Round 7 Match Reports
Seniors
Coming off a hard-fought 10-point defeat to Old Collegians last week, AJAX travelled to Como Park determined to return to the winners’ list against Old Geelong. The day also carried extra significance for the club as we celebrated the 200th senior game of club champion Nick Lewis, making it a special occasion for everyone involved.
Despite the later 2:40pm start, the Jackas came out firing from the opening bounce. Applying strong pressure and dominating forward entries early, AJAX quickly gained control of the contest. Jethro Gunn continued his outstanding run of form, opening the scoring and providing a dangerous target inside 50. The midfield worked tirelessly to give the forwards opportunities, and the Jackas’ intensity around the contest ensured they maintained the upper hand throughout the first half.
A strong and disciplined team performance saw AJAX take a 23-point lead into the main break, giving the side some valuable breathing room heading into the second half.
However, Old Geelong had other ideas. The home side responded strongly after halftime and capitalised on their opportunities late in the third quarter, kicking consecutive goals to swing momentum and set up a tense final term. With the margin narrowing and the pressure mounting, the game was firmly in the balance.
When it mattered most, AJAX’s leaders stood tall. Phoenix Janover and Jack Hart produced crucial moments around the ground, while milestone man Nick Lewis demonstrated exactly why he has been such an important figure for the club over the years. Lewis led from the front throughout the final quarter and fittingly put the result beyond doubt by kicking the sealer, much to the delight of his teammates, coaches and supporters.
The victory was a reward for a determined four-quarter effort and a fitting way to celebrate a significant milestone for one of the club’s great servants.
With a week off ahead, the Jackas will use the break to rest, recover and reset before preparing for a highly anticipated Grand Final rematch against Beaumaris in a fortnight’s time.
Reserves
AJAX Reserves Make It Three on the Trot
AJAX Reserves head into the bye week full of confidence after securing their third consecutive victory, defeating Old Geelong 9.8 (62) to 5.9 (39) at Como Park.
In what was a tight contest for much of the afternoon, the Jackas gradually worked their way on top. After trailing by three points at quarter time and holding a slender one-point advantage at the main break, AJAX Reserves produced a match-winning third quarter, piling on 7.1 while restricting Old Geelong to 2.0. The dominant term opened up a 30-point lead heading into the final change and effectively putting the game beyond doubt.
The defence stood tall throughout the day, conceding just fives goals for the day, while the midfield group gained ascendancy around the contest and gave the forwards plenty of opportunities.
Among the standout performers were Ryan Herman, Hudson De Bortoli, Jarred Fibishenko, Jordy Rothfield, Cobi Chrapot and Corey Wasbutzki, all of whom played important roles in the victory.
The win sees the Reserves climb into fourth position on the ladder and continue their strong mid-season form. With momentum building nicely, the group now gets the chance to freshen up during the bye before returning to action against sixth-placed Beaumaris in what shapes as another important clash.
Sunday 1s (Premier)
The Sunday 1s recorded their most dominant win in recent history against Old Scotch in a milestone game.
Going into the match, the Jackas were fired up to run out behind Jeremy Herz as he played his 100th game at AJAX, the occasion was met by Coach Ryan White, and longtime teammate Yehuda Gottlieb speaking about Herzy pregame, before the team ran out behind him through his banner.
The game kick-started with energy to suit, as Joel Parasol kicked a rapid goal to put the Jackas up early, and by quarter-time AJAX was up 28-2.
However, memories of last year's come-from-behind loss still haunted the Jackas, and so they made sure to put the foot down and not give Old Scotch a sniff. The Jackas went on to score 9 goals in a second quarter blitz that saw Jake Jones dominate up forward whilst Old Scotch failed to register a single point.
By halftime, the margin had been blown out to 83 points as AJAX showcased their signature fast moving footy.
The second half was much of the same, with dominant midfield work being complimented by strong aerial work in the forward line. The backs had a quiet day at the office, but were relentless and unconditionally tough whenever the ball entered the defensive 50, as Old Scotch finished the game with only a single goal to their name, which came in the dying moments of the fourth quarter.
Perhaps the margin could have been bigger, as the team single mindedly sought out Jeremy Herz as he was thrown forward in an attempt to find him a milestone goal, which in a way he did, kicking a goal's worth of behinds!
The Jackas now go into the bye with great confidence after a phenomenal team performance, where all across the ground players played some of their best footy of the year. Particularly notable was Avi Segman through the middle, Jake Jones and Gabe Jotkowitz in the forward line.
