JETSWEB - Information for Members and Guests of the Gungahlin JETS AFC. The JETS have been part of the Amateur Australian Football Competition in Canberra since 1982. Over that time the club has won seven Premierships, and has grown to a club with over 450 members, three Senior teams, including a women's team, six Junior teams, and over 60 kids playing AUSKICK. The JETS have been part of the Gungahlin Community since 1996 and continue to grow in the region. The club's short-term goal is to dominate the ACTAFL Canberra District Competition, with an ultimate goal of entering teams in the ACTAFL's Premier Competition.

2003 - After a disappointing 2002 season, this year showed great promise from the outset. The club finally had a home base in Gungahlin, something the club had been working toward for seven season, with the opening of the Ken Zimmer Oval in Amaroo. Jason Burgess, an ex-Ainslie ACTAFL Reserve Grade player joined the club as 1st Grade coach, bringing several experienced players with him, while Matt Porter took over the "Magoos" job. The addition of these players allowed some of the "older" JETS to strengthen the "Magoos" side, and after winning the Kelvin Ryan Memorial Shield Pre-Season Carnival for the first time, club enthusiasm was high for the beginning of the home and away season. The club was strong in both grades, with no team intimidating them. Along with the JETS, form teams were defending Premier ADFA, with Harman also strong in 1st division, while Woden were the team to watch in 2nd division. The JETS sailed through the home and away season, easily winning the club's first Division 1 Minor Premiership, while the "Magoos" finished equal first with Woden on top of the ladder. Both teams performed very well in the finals, and in another first for the club they both made their respective Grand Finals. Unfortunately for the club they played some of their worst footy for the season, and were soundly beaten in both grades. A disappointing end to the season, but a successful one just the same.

Simon McNeill won the 1st grade Best and Fairest along with the League Timekeepers award, while Marc Housley capped-off a great year winning Best and Fairest in the "Magoos". Ken Zimmer was voted JET-of-the-Year for the second time.

2004 - saw a number of players move interstate or retire. Jason Burgess ended his short but successful tenure as coach to take up a position as Reserve Grade coach, and assistant Senior coach for Ainslie's ACTAFL teams. Whilst the club was sorry to see Jason leave, they were happy to see him fulfil his goal of coaching at the ACTAFL level.

Leigh Taafe was welcomed into the fold as the 1st grade coach, having gained experience at a number of clubs nationally, and most recently at Belconnen as a Premiership player and coach. With the clubs player stocks down on the previous season it was always going to be tough to emulate the feats of 2003, however Leigh and Matt Porter, returning as the "Magoos" coach did a great job. The club was never far off the mark all season against more fancied opposition, and although undermanned at times, the club always made a good account of itself. The clubs 1st grade finals campaign was short-lived after a tough encounter against Ainslie, whilst the "Magoos" flew the flag for the JETS, narrowly missing consecutive Grand Final appearances. Given the players we lost in the off-season, all at the club can be congratulated for a gutsy effort in 2004. Matt Black won the 1st Grade Best and Fairest with Dale Frankel winning the award in 2nd grade, and Steve May was awarded JET-of-the-Year for his tireless work over a number of years..

2005 - The JETS saw a number of players move interstate while Trent Pellow and Kris Archibald opted for a higher level and played ACTAFL Reserves for Ainslie and Belconnen respectively. Leigh Taafe continued as 1st Grade coach while Greg Mace was appointed 2nd Grade coach.

After a promising pre-season the JETS were looking to improve on their 2004 effort and early signs were good. However as the season wore on, injury and departures took their toll as the JETS suffered some bad losses. Finals time was a case of dejavu as we were narrowly beaten by Ainslie to finish the season fourth once again.

The Magoos struggled for numbers from the first game and by seasons end were close to forfieting on a number of occasions, suffering their worst result of 10th place. Lessons learnt from this season will be put into 2006 to attempt to avoid the lack of personnel we had to endure this year.

2006 - The season began with the signing of Andrew Kouvaras, an ex-Ainslie Premier Division player as 1st grade coach, and club stalwart, Marc Housley as the Magoos coach. The Magoos improved on their 2005 effort, finishing 7th on ladder and recording some good wins during the season. The Ones took out the ultimate prize, winning the Grand Final by 9 points in and epic battle with ANU. The win allowed the club to celebrate their 25th Anniversary in style with appropriate celebrations continuing for some time. Both coaches showed their true leadership as Andrew Kouvaras won Best on ground in the Grand Final, the Division 1 League Best and Fairest, and the club Division 1 Best and Fairest, while Marc Housley won the Division 2 Best and Fairest, Player's Player and Leading Goal kicker. Matt Porter, Chris Klose and Andy Machin notched their 150th games, while Simon Roscoe and Eddie Debear playerd their 100th. Chris Klose won JET of the Year, and Matt Porter, Marc Housley and Chris Klose were awarded Life Membership for their valuable contributions to the club over many years.

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To date the JETS continue to grow as a strong club. With over 60 kids playing AUSKICK, 150 kids playing Junior footy and 70 plus on the Senior list, club membership including supporters stands at well over 500. Considering Gungahlin is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, the club stands to enjoy continued success for many years to come.

Go the JETS!!