The Northern Jets are set to embrace the finals atmosphere at Ardlethan on Saturday in one of the club’s most important home games in years.
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The Jets will take on reigning remiers, East Wagga-Kooringal, with the winner to finish fifth and earn a shot at The Rock-Yerong Creek in next week’s elimination final.
Not even a draw will do, with the Hawks currently holding down fifth by less than one percentage point.
“We’re basically calling it a home final for us, our finals starts a week early,” Jets coach Mitch Robinson said.
“It’s do-or-die. We’re excited. It’d be good reward for effort to make the finals and we’re full of confidence.”
Robinson said they won’t underestimate the Hawks, who have plenty of finals experience – and particularly with coach Gavin McMahon’s imminent departure.
But they could take some heart from a loss to league leaders Marrar last week, after enjoying their share of opportunities but failing to convert them into points.
They’ve had a blow in the build-up though, with exciting forward Jeromy Lucas unavailable due to a call up to represent the GWS Giants reserves.
And the Jets won’t begrudge the rising star his opportunity in the North East Australian Football League (NEAFL).
“It’s his junior club, he wants to play footy here but they’ve got to take the opportunities they’re presented with,” Robinson said.
“And you want to see them go there. This is only his second game (for GWS). His first game, he kicked three goals and it looked pretty special some of the footage I’ve seen.”
But Robinson admitted the loss of reliable backman Luke McLoughlin is a blow, and Jade Curtis (suspended) is also missing.
However, the Jets have made a season out of defying expectations, relying on full team efforts and their ability to move the ball quickly and run opposition sides off their feet.
Connor Donoghue and Sam Robinson come in. While Andrew Bonny’s late season return has added some height and 200-plus games of experience.
“He’s been great, just his leadership on the field,” Robinson said.
“He’s very passionate about footy and the footy club, and he’s taken a bit of weight off (ruckman) Aidan Cattle’s shoulders too, which is good.
“It’ll be a great game out there, I think.”