TAC Cup 2018: Midfielder Connor Thar stars in Western Jets win over Eastern Ranges

A SCINTILLATING display from in-form midfielder Connor Thar helped Western Jets qualify for the TAC Cup finals after a 38-point win over Eastern Ranges.

Connor Thar racks up another stat for Western Jets on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

A SCINTILLATING display from in-form midfielder Connor Thar helped Western Jets qualify for the TAC Cup finals after a 38-point win over Eastern Ranges on Sunday.

Thar gathered 35 disposals in the cutthroat wildcard game as the Jets piled on nine goals to one in the second half to prevail 12.12 (84) to 7.4 (46).

The Jets will take on Oakleigh Chargers in the opening week of finals after finishing the home-and-away rounds in sixth spot.

The ever-consistent Thar has been named in his team’s best three players in his past nine matches.

Western Jets’ Jack Watkins fires off a handball. Picture: Getty Images

“His last 10 weeks have been out and out superb,” Jets coach Torin Baker said of Thar.

“He was again our standout player on the ground.

“His numbers are pretty impressive. He’s consistently a 30-plus man.

“But the thing is he’s having so much damage forward now as well, whether it’s his inside-50 kicking or converting himself.

“He’s just got such confidence. His composure with ball in hand is a standout feature in his game.”

Darcy Cassar gathers the ball for Western Jets. Picture: Getty Images

Skipper Xavier O’Halloran starred in midfield, Spencer Johnson was influential in defence in the second half and Emerson Jeka bagged three majors.

The Jets trailed by 16 points at the main break before dominating all over the ground after halftime.

“Credit to Eastern for the way they started the game,” Baker said.

“Just their stoppage work and the way they controlled the ball in the first quarter was really strong.

“But equal credit to our boys for just being able to turn the tables in the way the game was being played, and then the second half was very good.

“We had a lot of boys stand up in that third quarter to get the team going.”

Josh Honey sends Western Jets into attack. Getty Images

Baker backed the wildcard concept with the top-four clubs automatically qualifying for finals, while the bottom eight played off for the last four positions.

All finals fixtures are sudden-death matches.

“If we won the game we lost against Northern by a goal (in Round 15), we would have finished top four,” Baker said.

“But then you don’t get the opportunity to play this week, which is a development opportunity in itself and an opportunity to showcase your footy.

“It’s just good for a lot of players to have that experience.”