After the bye, the Jackas will seek revenge against Uni Blues.
Saturday Thirds (Div 3)
With Mazenod sitting directly below us on the ladder, this was always going to be one of the most important games of the season for the Saturday Thirds. It was a significant eight-point game, with both sides knowing the result could have a major impact on the ladder. The boys understood what was at stake, and from the opening bounce it was clear this was going to be a hard-fought contest.
For much of the afternoon, neither side was able to gain a decisive advantage. The game was played at a high intensity, with momentum swinging back and forth as both teams fought for control. Every goal was answered, every contest mattered and the scoreboard reflected just how even the game was.
Mazenod challenged strongly throughout the third quarter and continued to apply pressure heading into the final term. When they kicked the opening goal of the last quarter, it would have been easy for our boys to drop their heads and allow the game to slip away. Instead, the response was outstanding.
The boys lifted another level. The pressure increased, the running became relentless and the intensity around the contest was exceptional. From the moment Mazenod kicked that goal, AJAX took complete control of the game.
We locked the ball in our forward half, won the key contests around the ground and began converting our opportunities. What had been an even contest all afternoon quickly became one-way traffic as the boys elevated their intensity and refused to let Mazenod back into the game. It was a dominant final-quarter display that showcased the resilience and character of this group when the game was there to be won.
The final siren capped off an excellent team performance and an important 12.10 (82) to 7.9 (51) victory, creating valuable separation from the side directly below us on the ladder.
The platform for the win was laid by our defence. Josh Mohr and Ethan Sellyn were outstanding all afternoon, repeatedly standing tall under pressure and helping repel countless opposition attacks. Time and time again our backline absorbed pressure, won important contests and launched attacks from defence.
Captain David Feldman once again led from the front, setting the standard with his attack on the football, leadership and composure when the game was at its most challenging.
Up forward, Max Harris was the standout with five goals in a match-winning performance. Zak Harris added three majors, while Tal Barda continued his strong form with two goals. Corey Schwartz also found the scoreboard as the forwards capitalised on the team’s dominance in the final quarter.
A disciplined, resilient and determined performance from the boys, highlighted by an outstanding final-quarter response when the game was on the line.
Sunday 2s (Div 4)
Top versus second. Thirty-one points down at halftime. Into the wind in the last quarter. And somehow, the Jackas found a way.
AJAX Sunday 2s produced the comeback of the season, overturning a five-goal quarter-time deficit and a 31-point halftime deficit to defeat Melbourne High School Old Boys (MHSOB) by five points in an unforgettable clash at Gary Smorgon Oval.
The Unicorns dominated the opening half, bringing superior work rate, ball movement, and intensity to leave AJAX chasing the game. But after halftime, everything changed.
Inspired by the coach, Benjy Cylich's challenge to embrace the opportunity in front of us, the Jackas came out playing true team football. The pressure lifted, the contest swung, and belief spread through the team.
The third quarter laid the foundation, with the backline leading a defensive masterclass that held Melbourne High scoreless and cut the margin back to just 12 points.
Then came the final quarter.
An early goal from Jake Surdut ignited belief, and despite kicking into the wind, AJAX never panicked. The boys trusted their structures, trusted each other, and kept grinding away until Doron Segal kicked the winning goal with less than a minute remaining.
The siren sparked scenes that will be remembered for a long time.
A huge response from the entire playing group, with special mention to the defensive wall of Yisroel Procel, Ari Werdiger and Chaim Stosser, the midfield group for turning the contest around, and Jack Stock for a selfless, team-first performance.
Thirty-one points down. Five-point winners. A famous victory and another chapter in an unforgettable season.
Bye this week. Then we go again. Go JACKAS!
All Stars
AJAX All Stars vs Ferntree Gully Eagles
Last Sunday the AJAX All Stars played their first home game of the season!
It was a tough and physical match, and one where we proudly played our All Star style of football. This game had everything - moments of unbelievable sportsmanship, tough tackling, fierce contests, incredible goal celebrations, and some amazing passages of play.
Most importantly, the team once again demonstrated what makes All Star football so special: playing hard, supporting one another, and having fun every step of the way.
Congratulations to all the All Stars for putting on a fantastic show for their fans!
A huge thank you to everyone who came down to support us. Your encouragement and enthusiasm never go unnoticed and mean so much to our players.