Northern Jets coach Mitch Haddrill paid tribute to two club legends on Saturday after Chris Bell and Ben Prentice helped set up an important third win of the season, in their 250th senior games for the club.
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Bell, in particular, played a vital role in the midfield against Coleambally as the Jets claimed an important win at Ardlethan.
The 14.6 (90) to 9.22 (76) result tightened their hold on fifth spot, two wins clear of The Rock-Yerong Creek, Charles Sturt University and the Blues.
"It was good to get the win for Belly and Buttsy," Haddrill said.
"Obviously we needed to win for where we are on the ladder but it was that little bit of extra motivation.
"Belly wound back the clock, he was really good, he's been good all year and he was great today.
"And Buttsy did his job for us, as he does every week."
Despite losing Lenny Haddrill for the season last week, which added to the responsibility on Bell, the Jets left little to chance with seven goals in the first quarter, on the way to a 24-point lead by half-time, to set up victory.
Jets' straight kicking helped as the Blues finished well but were paying the price for inaccuracy.
"They seemed to have their ball in their forward half and in their hands for most of the last quarter but we managed to hang on," Haddrill said.
"We're sitting three-and-three now so that's not too bad a start. Hopefully we can carry some momentum from this week into next and start to pile a few wins on."
Forward Matt Wallis kept the scoreboard ticking over while, on a day of recognition for club stalwarts, young Jets Hamish Gaynor and Henry Grinter contributed plenty along with Ben Grinter stepping up out of the under 17s.
"Ben played his first first grade game and played really well," Haddrill said.
"I was really impressed with him. We moved him around and he spent time at either end. He's always played well in the juniors and the 17s and we gave him the opportunity and he stepped up."
Coleambally youngster Chris Hayes impressed for the Blues and kicked two goals, as did Curtis Steele, Dwayne Weetra and Charlie McAdam.
The Jets have another important game next week away to a desperate CSU, while Coleambally are at home to a Marrar side flying high after five straight wins.
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