WESTERN JETS 3.3 I 5.3 I 6.5 I 12.8 (80)
NORTHERN KNIGHTS 1.2 I 5.3 I 9.5 I 11.7 (73)
Goals: A. Manton 3, A. Clarke 2, L. Failli 2, E. Jeka, K. Borg, J. Honey, S. El-Hawli, E. Ford
In an absolute cliff-hanger, the Jets managed to snatch victory from the Knights in the last quarter. Northern put the pressure on all day but with a bit of luck and persistence, the Jets won by 7 points.
From the first bounce, the Western Jets were off to good start. Archi Manton had the honors of kicking the first goal of the season but the Knights quickly struck back with one of their own. The Jets responded through the first gamer Saad El-Hawli who's quick snap put the Jets in front. Manton would claim another six points in the dying minutes, giving the Jets a 13 point buffer to end the quarter.
The lead would not last as the Knights found another gear and hit the Jets hard in the second term. Northern dominated the hit-outs and their midfield took full advantage. Repeated inside 50's for the Knights saw them kick two unanswered goals. With Jets were eager to kill the opposition's momentum, Kyle Borg popped up 40 meters from goal to add to Western's tally. However, the Knights kept charging back, and although Emerson Jeka scored a goal late, Northern responded with two more to tie the game up at 33 points apiece.
Halftime the Jets had a chance to refuel their tanks and get ready for the premiership quarter. A slingshot from halfback gave Lucas Failli a gem for a quick snap at goal to give the Jets six-point point lead. Josh Kellett was on fire at this stage, winning a lot of ball and spoiling plenty of Northern marks. It was at the halfway point of the term when the game turned in its head. The Knights had geared up with new armor and withstood the Jets bombardment and then went to work on the scoreboard. They would kick four goals to the Jets one heading into the fourth quarter as confidence started to shift in the Northern direction.
The final act had the Jets on their feet, they had to battle back from a three-goal deficit and needed a goal fast. They got their wish with Josh Honey who blasted a goal off the burst to raise the spirits of his teammates. However, it was quickly silenced with a quick shot by Northern. The Knights would then pepper the forward entries but Western's defence held strong. Soon the Knights lost their adrenaline and the Jets fired up to counterattack. A flurry of goals saw the Jets hit back as if they were flying at mark-3. Aaron Clarke stood tall kicking back to back goals and then was quickly complemented by Eddie Ford and Manton who kicked his third of the day. The Knights were on the back foot and with only seconds left, it was Failli who drove the final nail into the coffin with a check-side goal to end the game.
Hero of the Day: Josh Kellett
The defender was superb at IKON Park. Most young backmen struggled in the strong Melbourne wind, but Kellett was impact in the air was huge, spiking them 20 meters into the grandstands at times. His work rate around the ground, as well as forward entries, made a real difference on Sunday's outcome, dpesite limited disposals.
Last Modified on 26/03/2019 12:21