Supporters have been waiting all season for reigning premier Greenvale to grab a spot in the top four of Essendon District Football League’s premier division.
Surprisingly, the Jets have remained outside the top bracket after every round.
But like all championship teams, you can never really write them off, and the Jets have a chance to jump into the top four when it really counts in this weekend’s final round.
It’s a simple equation for the Jets: they must defeat Maribyrnong Park and hope second-placed Avondale Heights defeats fourth-placed Keilor.
Keilor had a chance to wrap up fourth spot against Greenvale on Saturday, but the Jets prevailed over the Blues for the second time this season.
Defensively, the Jets were far too good, restricting the Blues to one point in the second half on their way to a 9.18 (72) to 3.8 (26) win.
Greenvale acting coach Steve Paxman said he was more worried about getting the win than the final score.
Paxman has been coaching the side for the past six weeks, with senior coach Adam McPhee overseas for personal reasons.
“In the situation we are in, we have to win matches and hope other games go our way,” Paxman said.
“It was a four-quarter effort from all 22 players [on Saturday]. The first half, there was a bit of a breeze and we knew it was important to be in the match, as they were always going to come back at us.”
Paxman said the side’s defensive effort was especially pleasing.
Greenvale vice-president John Brinkhuis said it was some of the best football the Jets had played all year.
“A few blokes really stood up for us. It was good to see the likes of Jake Thompson and Benny Clifton getting their hands on the football. That type of thing at half-forward is always good.”
Paxman said the Jets would treat this week’s game like any other, despite a finals berth being on the line.
“We will be trying to win and that’s all we can control, which has been the situation for the last four weeks.”
Paxman said it had been confirmed that McPhee wouldn’t return this season.
“It has been a fairly smooth transition, as coaching isn’t just about the senior coach.’’
