Gungahlin Jets Set to Fly in 40th Anniversary
Marking 40 years since their establishment in 1982 as East Canberra, the Gungahlin Jets are in for a big year as they aim to put a couple of rough seasons behind them.
Under senior men’s coach Paul Azar, and senior women’s coach Julian Clarkson, there is a sense of direction and a developing culture at the Gungahlin Jets.
On the back of two consecutive winless seasons, often fielding the youngest side in the AFL Canberra Men’s Division 1 competition, senior men’s coach Paul Azar expressed his optimism and his excitement in his young squad, expecting more competitive on field performances heading into the 2022 season.
“We want to win games of footy that’s what a footy club does.” Azar stated.
“We’ve been working really hard over the past two years on a certain game plan and certain brand of footy.
“The current group is so young that everyone is a leader… they are all contributors, and all make a difference… they all have something to add, they are all so young that they are creating their own footy club at a senior level.
“I do think they are the ones to take this club to places it’s never been before.”
The Gungahlin Jets senior women are also eyeing a more competitive season than years past and with the confidence of a preseason win, the Jets are ready to face any obstacle this year. Senior women’s coach Julian Clarkson is confident in the culture building and is enthusiastic for the road ahead.
“I’m excited for the challenge…” Clarkson declared.
“The culture is strong… we have really bonded well together… the girls are heading in the right direction judging by our preseason.”
Kicking off their 40th campaign this Saturday at the Nest, the Gungahlin Jets are set for an exciting start to the season as both senior men’s and women’s teams take on the Belconnen Magpies in round 1 of the AFL Canberra season.
Written by: Robbie Stewart
