they just weren’t able to produce the same football they had over the last month.

“It was very disappointing,” he said.

“We went after it early on, but credit to Aberfeldie who were too good. For what ever reason, we couldn’t get going.”

Jacob Thompson was the only multiple goal-scorer for the Jets, with Nick Lower and Brett Stillman named the best players.

The result summed up the Jets year, where there has been a big gap between their best and worst.

“It has been tough getting all the team on the park,” Grant said.

“We worked hard to get ourselves healthy at the right time of the season, but it wasn’t to be.”

Grant said making a preliminary final was still a ‘decent’ result and reflected how far the competition had come in the last 12 months.

One positive this season for the Jets has been the senior football exposure given to a number of younger players which will help the club in the future.

The club’s future will be one without Grant who told the club he wouldn’t be coaching next season.

“I spoke to the playing group after the game and I said I wouldn’t be continuing on. I thanked them for the last two years.

“They’re a good playing group and club and I’ve enjoyed my time here.”

The Jets’ reserves side will play Keilor in the grand final on Saturday.