WESTERN Jets have chalked up their ninth win on the bounce, overcoming a slow start to defeat Eastern Ranges by 11 points in their Round 21 clash at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday. The visitors led at the first two breaks, only for Western to soar into the lead with five goals to one in a decisive third quarter.

Five of the Jets’ six goalkickers snared multiples, led by three from explosive bottom-age prospect Griffin Barker. Among the handful of players to tie for a game-high 25 disposals were recent Vic Metro teammates Lachlan Hicks and Jordan Knapp, leading their respective teams in midfield.

We took note of the top prospects from either side.

WESTERN JETS 1.4 | 5.8 | 10.13 | 12.13 (85)
EASTERN RANGES 3.2 | 6.4 | 7.9 | 10.14 (74)

GOALS:
Western Jets: G. Barker 3, L. Hicks 2, Z. Weis 2, K. Hawli 2, S. Juricskay 2, K. Williams
Eastern Ranges: J. Lawrence 2, M. Bartlett, S. Devers, M. Gillan, J. Knapp, J. Lewis, B. McMillan, R. Shalders, B. Sruk

BEST:
Western Jets: B. Wigmore, G. Barker, L. Hicks, K. Williams, K. Hawli
Eastern Ranges: B. Sruk, J. Knapp, M. Krasnadamskis, H. Chapman, M. Gillan

WESTERN JETS:

#9 Lachlan Hicks
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 19/01/2008

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 7 clearances, 2 goals

Hicks steadily balanced his forward and midfield roles throughout. He relied on his strong hands and contest craft when playing forward, which allowed him to forge shots inside 50; Hicks could have ended up with a bag of goals to his name. The tough on-baller flew for marks all day, regardless of difficulty or potential for injury. 

#10 Griffin Barker
Midfielder | 186cm | 13/08/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 clearances, 8 inside 50s, 3 goals

The precocious 16-year-old was off to a busy start with a couple of eye-catching clearances. Barker continued to impress; he often took the fastest route to the forwardline, normally directly at goal and taking a couple of bounces along the way. He kicked two cracking goals on the run and was generally damaging by foot. 

#17 Billy Wigmore
Defender | 188cm | 29/03/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 10 marks, 3 tackles

The tenacious defender played the ideal interceptor’s game. Wigmore was brilliant aerially, claiming many contested marks, including a hanger late in the first term. He was also effective at ground level, applying secure tackles and swiftly pouncing on loose ball. His defensive efforts directly prevented the Ranges from further scoring. 

#21 Kobe Williams
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 30/10/2007

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

One of the Jets’ most bankable members, Williams spent time inside forward 50 but didn’t let that impact his possession tally. The big-bodied and versatile utility collected most of his possessions forward of centre. He did most of his work by hand, normally with great efficiency.

EASTERN RANGES:

#2 Baxter Sruk
Midfielder | 181cm | 18/07/2009

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 marks, 4 clearances, 1 goal

Sruk is already making a strong case for pick one next year. He created time and space for teammates by absorbing pressure and brushing off tackles at the coal face. In general play, he linked up by hands and worked hard to provide overlap run. It was a typically strong performance by the powerful youngster who already looks like a senior footballer. 

#7 Jordan Knapp
Midfielder | 179cm | 05/01/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 7 marks, 7 clearances, 1 goal

Knapp used his burst of speed to create separation from his opposition and hit each contest with the necessary ferocity. He served as a connector through the middle of the ground and managed to hold his own in marking contests. In the third term, he kicked one of the many stoppage goals on the run. 

#8 Archie Spencer
Defender/Midfielder | 181cm | 24/03/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 8 marks, 3 clearances

Spencer showed composure playing off half-back and on-ball. He used his strong core to stand up in tackles; the extra time his strength afforded him meant he always made the right call or found his target. His ball use was also exceptionally tidy all afternoon. 

#16 Harrison Chapman
Midfielder | 189cm | 06/01/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 10 marks, 6 inside 50s

The wiry midfielder relied on his running power to get to as many contests as possible, and was successful in finding himself in the thick of it. When playing on the inside, he was able to escape congestion with his loping stride and was hard to lay a glove on at stoppages. He demonstrated his pinpoint passing when delivering the ball centrally, which usually led to a deep forward entry. 

#21 Thomas Krawczyk
Defender | 180cm | 05/07/2009

Stats: 25 disposals, 13 marks, 4 rebound 50s

Another of Ranges’ impressive bottom-agers, Krawczyk once again took the kick-outs and delivered short, precise passes out of the defensive 50. He read the ball well when the opposition attacked the defensive 50, occasionally peeling off for a simple intercept. The small backman remained an effective distributor when he periodically moved up the ground.