NAB League 2021: Western Jets squad full of top prospects

Western Jets coach Robbie Chancellor discusses the club’s top prospects as one player prepares for her first game since 2018 in the season opener.

Montana Ham is one of Western Jets’ top talents. Picture: Getty Images

Western Jets may lack some experience as they build for the future but the club is not short of top prospects ahead of the NAB League Girls season.

The Jets face Eastern Ranges when Victoria’s elite underage competition kicks off on Saturday, and new coach Robbie Chancellor will be imploring his players to showcase their running ability.

“I’ve really encouraged the girls to take the game on with that and back themselves to use their legs and if they’ve got space in front of them, I want to see them running,” Chancellor said.

“We’ll definitely try to play to our strengths. We’re not blessed with a lot of height in our team and that’s not to say our girls aren’t capable in the air, but we’ll probably look to play a more ground ball, running game.

“We’re fortunate we’ve got some good senior players, but we’ve really got some great young, up-and-coming girls from the Western Region (Football League) in the squad.

“There are even a few who are too young to get picked who have been training really well. That’s really exciting for the future.”

Keilor junior Montana Ham is already one of the Jets’ standout AFLW hopefuls despite not being eligible for the top competition until next year.

The athletic Ham, who turns 17 next month, stands 180cm and can play multiple positions but is likely to spend most of her time in the midfield this season.

“The way she reads the game, how clean she is with her hands, the way she kicks the ball, I’ve been super impressed with her,” Chancellor said.

“She’s a real talent and certainly someone I’m looking forward to seeing play in a competitive environment. I think that will just bring the best out of her.”

Jemima Woods (Bacchus Marsh) and Caitlin Sargent (Caroline Springs) are tipped to be on AFLW draft radars this season.

Chancellor said Woods “went to another level” in the Jets’ intraclub match in an encouraging sign for the coming months.

“Her athleticism for her size, she’s very agile and quick off the mark. She’s been really impressive,” Chancellor said.

“Sarge is probably more your silky, laconic looking footballer, but she reads the game really well. She’s got the best hands in our group probably I’d say and certainly knows how to run from contest to contest to get the ball. She’s got that football nous.”

Nikita Wright (Hillside) recently secured a spot on Western Bulldogs’ VFLW list but could be available for the Jets this year, while Marli Klaumanns-Moller (Werribee Centrals) is training with North Melbourne’s state league squad and will look to be in line for selection at the next level later in 2021.

Leah Spargo (Keilor) will take to the field for the first time since 2018 against the Ranges at Kilsyth Reserve in what promises to be a feel-good moment.

Western Jets player Leah Spargo (middle) enjoys a laugh during NAB League testing. Picture: AFL Victoria

Spargo, 19, is a much-loved figure at the Jets and has been a member of the leadership group in recent seasons, with her return highly-anticipated after the 2020 campaign was cancelled after three rounds.

“It’s a fantastic story,” Chancellor said.

“Obviously that type of injury, particularly for a young athlete, is a big ordeal to go through.

“To see her come to day one of training at the start of November last year, then put in a strong pre-season, get through it all and tick every box and be ready to play on Saturday, I’m really happy for her.

“Sometimes those injuries can go one of two ways at this age, but she’s applied herself really well and given herself every opportunity to have a strong year.”

Chancellor said he was excited his players had the opportunity to take part in official matches again.

“It’s as much a celebration of being back together playing a game than it is anything else,” he said.

“Obviously you always want to win when you play, but there’s probably a bigger story this weekend and just having footy back for these girls is probably the main thing.”

Western Jets squad: Charlotte Baskaran (Aberfeldie), Sienna Cutajar (Williamstown Juniors), Camryn Tyrrell (Werribee Districts), Trinity Skenderis (Essendon Doutta Stars), Hayley Baber (Altona), Jasmine Farrugia (Spotswood), Annie Gray (Hillside), Paige Ryan (Point Cook), Paige Trajkovski (Spotswood), Stephanie Asciak (Caroline Springs), Maddison Tsaloumas (Altona), Kiera Whiley (Caroline Springs), Sierra Grieves (Yarraville-Seddon), Ella Tyson (Melton Centrals), Lou-Lou Field (Werribee Districts), Isabel Choate (Spotswood), Olivia Forsythe (Hillside), Kristie-Lee Weston – Turner (Spotswood), Nyanthier Malual (Werribee Centrals), Kensley Ward (Werribee Districts), Giselle Lambley (Kew Rovers), Laura Elliott (Point Cook Centrals), Nicole Besnard (Melton Centrals), Macy Vicino (Williamstown Juniors), Caitlin Sargent (Caroline Springs), Leah Spargo (Keilor), Kiera Leare (Hillside), Nikita Wright (Hillside), Marili Klaumanns-Moller (Werribee Centrals), Ava Strathairn (Altona), Kym Bays (Point Cook), Kasey Maddock (Spotswood), Sarah Grunden (Keilor), Alana Anthony (Altona), Montana Ham (Keilor), Najet Ajaimy (Keilor), Emma Kiely (Spotswood), Ciara Singleton (Altona), Jemima Woods (Bacchus Marsh), Kate Maxwell (Moonee Valley), Sarah Golding (Werribee Districts), Eva Lavanda (Darley), Krystal Russell (Yarraville-Seddon), Mariam Kadour (Spotswood)