Match Report - 3 July 2021

Round 12

AJAX v Fitzroy

A return to home turf beckoned for the Jackas as they took on Fitzroy at home, off their stunning win in the prior week against Williamstown. 

A cagey first few minutes into the contest saw the two sides exchanging goals, locked at eight a piece before Fitzroy began to break-away, set-shotting effectively on goal. AJAX struggled to place the ball into the forward 50 as the pressure that Fitzroy applied proved aplenty for the Jackas. With plenty of work to do, the Jackas had to reshape and adjust in anticipation of a fiery second term. 

Despite showcasing an increasing level of grit and hunger in the second term, Fitzroy continued to ply on the goals, increasing their lead to over 20 early. Yet the Jackas fought back following an outstanding goal from Charles Hamilton. Showcases of interplay in the forward line were amicable, yet the Jackss were able to effectively withstand the pressure applied by Fitzroy through quick ball movement in transition. Cutting the lead to just over ten courtesy of a goal from Reece Israel, the Jackas slowly began to claw their way back into the fixture with the home support galvanising AJAX.

Fitzroy continued to break away in the third term, firing two quick goals as the Jackas struggled to keep up with the added tempo of Fitzroy while on the counter with Brandon Efron proving to be a crucial player within the AJAX attack. Despite positive ball movement in the inside 50, the Jackas struggled to penetrate the goal with the stoic Fitzroy defence withstanding the pressure. Yet the Jackas remained in the fight, within 20 points come the end of the third term.

The Jackas fought valiantly in the final term, parrying the ball into the forward 50 effectively, earning many set-shots on goal, closing down the lead to just over ten as we were set for a grandstand finish, yet Fitzroy were on the edge of clinching the victory away from home, clapping back after AJAX struck first. However, Fitzroy truly began to pull away as the term began to conclude, with the Jackas slumping to a defeat despite encouraging segments of play.

Goals: Wollan, Israel, Joel , Velleman, Hamilton
Bests: E Efron, Tonkin, B Efron, B Michelson, Bade-Boon, Burston