NAB League 2019: Sons of AFL stars fire in Western Jets’ victory

Sydney premiership player Ryan O’Keefe led Western Jets to victory in his first game in the top job as the sons of two former AFL players shone in their team’s come-from-behind win.

Ryan O’Keefe enjoyed a win in his first game in charge at Western Jets. Picture: Sarah Matray

Sydney premiership player Ryan O’Keefe led Western Jets to victory in his first game in the top job on Sunday as the sons of two former AFL players shone in their team’s come-from-behind win over Northern Knights.

The Jets claimed a seven-point triumph in their NAB League season opener, 12.8 (80) to 11.7 (73), after trailing by three goals at the final break.

FATHER-SON PROSPECTS TO WATCH IN THE NAB LEAGUE

DRAFT YOUNG GUNS TO WATCH IN THE NAB LEAGUE

They piled on six goals to two in a withering last-quarter burst at IKON Park to secure the four points.

Defender Josh Kellett, son of former Western Bulldogs wingman Nigel, was named the best player for the winning side after gathering 11 disposals.

Josh Kellett starred for the Jets in the season opener. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Archi Manton, son of ex-Carlton and Essendon backman Glenn, booted three goals from nine possessions and five marks at the other end of the ground.

While O’Keefe said “it’s only early days” for the talented teenagers, he was pleased they were rewarded for their hard labour over the summer months.

“Kellett has been really good. He’s been playing down back this year and his ball use and decision-making down there has been fantastic,” O’Keefe said.

“Manton was really effective and made a really good impact up forward, just with his contest stuff.

“He hit the scoreboard with three goals…but he just looked dangerous every time the ball went deep inside 50.

“It’s only early days, but both of them have had a really good summer, trained really well and it’s no surprise when you put in a good pre-season, you carry some form into the season. Both of them have done that.”

It's all smiles around the boys of the Western Jets as they clawed their way to victory over the Northern Knights in Round 1 of the NAB League. Go Jets. #NABLeague pic.twitter.com/g4LAZxUhEL

— Western Jets (@WesternJetsFC) March 24, 2019

O’Keefe also heaped praise on midfielders Bailey Ryan (19 possessions) and Josh Honey (15 disposals and six marks).

O’Keefe said a “swirly” breeze at the ground made for an unattractive contest at times.

But he added it did favour the Knights in the final term, making the win all the more meritorious.

The Jets were beaten in the contested ball during the second and third quarters before taking control when it mattered most.

“To come back in the last quarter showed some really good character and determination from the playing group,” O’Keefe said.

“We probably weren’t playing our best footy to be honest, and weren’t playing the way we wanted to play and producing our brand of footy, especially in the second and third quarters.

“But for them just to get back to the way we wanted to play, it was more about the basics and executing them well and getting the ball forward.

“We were able to kick some goals, with a couple of our bigger guys really stepping up down there and causing a little bit of displeasure for the opposition.”

The Jets will meet Eastern Ranges at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday.