THE Nor-West Jets first grade team had been flying at full throttle until they lost to Campbelltown two weeks ago, and were unable to bounce back against the undefeated Wollondilly at the weekend.
The Jets went down 10.4-64 to 8.5-53 in AFL Sydney’s third grade competition, while the reserve grade side went down to UTS Bats 13.7-85 to 9.11-65 in the fifth division.
Jets coach Casey Wenselowski said the weekend’s performance was markedly better than the week one hiding Wollondilly handed out.
“For us it was an 8 to 9 goal turnaround from the first game against them which is a big positive to get a lot closer,” he said.
“We had a very solid first half. The game was seesawing. Both teams had some ball. We were lucky enough to take a one goal lead into half time.
“But in the 3rd quarter they outplayed us a bit. We weren't far off but we had a few errors in our skills and that cost us.”
The Jets were missing a handful of first graders, but Wenselowski refused to blame that for the loss, saying the Jets had chances to win the game but did not take them.
“It just comes down to when you have the football in hand not wasting your opportunities,” he said.
“In the end two goals [the winning margin] isn't a lot. So hopefully there are a few things we can focus on over the next few weeks and hopefully the next time we play them we're up to a higher standard.
“Wollondilly are a good side and they took their opportunities and they deserved to win in the end.”
Wenselowski said Aaron Bayne was terrific in the mid-field, as was ruckman Patrick Brennan.
“Aaron had a dominant game playing at half back,” he said.
“Dean Jones through the mid-field offered a lot of run through the midfield and a lot of pace, he took the game on and worked hard all game.
“Patrick stepped up into the ruck role last week with a few boys out and he did a good job and played a good game.”
The Jets face the winless East Coast at home this week.
Wenselowski said he thought his team should be able to win, but warned the team needed to work for it.
“We can't go in thinking it will be an easy. Our focus will be back this week at training on improving. We have to keep moving forward to beat these top sides,” he said.
The reserve grade side will host Pennant Hills on Saturday too.
The Jets then receive a week off thanks to the June long weekend, before a home double header to Holroyd-Parramatta.
The Jets dropped to fourth place on the ladder thanks to the loss, but have a two game lead over fifth placed Penrith, which means for now they are in finals contention.
