NAB League Girls: Western Jets prepare for first finals series

The Western Jets have already smashed their previous best NAB League Girls season with coach Robbie Chancellor opening up on why it’s been able to happen.

The Western Jets’ Girls side has already enjoyed a record breaking NAB League Girls season.

But they still have so much to play for with a metro conference semi-final against Eastern Ranges at La Trobe University in Bundoora on Friday night at 7.30pm.

The Jets qualified after finishing top of the conference with a record of eight wins and one loss.

They have not lost since the opening round when they went down to the Tasmania Devils.

Coach Robbie Chancellor said the team’s form had all come back to the end of the 2021 season.

“The girls were pretty disappointed only winning three games last season because we knew we had a really talented group,” he said on Thursday.

“But to their credit they’ve gone and worked on their game to give themselves a chance of playing finals footy.

“It was our goal to play finals and I’m thrilled we’ve been able to achieve it but we want more.

“We’ve added things to our game each week but I think what stands out most is how well we have played as a collective.

“It’s been a point of difference for us this year.”

Charlotte Baskaran returned for the Jets at the weekend. Photo: AFL Photos.

The Jets got the better of Ranges by 27 points at the weekend with the two sides meeting in the final round of the home and away season.

Vic Metro representatives Charlotte Baskaran (29 disposals and a goal) and Montana Ham (28 disposals) led the way in an ominous warning to rival teams.

But Chancellor insists Friday night will be a different game.

“Finals footy is a different kettle of fish,” he said.

“Last weekend has given the playing group a lot of confidence but there’s so many different factors including nerves which need to be taken into account.

“Both teams have got fantastic players so it should be a really good game.”

Montana Ham will be the key for the Jets. Photo: AFL Photos/Getty Images.

Friday night will be the start of a busy weekend for Chancellor personally with the NAB League Boys season also set to kick off this weekend.

The Jets will take on the Brisbane Lions at RAMS Arena on Saturday.

“We had a triple header last weekend which included our girls, under 17 boys and an under 19s practice match so I’ve had a little bit of practice,” he said.

“It’s obviously challenging because you want to give every player and team every minute that you possibly can.

“But I’m very lucky to have great support around me which makes my role a lot easier.”