Evasive skills: Cannon Lachlan Plowman dodges a Western Jets tackle. Pictures: Michael Copp
Sneaking up: Cannon Jordan Madden reaches out to tackle the Jets' Sam Critchley.
Hanging on: Calder's Zac Keogh clings to Western Jets' Manuel Reardon.
CALDER Cannons steamrolled the Western Jets with 21 goals after quarter-time in an 112-point win in TAC Cup at Highgate Reserve on Saturday.
After a relatively close first quarter, Calder squared its season at two wins and two losses by dismantling the Jets, 24.14 (158) to 6.10 (46).
As the game progressed it became evident the Cannons' key position players were in a class of their own.
The size and skill of Keegan Shrimpton, Lachlan Plowman, Billy Morrison and Joe Daniher proved too much for the Jets.
The Jets' defence was under a constant barrage due to its inability to clear the ball effectively.
A combination of relentless forward pressure by the Cannons and poor disposal meant the ball spent most of the match in the Jets' defensive 50 metres.
Cannons tall forward Morrison led the way with an impressive seven goals, while the rebounding ability of defender Plowman ensured the Jets rarely entered their forward line.
Darcy Bailey and Jonathan O'Rourke were instrumental in winning the ball in midfield, providing a constant supply to the Cannons' forwards.
Although not one Jets player won his position, the endeavour of Sam Critchley, Nicholas Jones and Jake Greiser must be noted.
For Calder Cannons coach Martin Allison, the win signified a step in the right direction after back-to-back losses.
"We made a focus in the last two weeks about where we have to get better ... the spreading, the offensive running and the overlap on the handballs and linking up through the midfield and the switching out of defence, which today really played dividends for us.
"It was great from a coaching point of view for the players to get reward for the improvement that they rehearsed at training, that they implemented in this game and to be able to execute it was the most pleasing thing."
Western Jets coach Steven Kretiuk couldn't draw any positives from the 112-point loss.
"We didn't have one player who won their position. I think we were a bit intimidated by the way they [Calder Cannons] went about their footy. They were ferocious at the contest and left us flat-footed. Our decision-making was really poor.
"I thought their [Calder] pressure on the ball carrier was really good and we just didn't cope with that.
"In the end we were just overwhelmed by Calder's work ethic."
TAC CUP
Calder Cannons 24.14 (158) d Western Jets 6.10 (46)
GOALS - Calder:B. Morrison 7, M. Calvaresi, J. Daniher, L. McBean, N. Fletcher 3, A. Gallucci, J. Madden, J. O'Rourke, L. Plowman, J. Cooke
Western Jets: L. Hunter 3, J. McKenzie, A. Elkasovic, C. Nastasi
BEST - Calder: K. Shrimpton, B. Morrison, L. Plowman, M. Dick, J. O'Rourke, D. Bailey. Western Jets: S. Critchley, N. Jones, J. Greiser, C. Nastasi, A. Elkasovic, L. Hunter
ROUND 5: Saturday 11am, Dandenong Stingrays v Western Jets (Shepley Oval), Sunday 12.30pm Calder Cannons v Murray Bushrangers (Highgate Reserve)