NAB League: Western Jets overcome Calder Cannons behind Jovan Petric

A pre-game injury and tactical reshuffle helped a Western Jets forward to a bag as a midfielder produce his “best game” in a big win over Calder.

The Western Jets have found a weapon sitting right under its nose.

An injury in the warm up before Saturday’s game against rivals the Calder Cannons meant coach Robbie Chancellor was forced into a reshuffle on his line-up.

It paid huge dividends for Jovan Petric.

Usually played as a back up ruckman, the Keilor product was used as a stay at home forward as he finished with 4.3 in his side’s 12.13 (85) to 6.12 (48) win at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

Petric’s performance which also included 10 disposals came just one day shy of his 18th birthday.

Chancellor said he was pleased with how well Petric adapted to his new role.

“He was our deepest forward and to have seven scoring shots in a game is a massive effort,” he said.

“Jovan has shown some really good form in the last couple of games, kicking a goal in the opening two rounds, but I thought he took it to another level on Saturday.

“It’s always nice when our boys can show off all aspects of their game.”

Jovan Petric kicked four goals for the Jets. Photo: AFL Photos/Getty Images.

Midfielder Jake Whybrow produced his “best game at NAB League level” according to Chancellor after he finished with 21 disposals and eight tackles in his side’s big win.

Massimo D’Ambrossio (31 disposals), Adam Azzopardi (21), Jaelen Pavlidis (20) and Ethan Di Battista (19) were among the Jets other major ball winners.

“I thought Jake set the tone for us with his physicality and pressure around the footy,” he said.

“I think we had fantastic contributors across the field throughout the day which is something we have to rely on.

“Our focus heading into the game was limiting Calder could mark the footy and I thought we forced them sideways a lot. They’re a side who likes to move it by foot and I thought we did a good job of forcing them into things they didn’t like.

“I was really proud of how our boys executed the game plan.”

Jets players celebrate their win. Photo: AFL Photos/Getty Images.

Chancellor’s side had four debutantes on Saturday with Ned Conway (Williamstown CYMS), Darby Scott (Aberfeldie) and Darcy Weeks (Keilor) all named in the initial side on Thursday.

Ruckman Aidan Williams, of Williamstown CYMS), earned a call up after the injury in the warm up.

“I thought all the boys came in and did well,” Chancellor said.

“Ned played well and is a clean footballer. Weeks is a smart and clever player who enjoyed a fantastic game on the wing and we used Aidan as our back up ruck.

“Scott was actually playing against his former team and has some NAB League experience and we’ve been happy with what he’s brought into our program.”

Ned Conway made his Western Jets debut. Photo: AFL Photos/Getty Images.

The game also saw the two sides where heritage jumpers which celebrated 30 years of the Western Jets.

Chancellor said he was a “big fan” of the idea.

The Jets will look to continue their winning run against the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday in a game which will be live streamed on the Herald Sun website.

Meanwhile Calder will look to bounce back against Oakleigh.