By Tara Murray
Jacana finished the Essendon District Football League division 1 season on a high, with the Jaguars tasting victory for the first time.
In what has been a tough return to division 1, the Jaguars have battled throughout the year.
Yet on Saturday against Oak Park, they were able to put it together for a full four quarters.
It showed on the scoreboard, with the Jaguars winning, 13.7 (85)-11.11 (77).
Departing Jaguars coach Robert Fletcher was thrilled.
“It was very pleasing for the boys,” he said.
“I think we have improved as the season has gone on. I thought we were a chance for the win – they were playing for nothing with finals hopes over, we were playing to get our first win of the season.”
The Kangaroos had a few more scoring shots, but it was the Jaguars who finished the game off full of running.
They kicked 5.5 to 2.1 in the final quarter.
Fletcher said it was their best performance of the season, with Shannon Bennett outstanding, while Jason Cloke and Justin Doward also played good games.
Cloke kicked four goals.
Fletcher said the win was reward for the playing group.
“They didn’t chuck it in,” he said. “They could have walked away. They kept turning up and they got reward for effort.”
Despite the win, the Jaguars finish bottom of division 1 and look set to be relegated.
Fletcher said the club would talk with the league following the season to see which division is best for it next season.
In other division 1 matches, Tullamarine and Craigieburn will both go into finals on the back of losses.
The Demons, who had already secured a top two spot, lost to Airport West 11.16 (82)-8.11 (59).
The Demons made 12 changes before the game, with coach David Connell telling Star Weekly last week the result was irrelevant for them.
The two teams will face each other again this week with a grand final spot on the line.
Craigieburn entered the final round with its finals spot also secured. It lost 20.15 (135)-8.15 (63) to Taylors Lakes.
The Eagles will face Hillside in a knock-out semi-final.
Westmeadows finished its season with a 19.11 (125)-5.16 (46) loss to East Keilor.
