Local Jets soar

By Lachlan Ellis

The Western Jets have won their first ever premiership, and two local teens are revelling in their breakthrough victory.

Tamara Henry and Ella Tyson both 16-year-olds, played in the Darley Devils U18s last year, and are now among the first premiership medallists in the Jets’ 30-year history, with the win marking the first trophy for any Jets side, Boys or Girls.

Taking to the ground at Avalon Airport Oval in Werribee at 7:10 pm on Friday 8 April, there was a mix of confidence and nerves around the team.

The Jets Girls dropped just one game all season – a 31-point loss to the Tasmania Devils at the start of their season – before winning nine straight matches on their way to the Grand Final.

But despite the confidence that comes from a near-perfect season, the side the Jets faced, the Dandenong Stingrays, had a perfect season – claiming the minor premiership with a 10-0 campaign.

The Jets emerged 1 point ahead at quarter time, but the Stingrays came out firing in the second quarter, keeping the Jets scoreless for the quarter while kicking three goals and five behinds.

At the main break, the margin stood at an imposing 22 points in the minor premiers’ favour.

Tamara Henry said the team didn’t let the half time deficit get them down too much, and were ready to strike in the second half.

“The Stingrays were very dominant in the first half, so our coaches wanted us to throw the first punch, and get the first couple goals in the second half, which we did,” Ms Henry told the Moorabool News.