Match Report

Round 16

Saturday 17 August 2024

AJAX v Mazenod - Away

Entering their Round 16 matchup against Mazenod at 13-2, AJAX were looking to post a similar result to their early-season meeting with the Nodders, winning that game by 82 points. 

The first quarter saw the Jackas start a little sluggish, as Mazenod kicked the first two goals and had all of the momentum. A steadying goal from the returning Brad Caplan helped AJAX wrestle back ascendency of the contest, as they kicked the last five goals of the first term to go into quarter time with a 33-13 lead. 

Much of the second quarter saw AJAX continue their dominance. Nick Lewis was finding the ball at-will, while Toby Lipton, Justin Berkowitz and Noah Webb were giving excellent drive from defence. Star forward Richie Simon looked set for another dominant display, before succumbing to an Achilles injury late in the second term. An inaccurate score line of 3.6 for the Jackas left the door ajar for Mazenod, as they led the home side 57-20 at half time.

The third quarter saw the Nodders take it right up to AJAX, narrowly losing the quarter four goals to five. In the absence of Simon, Toby Sheezel and Jordan Cohen were dangerous up forward, while Elliot Debinski continued to compete well up forward. AJAX led Mazenod 90-47 to end the period.

The final term saw the Jackas put their foot down, with a stunningly accurate quarter of 9.0. Brandon Efron finished the game with four goals and was prolific, while Jordan Cohen enjoyed a three-goal final term to finish the match with six. Corey Zielinski also continued to enjoy his time up forward, finishing with three goals. An emphatic last quarter from AJAX saw them end the game 83-point winners.

A return to Gary Smorgon Oval against Oakleigh for their final home game of the season awaits the Jackas next Saturday.

Goals: Cohen 6, Efron 4, Zielinski 3, Sheezel 3, Simon 2, B Caplan 2, Lipton 1, Davis 1
Bests: Cohen, Berkowitz, Lipton, Lewis, Zielinski, Efron