Match Report
Round 12
2 July 2022
AJAX v Glen Eira
In a huge test against rivals Glen Eira in a 3rd vs 4th clash at home, the Jackettes were looking to win with a spot in the 4 up for grabs.
With several girls travelling and a few injuries we were down to 16 players from the opening bounce. It was going to take an amazing effort to get the points and run out the game on the huge Gary Smorgon oval.
The girls were looking to get off to a good start in Jessie Shustin’s milestone 50th game and whilst the share of play was even, Glen Eira had the better of the scoring opportunities. Our defence was under pressure, but holding well. Co-skipper J Gabriel was the general in defence and Grek, Newitt and Mrocki were holding up many attacks. Fellow Co-skipper Marget along with J Caplan and A Caplan were doing well on the ball and Shustin was in everything. We went into the 1st break 5 points behind.
The second quarter started brightly and the Jackettes were dominating in general play. Our midfield was right on top with Osrin winning the hit outs and giving Marget, J Caplan and A Caplan first use. A brilliant burst of play by Shustin down the wing lead to a beautiful pass to N Blum. She went back and calmly slotted the games first goal. Our forwards Zielinski, Hall and Morgan were playing their roles and our backs were right on top. Amira and Burstin were again having solid quarters and Taylor was dominating on her wing. Shustin kicked a fantastic running goal and we went in 7 points up at the half.
We again had more of the play in the third but missed several chances on goal. Our mids and wings were giving it everything, but our backs, again lead by J Gabriel were impassable. Grek was having a great game as was Mrocki. We kept Glen Eira scoreless in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and increased our lead by a couple of points during the quarter.
The last quarter followed a similar pattern to the 2nd and 3rd with the Jackettes dominating the play. Mrocki made a goal saving tackle on the line which lead to a quick rebound forward. Shustin and Taylor on the wings were continually driving the ball forward and Zielinski always looked dangerous forward and had several opportunities. Our girls were relentless in the last and when Zielinski kicked her 2nd for the term, the game was beyond doubt.
It really was an incredible performance against a strong club. Our bye next week couldn’t have come at a better time as we prepare for a huge game against Whitefriars.
Bests: A Caplan, Marget, Taylor, Gabriel, J Caplan, Shustin,
Goals: Zielinski 2, Blum, Shustin