EDFL Division 2: Jacana is taking big steps forward in 2022
After consistently conceding 50 goals in a game last year, Jacana has taken massive steps forward in 2022. But none were bigger than on Saturday.
Essendon
Don't miss out on the headlines from Essendon. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The scoreboard isn’t telling the full story of Jacana’s improvement in 2022.
Despite still losing by triple figures in all five games so far, the Jags are a considerably much tougher opposition for other EDFL Division 2 clubs.
Their average losing margin so far this year is 216 points, down from 262 in the 2021 Covid shortened season which saw 11 games played.
Last year, the club conceded more than 50 goals on three occasions and 49 majors in another game against Burnside Heights.
Although they did concede 303 points against Oak Park in round 2 this season.
To see just how far the Jags have come in the last 12 to 18 months, you just need to compare their last two results against Burnside, who they played at the weekend.
Last year they lost by 295 points as Josh Covelli booted an astounding 19 goals.
On Saturday, they lost 23.23 (159) to 3.7 (25) with no opposition player kicking more than four goals.
Jacana coach Glenn McIntyre, who is again playing this season, said he was pleased to see the terrific sign of progress from the weekend.
“The scoreboard is a bit of a barometer for us,” he said.
“We’ve been able to peg it back this season which has been a step in the right direction. We still don’t want to see those massive margins against us but I feel like we’re getting better every week.”
The biggest sign of progress came in the game’s second quarter with the Jags winning the term 2.4 to 2.2.
It was the first quarter they had won since the club had come out of recess.
They also managed to achieve it with co-captains Corey McCawley and Bryce Dodge sidelined.
Vice-captain Dean Weaver was also unavailable.
“It’s all about us having those little wins,” McIntyre said.
“I told the boys how proud of them I was at halftime because it was a fantastic effort.
“We came thinking we were still a chance, especially with the conditions.
“It was unfortunate we didn’t score another goal in the second half.”
Brad Cohen, Burak Diler and Ryan Vanderpol were the Jags’ goalkickers on the day.
So far this season, the Jaguars have had 41 different players run out in club colours.
Saturday’s team had 14 players 21 or younger and also included two 17-year-olds.
But McIntyre says the club is hoping to continue attract more players heading int0 2023.
“We’ve got a squad of about 35 at the moment which is the number we had all pre-season,” he said.
“We managed to recruit well from some Premier Division clubs with guys who might have been looking for more opportunities.
“Being able to show improvements in our results is only going to help us attract new people.”
With his side continuing to improve every week, McIntyre pinpointed one area of development for his side in the coming weeks.
“We’re aiming to stay in games for longer,” he said.
“We worked on our fitness during pre-season and it’s certainly better than last year.
“In the first quarter on Saturday it was two goals to our one at the 22-minute mark of the first quarter then Burnside kicked three before the siren went.
“Closing out quarters is something we will continue to get better at.”
Jacana will host Hadfield this weekend.
Ranked: The ex-AFL players who lit up local footy this year
From the bush to the ‘burbs, former AFL players thrilled local football crowds across all corners of the state this year. We’ve named the best – and ranked the top 15. See who heads the list.
Every signing of the EDFL off-season
The EDFL off-season has only just started but some clubs have already well and truly started making moves for 2025. Keep up to date with every signing in our signing tracker.