Round 1 Match Reports

Seniors

Elliot Debinski

AJAX has signaled its arrival in Premier B with a disciplined and physical 57-point victory over Old Ivanhoe at Chelsworth Park. The 18.11 (119) to 9.8 (62) win sees the Henry Jolson Cup remain at Gary Smorgon Oval after a performance defined by midfield dominance and a relentless collective "hunt".

The victory was even more significant given the Jackas blooded five debutants in the senior side, all of whom played their part in a high-pressure environment.

The Jackas jumped out of the blocks with a defensive masterclass, suffocating the hosts from the first bounce. The midfield group dominated the clearances and denied Old Ivanhoe any clean exits. By sticking to their structures and hunting the man in possession, AJAX held the Hoers to just a single behind, establishing an early 21-point lead and setting the physical tone for the afternoon.

The momentum stayed with the visitors as the ball began to move fluently into the forward 50. The highlight of the day came when Justin Vogel soared over a pack in the goal square to reel in a spectacular "screamer," converting the major to the delight of the traveling fans. Sacha Levine was instrumental in these transitions, racking up 27 disposals across the match and providing elite service to the forward line.

Any hopes of a home-side comeback were quickly extinguished as AJAX came out for the "premiership quarter" with renewed intensity. The clean hands and quick transition from the engine room allowed the Jackas to stretch the lead even further. Jordan Cohen (4 goals) and Max Herzel (3 goals) proved too much for the Ivanhoe defense to handle, as the lead blew out beyond nine goals.

Despite the game being largely decided, the Jackas refused to take their foot off the pedal. Jethro Gunn capped off a Best on Ground display with his tireless work rate, ensuring the Jackas maintained their shape until the final siren. It was a professional finish to a high-intensity game, proving that this group is ready for the rigors of the higher grade.

The win provides the perfect springboard for the 2026 season, with the Jackas heading into Round 2 with momentum and the Jolson Cup safely in hand.

Reserves

Hudson De Bortoli

AJAX Reserve Men’s opened their Round 1 campaign in emphatic fashion, with the Jackas delivering a four-quarter performance to defeat Old Ivanhoe 100–33.

The tone was set early, with AJAX jumping out to a strong first-quarter lead before a dominant second term broke the game wide open. By halftime, the Jackas had complete control, showcasing slick ball movement and an ability to convert forward entries into scoreboard pressure.

Rather than easing off, AJAX maintained their intensity after the break, continuing to win contests around the ground and move the ball efficiently. The final score of 100 points reflected a well-rounded attacking display, with contributions coming from across the lineup.

Standout performers included Logan Siegel and Cobi Chrapot, who were influential throughout, while Raphael Light provided strong presence around the ground. Joshua Nirens and Corey Wasbutzki also impressed, underlining the depth and balance within the side.

It was a polished and professional start to the season for the Jackas — the kind of performance that sets a strong foundation heading into the weeks ahead.

Sunday 1s (Premier)

Eitan Potash

The Jackas are back! Welcome back footy fans as AJAX went 4-0 across the league in a Round One return to football.

The AJAX Sunday 1s took to the field in a grand final rematch, set on avenging their heartbreaking loss against Old Xaverians in 2025. In a scintillating game of back-and-forth footy, the Jackas stood tall to claim the win starting the season off perfectly.

Across the game AJAX was able to push the lead ahead by a goal or two in patches, before the ever formidable Old Xavs would claw their way back into the game with quick ball movement. In a tough battle, the Jackas shared their winning scoring load, with 9 individual goal scorers – part of which was made up by the entire leadership team chipping in a goal at vital moments across the game.

Notable moments saw Avi Segman open up the scoring with a soaring left boot from the 50, and at the other end of the game, a freakish 4th quarter dribble kick goal by Lior Meyerowitz shocked fans, with the game capped off by  Gabe Jotkowitz kicking truly to put AJAX ahead with just a minute on the clock. True team cohesion, gut running and belief was the story of the day as a new and improved AJAX Sundays outfit take their first scalp of the season… on to the next one, go JACKAS!

Saturday Thirds (Div 3)

Matt Hendel

The Saturday Thirds kicked off the season with a strong come from behind win over Kew, getting up by 14 points in a tough contest that tested the group all day.

It wasn’t easy early. Kew came out sharp and made the most of their chances, and we found ourselves chasing the game for most of the morning. But to the boys’ credit, they never dropped away. They stayed in the fight, kept bringing effort around the ball, and backed each other in when the game was there to be won.

The last quarter was exactly the kind of footy we want to play this year. The energy lifted, the pressure went up, and the boys rallied together in a big way. There was real intent in the contest, great voice around the ground, and a genuine spark that made the finish feel electric. It was the sort of quarter that showed what this group can be when everyone buys in and plays for each other.

That surge was led by some big moments up forward, with Max Harris finishing with five goals and giving us a huge target when we needed one most. He was a big part of the scoreboard pressure we were able to build, but just as importantly, it came off the back of a full team effort, with the boys lifting together and playing the kind of selfless, high-energy footy we want to bring every week.