Recap

OAKLEIGH Chargers’ hat-trick hopes were thrown an opening round curveball when last year’s easy-beats the Western Jets showed they had what it took to topple the two-time reigning premiers. WIth a reinvigorated forward set-up and a rapid-fast, risktaking approach, the Jets entertained the fans who braved overcast conditions to attend the first round match at Ikon Park.

Among the top players were the Jets’ Mickey Nicholls, who with Daniel Venables impressed while for the Chargers, Patrick Kerr put his hand up as one of the top forward prospects in the TAC Cup with a four-goal haul in the loss. Western Jets managed just the two wins last year, finishing about the Bendigo Pioneers by percentage from the bottom of the TAC Cup ladder. On Saturday, the Jets looked far from a side that was unable to compete against the best last year, with a 37-point turn around from three quarter time to secure the four points.