UNDEFEATED East Wagga-Kooringal coach Gavin McMahon conceded that the Northern Jets’ threat to overthrow them has every chance of unfolding at Robinson Oval on Saturday.
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A week ago Jets coach Darren Jackson told The Daily Advertiser, “if we come off with a real good win [against CSU] don't be surprised if we beat East Wagga.”
The Jets polished off CSU with a convincing 95 point victory, and Jackson stands by his bold words.
“We’ve got nothing to lose, we’ll be throwing everything at them,” he said.
“Bear in mind, Wagga are a great side but at some stage they might have a bad game.”
McMahon praised Jackson for his courage and confirmed that while the Hawks are undefeated, they’re not invincible.
“I think it’s fantastic that a coach is showing some real confidence in his players,” McMahon said.
“Any team can beat you, I tend to agree with him.
“If we don't show up, show 110 per cent effort, 100 per cent execution, they’re in with a chance.”
The Jets will bring a full-strength team to settle a round seven grudge.
Jackson claims they were on track for a win over the Hawks, but two key injuries in the fourth quarter crushed the opportunity.
Key players have recovered and armed with Player of the Year contenders Sam Fisher (onballer) and Chris Bell (ruck rover), Declan O’Rourke who has made the best player list each week, and 2014 Best and Fairest Dane Keenes, the Jets certainly aren’t lacking in talent.
Jackson will play around with the structure to keep the opposition guessing.
“Aiden Cattle has made a big difference to us in the ruck, it frees up Andrew Bonny to play centre half forward or centre half back,” Jackson said.
Jackson will divide a lucrative partnership upfront in Marcus Jackson and Mick Foster, for the sake of effective defence, throwing Jackson into the back line.
“With good-running players like Mitch Maguire, Jack Fisher and Dane Keenes, that’ll free up the other blokes.”
McMahon’s keeping his cards close to his chest; equipped with a full squad and then some, his selection depends on efforts at the Hawks final training session (after deadline Thursday night).
“We have 27 or 28 players vying for those 21 spots, sometimes it comes down to who trains better in the lead up,” he said.
The result could seal the Jets’ Farrer League finals fate as Marrar, Coleambally and the Jets remain in contention for fifth spot.
“If we cant put up a good show we don’t deserve to be there [in the finals] anyway,” Jackson said.
