AHEAD of a historic maiden NAB League Grand Final berth, Western Jets coach Robbie Chancellor says his girl’s side is “full of confidence”. Nine-straight wins will do that, and the Jets have put together a remarkable season – breaking records left and right.

The squad’s ongoing win streak smashed the previous club record of two, culminating thus far in Western’s first finals appearance, and first finals win – all within the girl’s realm. On Friday night in Werribee, the Jets will play off for the region’s first premiership since its inception.

Among the key pieces of Western’s puzzle are players who have been part of the program for several years. Speaking after his side’s preliminary final triumph over Eastern Ranges, Chancellor said the group’s achievements were a product of aspirations set at the end of last season.

“The group sat down at the end of last year, we were a bit disappointed with three wins and five losses with the group we had,” he said. “The girls said ‘no, we want to aim to make finals’ and they’ve certainly achieved that. “After another fantastic performance tonight we give ourselves the opportunity to make history for our program.”

The historic element of Western’s journey is not lost on Chancellor and his chargers. While he maintains the “one to go” mantra, the Jets mentor conceded the premiership dream is beginning to feel a lot more real now, and that the girls know “it’s okay to enjoy the success” they’ve had.

“We’ve got a chance to make history and part of the responsibility of girls coming through the NAB League is that the AFLW gets better every year, and these girls are going to go one further than the group before them,” Chancellor said.

“That’s been something that’s really motivated our group and I think we’ve certainly done that with some of the football we’ve played this year. “I’m really looking forward to how it stacks up on the big stage. (The preliminary final) was a physical game which we probably haven’t had too many of, but they were up for the fight and next week will be the same.”

Adapting to certain styles and methods has been a strength of Western’s play towards the pointy end of the season. As the Jets stole number one spot in the Metro ranks from Eastern, they showcased a level of maturity “beyond their years” according to Chancellor, responding to each challenge thrown their way.

“The ability for this group to adjust and adapt to different things within the game has been really impressive,” Chancellor said. “We’ve had to play a more combative game and (have been) able to do it. It’s a real credit to the group we’ve got and they’ll just do whatever it takes to win.

Part of the Jets’ winning mentality and actions have been the step-up in level of the team’s next tiers of talent. While skipper Charlotte Baskaran and star ball winner Montana Ham have grabbed many a headline, the team’s sense of identity as a whole has helped lift others in each third of the ground.

“We’ve focussed really hard on creating a brand of footy and building a bit of identity with how we play,” Chancellor said. “Our handball and our run, our urgency to defend, our fast feet at stoppages. I think the girls have real clarity on what we expect from them and that’s been a strength in our season.

“Some of our girls like Kate Maxwell and Najet Ajaimy, playing on the last line of defence well undersized compared to their opponents, but just finding a way to get it done. “While they might not blow up the stats sheet, those contests and moments are what helps you win games.

“The young brigade in Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner, Sierra Grieves, and Lou-Lou Field – it’s that next tier of players outside of the Metro crop that we expect it from that are really stepping up.

“We’ve had some outstanding performers, but when you got through our stats sheet at the end of games there’s a lot of girls chipping in. “That’ll be what we do again. “We’ll do a little bit of planning but not too much, we’ve just got to back in what we’ve been doing, we’ve won nine in a row, the girls are full of confidence.”

Having finished the regular season 9-1, the only thing standing in the way of Western’s fairytale finish is a fearsome Dandenong Stingrays outfit. The ‘Rays are undefeated this season and have proven the competition’s benchmark by a decent stretch. On Friday night at Avalon Airport Oval, the league’s best two teams will meet to find out just who is number one.