NAB League: Massimo D‘Ambrossio, Jaelen Pavlidis to star for the Western Jets

Two Point Cook talents have been tipped for massive seasons with the Western Jets as the coach breaks down some of his team’s most exciting players.

A young gun with one of the coolest names in NAB League footy is shaping as a “special” player according to Western Jets coach Robbie Chancellor.

Point Cook product Massimo D‘Ambrossio looks set to explode this season for the Jets after a “big pre-season” where he put several injury issues behind him.

The 18-year-old battled stress fractures in his back in 2019 before Covid interruptions and further injuries ruined his chances to stake his claim during his AFL Draft year.

But now Chancellor believes as a over-age prospect, D’Ambrossio looms as an exciting talent.

“He’s a special player and someone we’ve seen work really hard to get his body in the right shape,” he said.

“Throughout pre-season he’s been a really hard work and is very classy with the ball in his hand.

“Mass debuted for Richmond’s VFL team on the weekend and I thought he had a solid game.

“But we’re excited to have him back for the first three or four games with us now.”

Massimo D‘Ambrossio is looking to put his injury woes behind him. Photo: AFL Photos.

Chancellor said he expected fellow 19-year-old prospect, Jaelen Pavlidis, to also have a strong season describing him as a “smooth mover”.

Of those entering their draft year, Point Cook defender Cameron Kizan is arguably drawing the most attention.

He is a halfback flanker who is able to break the game open with his fantastic foot skills.

“One of the best parts about his game is that he’s also a really good defender which isn’t something you typically seeing in guys who play that position,” Chancellor said.

Jackson McMenamin is an interesting prospect. Photo: AFL Photos.)

State high jumper James McMenamin also looms an interesting proposition for the Jets after impressing throughout pre-season.

“He’s still building into his body but James is athletically gifted,” Chancellor said.

“We’ll predominantly use him as a key forward and we’re excited to watch his development throughout the season.

“As is the case with all the boys it’s about improving every week and I expect them to be playing their best footy in the second half of the season.”

The Jets open their season against the Brisbane Lions Academy at RAMS Arena on Sunday.

WESTERN JETS 2022 PLAYING LIST

Cooper Parsons-Jones, Darley

Hunter Staples, Fitzroy

Navi Singh, Williamstown CYMS

Alex Tsia, Hillside

Lucas Edmonds, St. Bernards

Matthew Payne, Spotswood

Lachlan Green, Yarraville/ Seddon

Diesel Moloney, Point Cook

Tom Rowland, Altona

Zane Greenham, St. Kevins OB

Cooper Langan, North Shore

Jaelen Pavlidis, Werribee Districts

Harry Miller, Williamstown CYMS

Noah Higgins, Old Haileybury

Cameron Kizan, Point Cook

Jake Whybrow, Williamstown CYMS

Ben Mazziol, Keilor

Billy Kolyniuk, Point Cook

Jarrod Bibby, Melton South

Josh Kuppen, Point Cook

Ned Conway, Williamstown CYMS

Brodie Hicks, Altona

Ethan Di Battista, Werribee Districts

Adam Azzopardi, Darley

Campbell Waddell, Point Cook

Jhett Gaskett, Keilor

Massimo D‘Ambrossio, Point Cook

Tarkyn Findlay, Point Cook Centrals

Lachlan Smith, Werribee Districts

Darby Scott, Aberfeldie

Darcy Weeks, Keilor

Kobe Long, Keilor

James Allan, Werribee Districts

Jai Lever, Point Cook

Jackson McMenamin, Hillside

Joel Freeman, Bacchus Marsh

Jack Bonnett, Werribee Districts

Luikman Haddara, Hoppers Crossing

Jye Formosa, Altona

Jack Fletcher, Werribee Districts

Jovan Petric, Keilor

Aidan Williams, Williamstown CYMS

Zayne Galea, Williamstown CYMS

William Kliszewski, Yarraville/ Seddon

Nathan Dowdy, Melton

Max Pritchard, Point Cook Centrals

Bronte Campbell, Maribyrnong Park

Logan Morris, Werribee Districts