By Liam Twomey
The first six weeks of the TAC Cup season couldn’t have been more frustrating for Jaycob Hickey.
After his appointment as captain of the Western Jets, Hickey has been forced to watch from the sidelines because of a foot injury.
To make matters worse, the young Jets outfit has struggled against some of the competition’s leading sides and he could do nothing about it.
Hickey finally got his chance to play ball again this month and has wasted no time making his comeback felt.
The Melton junior was named in the Jets’ best players after the win against Bendigo.
“Being the captain of the club, you just want to help your teammates as much as possible,” Hickey said. “There is only so much talking you can do.
“You really just want to go out there and be a part of it.
“Seeing the boys getting pretty down, it upsets you as a player. To finally be able to play again and help them out is great.
“We got our first win and hopefully we get some confidence from that,” Hickey said.
The impact of the captain’s return wasn’t lost on Jets’ coach Torin Baker.
Baker said the on-baller had made a big contribution to the Jets’ win, particularly with his one-on-one work in the second half.
“He’s a genuine leader and I know the guys walk taller with him in the team,” Baker said.
“He plays a real hard and determined style of game.
“The voice that he provides to players is really good.”
Hickey has plenty of runs on the board after a strong 2014 season. As a bottom-aged player, he played 17 matches, including representing the club in its elimination final against Dandenong.
Returning as a top-age player this season, Hickey said he was keen to lead from the front.
“Coming in at the start of the season, one of my goals was to be captain of the club or at least be in the leadership group,” he said.
“I have taken it on with both hands and I am really excited to captain the club. It is a real honour.”
While the season’s start may have been interrupted, it hasn’t stopped AFL talent scouts wanting to see more of Hickey.
The 18-year-old was selected in the initial Vic Metro squad to compete at the national championships.
The final team for round one of the carnival will be chosen later this month.
“My main goal was to make that Vic Metro squad so I could train with them,” Hickey said.
“I am past that stage now, so what I want to do is make the full squad and play in the national championships.
“I want to make sure I am playing consistent football throughout the year and hopefully get invited to the national combine as well.”
