NAB League 2021: Western Jets beat Calder Cannons as Cody Raak fires

Western Jets started their NAB League campaign with a thrilling win as defender Cody Raak produced a best-afield performance.

Kyle Borg and Harrison White celebrate a goal for the Jets. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Western Jets survived a fightback from Calder Cannons to register a narrow victory in a tense NAB League season opener on Saturday with top prospect Cody Raak delivering a standout display.

The Jets led by 23 points at the main break after booting five goals to one in the first half at Craigieburn’s Highgate Reserve.

The visitors were restricted to one major in the second half, but prevailed by three points, 6.6 (42) to 5.9 (39) in the first official match since 2019 in the state’s elite underage competition.

“I thought our first half was terrific. The boys looked slick, looked on and put into practice a lot of things that they’d be training,” Jets talent manager Luke Williams said.

“I was really happy for them that they clicked from the start of the game.

“Obviously to Calder’s credit, they regrouped and made it the game we expected. There were no surprises there with their comeback.

“Still plenty of things to work on, but all in all it was a good day for the club and the league.”

The Jets’ Nathan Dowdy and Calder’s Riley Mason battle for possession. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Next Generation Academy member Raak, who trained with the Western Bulldogs this year, was best afield.

The 18-year-old Caroline Springs product racked up 31 disposals in defence, showcasing his ability to intercept mark and read the play.

“He was very reliable in defence,” Williams said.

“Cody and the defenders as a whole took it upon themselves to back themselves in, read the play and play with a bit more flair.

“He typified that with having that many disposals and intercept marks.

“It was a fantastic performance, and he used the ball really well by foot as well. It was great for him to show all of his attributes in the first game.”

Raak has relished his move to the backline as he looks to stake his claim for a spot at AFL level.

Williams said the 192cm Raak was earning the rewards of his hard labour.

“He played forward for Vic Metro as a 16-year-old and started as a forward with us,” he said.

“But that defensive post he’s playing now seems quite natural to him from when we moved him there in the middle of the 2019 season.”

Brodie Hicks sends the Jets forward. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Midfielders Harrison White and Liam Conway also impressed for the Jets after undertaking training with VFL clubs in recent months.

White, who has endured a wretched run of shoulder complaints, exhibited his pace and helped set the tone in the opening half alongside Conway.

“I think what we saw (from White on Saturday) is what we’ve been hoping for for a few years, and he’d be relieved to have put in a performance like that at this level. He just hasn’t had the chance for a few years due to injury,” Williams sad.

“He’s an elite runner, too, so that’s going to help him throughout the year.”

Geelong Category B rookie Paul Tsapatolis, who has been given the green light to play for the Jets this season, was an important contributor in the ruck.

Massimo D’Ambrosio also fired across half-back after overcoming back stress fractures.

The Jets’ girls side suffered an 11-point loss to the Cannons, 5.2 (32) to 2.9 (21).

Ciara Singleton, Charlotte Baskaran and Montana Ham led the way for the losing side.