Round 11 Match Reports
Seniors
With the mid-season by looming, there is undoubtedly added pressure to secure your standing on the ladder to set yourself up for the run home. All this playing on the mind of coach Lachie Buszard during a period when the club is hemorrhaging players to travel and injury.
Thus, Round 11 presented an opportunity for certain players to step up, and others to come into the Senior side and play a much-needed role.
AJAX delivered another polished four-quarter performance on Saturday, defeating Old Ivanhoe by 32 points in a hard-fought contest that showcased the side's resilience and attacking flair. While the visitors challenged throughout the afternoon, the Jackas consistently found answers at key moments to secure an impressive 14.8 (92) to 8.12 (60) victory.
The match began at a high tempo, with both teams moving the ball well in the opening term. AJAX took a narrow eight-point advantage into the first break before gaining greater control in the second quarter. Strong work around the contest and efficient ball movement helped extend the margin to 16 points by halftime.
Old Ivanhoe refused to go away after the main break, but AJAX continued to absorb the pressure and capitalised on their opportunities in front of goal. The lead remained at 16 points heading into the final quarter before the Jackas finished strongly, kicking four goals to two in the last term to put the result beyond doubt.
Jack Hart was outstanding inside 50, finishing with four goals in a lively display that continually troubled the Old Ivanhoe defence. Toby Lipton and Brodie Mond each added two majors, providing valuable support and ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking over throughout the afternoon.
Among the standout performers, Noah Spitz led from the front with another composed and influential performance, while Aaron Bryer was relentless at the contest and worked tirelessly around the ground. Jack Hart's impact extended beyond his goals, with his pressure and aerial presence proving invaluable. Sacha Levine, Benji Krongold and Toby Sheezel also impressed, each making important contributions as AJAX produced another complete team performance to continue their strong season.
Reserves
A much changed AJAX Reserves side were unable to bounce back after their loss last week, going down to Old Ivanhoe Reserves by 59 points at Gary Smorgon Oval, 12.10 (82) to 2.11 (23).
Despite the final margin, the boys showed plenty of determination throughout the afternoon. After trailing by seven points at quarter time, Old Ivanhoe gradually took control with strong second and third quarters, making the most of their opportunities in front of goal. Ajax continued to battle until the final siren but couldn't bridge the gap.
While scoring proved difficult, the group never stopped competing, with several players working tirelessly around the contest and continuing to apply themselves in tough conditions. The effort and resilience shown, particularly when the game was against them, is something the side will look to build on.
A number of players impressed with their individual performances, with Brad Caplan, Corey Schwartz, Justin Berkowitz, Daniel Cohen, Ethan Sellyn and Benji Felman all among the Jackas’ better contributors. We had six retired players dust off the boots to take the field, showing their ongoing loyalty to the club to fill in when numbers are low in the middle part of the season.
The result leaves the Reserves sitting just inside the finals spots in fourth, but with a bye to refresh and reset, the focus now shifts to regaining consistency and returning ready to face third placed Old Melburnian Reserves in two weeks time.
Sunday 1s (Premier)
As the Sunday 1s lined up against SKOB for the second time this year, a combination of a very muddy field, and a chunk of the team returning straight from a week-long camp meant it was always going to be an interesting game.
A back and forth opening term finished with a margin of 3 points in favour of the Jackas, after they kicked the first two goals of the game.
In the second term, AJAX piled on four goals, whilst only conceding one. Bringing the margin out to 22 points in what proved to be the most influential quarter in the game.
Closing out the second half was rather uneventful in tough conditions, but notable performances from ruck Saul Alford, and Zak Jacobs off half back in his return from injury impressed.
After the final siren, the Jackas headed into the room victorious, 64-35.
It was an important bounce-back win after a tough loss the week prior, and both of the Sunday team now enter the bye on a win.
Saturday Thirds (Div 3)
It was a tough day on the scoreboard, going down to Collegians 85 to 19 at Gary Smorgon Oval, but the final margin didn’t tell the full story of the effort across the game.
The first half was below the standard we would have wanted. Collegians got on top early, used the ball cleaner and made us work hard defensively. At times, we struggled to get control of the game and couldn’t turn our effort into enough reward going forward.
The response after half time was the real positive. We held things together, competed much better around the contest and didn’t let the game completely open up. The second half showed a lot more fight, with the boys containing Collegians better, defending with more structure and managing to put a bit more scoreboard pressure on. It was an impressive effort to keep pushing when the game could have easily slipped away.
A special mention to all the players who helped fill in and allowed us to field a team for this game, especially committee member, Ash Krongold. Ash is a true AJAX person and someone our players really looked up to while he was playing. We really appreciate everyone who stepped up and helped us out.
Jonah Berman was dangerous forward and finished with two goals, giving us a target and making the most of his chances. Koby Mazor, Elliot Bolaffi, Bailey Rothfield, Justin Sternfeld and Toby Kanat were also good and all contributed strongly in what was a challenging match.
The result wasn’t what we wanted, but the second half effort gives us something to take away. With the bye coming up, we hope everyone enjoys the break, rests up and comes back ready to go again.
Sunday 2s (Div 4)
After three tough weeks, the AJAX Sunday 2s responded in the best possible way, defeating West Brunswick to head into the bye still sitting on top of the ladder at 8–3.
The biggest difference was the start.
AJAX came out with the intensity and engagement that had been missing in recent weeks, taking control of the game early through strong pressure, disciplined football and excellent team defence. Zalman Procel led the backline superbly, while new additions Liam Eliou, Gabe Hausman and Shimshi Goldhirsh slotted in seamlessly to help steady the side.
A strong second quarter saw the Jackas extend the margin to around four goals at halftime before the expected response came from West Brunswick after the main break.
The second half became a genuine arm wrestle, with the visitors winning the final quarter, but this time AJAX had done the hard work early and was able to absorb the pressure to secure an important victory.
Yisroel Rosenbaum and Shlomy Horowitz were outstanding through the midfield, while Jude Goldfarb finished their work up forward with some important goals.
Most importantly, the boys rediscovered the intensity, connection and accountability that had been the foundation of the season's strong start.
The bye now arrives at the perfect time. Eight wins. Three losses. Still on top. Now we reset and prepare for the run home.
Go JACKAS!