Women’s Country Championships: Coach Max Jetta says another title win the perfect way to end coaching career

South West women’s football stalwart Max Jetta brought his coaching career to an end in fairytale fashion on Friday, winning another country championships tournament. The 5.3 (33) to 1.3 (9) victory over Peel in the championships final at Lane Group Stadium saw the all-conquering South West claim the title for the fifth consecutive time. Jetta, who was again named coach of the carnival’s all-stars side, announced in his post-game speech that the contest would be his final one as a coach. A three-time premiership coach with South Bunbury’s women’s side, Jetta had also coached at Donnybrook in recent years while heading up the region’s representative side. Jetta told the South Western Times he would leave the caper with great memories and a sense of satisfaction with his achievements. “It is pretty special,” he said. “To finish off with a good win, a big win by four goals, I couldn’t ask for any more. “At the end of the day, the South West are best. The girls played for each other.” Continuing improvements in the standard of women’s football in the regions has meant the South West’s dominance of the championships has slipped in recent years, with a 22-point loss to Peel in the pool stages marking their second ever defeat at the carnival. Jetta said he was proud of how his side had responded to the pressure of being tagged as favourites. “We felt (the pressure) as soon as we got off the bus, I think,” he said. “The first (Peel) game was more about learning, win or lose, we didn’t mind. “I said to the girls to just embrace it. We do the good things off field, helping other teams where we could, that way we get a bit more respect as a team.” SWFL project manager Gemma Harrison paid tribute to Jetta’s contributions in women’s football in the South West, saying his efforts had been “incredible”. “Max’s friendly, fun and professional nature ensured that our players were provided with the best preparation and platform in which to succeed,” she said. “We wish Max all the best as he continues throughout his footy journey.”