Tara Murray
Some of the Sunbury Jets young stars will get their chances in the Big V men’s championship division this season.
Under new coach John White, the Jets have looked to some of the talent within the club, while providing some experience around them.
White, who had been coaching the Jets’ women’s side, said he made a few changes to the squad.
“We are really looking forward to it,” he said. “We are pretty happy with how the group is doing.
“Coming into the men’s program gave me a little bit of an opportunity to change the feel of the group.
“Bring in some different personalities and athletes into the club. Give some junior kids something to aspire to.”
Ish Sanders is the biggest recruit for the Jets. The star in the Jets 2019 division 1 championship win, returns to the club where he has had so much success.
“He has picked up where he has left off,” White said. “I had lots of conversations with him and I’ve been able to sit back and watch him now.
“He’s still competitive and he hasn’t changed his ways. It’s a really good opportunity to work with him.”
Max Barkeley has come across from Camberwell Dragons. White said that he had taken his time to find his feet, but needs to play at this level.
A second import, Gerald Blackshear, arrived in the country last week. White said Blackshear would add a bit of size to the team and would straighten them up.
White is also excited to see what some of the young players can do.
‘There’s guys right on the cusp that are stepping up,” he said. “Guys as young as 18 are stepping up into this group.
“We’ve put quality talent around them. They will make mistakes and grow with the program.
“Hopefully it’ll entice younger players to stay at the club.”
White said having done research on their opposition they felt like they would be more than competitive this season.
“Our expectations are really high and the expectations will be to be in the play off. We feel we have a quality group and we are confident we will be around the business end.”
