Round 12 Match Reports
Seniors
AJAX took on Old Melburnians on the weekend looking to build on recent performances, but unfortunately failed to produce the level of football required against a quality opposition.
The visitors were on the back foot from the outset, with Old Melburnians controlling much of the opening quarter and capitalising on their opportunities to take a 14-point lead into the first break. AJAX struggled to find consistency with ball use and was unable to generate sustained forward pressure.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with Old Melburnians continuing to win the contest around the ground and punish turnovers. AJAX found it difficult to gain any momentum, going into half-time trailing by 38 points and facing a significant challenge.
To their credit, the side showed a better response after the main break and were more competitive throughout the third term. While there were patches where AJAX matched it with the visitors, they were unable to make any meaningful inroads on the scoreboard, with the margin sitting at 30 points heading into the final quarter.
Despite continuing to battle until the final siren, AJAX couldn’t bridge the gap, with Old Melburnians finishing strongly to run out 27-point winners, 14.9 (93) to 9.12 (66).
Jack Hart starred once again in front of goals with 3 majors, while Nick Lewis and young-gun Jonty Israel had an impact.
It was a disappointing afternoon for the Jackas, who were well below the standard they know they’re capable of producing. There will be plenty to review during the week, with the focus now shifting to responding with a much-improved performance in next week’s clash.
Reserves
AJAX Reserves were outplayed by Old Melburnians on Saturday, falling 20 (2.8) to 129 (19.15) at Gary Smorgon Oval.
Old Melburnians made a fast start, holding AJAX goalless in the opening quarter before extending their lead at every change. Despite the difficult afternoon, the Reserves continued to battle throughout the contest, with Brandon Efron, Zac Nissen, Brad Caplan, Jonathan Machlin, Cobi Chrapot and Corey Schwartz named among the Jackas’ best players.
The Reserves remain in fourth position on the ladder and will look to bounce back next week when they take on sixth-placed Williamstown Reserves in an important clash on the road with plenty at stake as the finals race continues.
Sunday 1s (Premier)
After making a host of changes to the side, the Sunday 1s headed into their Round 12 clash looking to continue their push for a top-two position, while St Bernard’s were out for revenge following last year’s preliminary final.
On a breezy day, it was an arm-wrestle in the first half, with both sides struggling to find their best football, St Bernard’s leading by just a solitary behind. With the wind behind their backs, AJAX made a move in the third, booting 5 goals to 3 with a more promising brand of footy. They were able to continue that form through the beginning of the last quarter, opening up a game-high 19-point lead.
However, the Jackas could not take their foot off the pedal as St Bernard’s came hard in the last 10 minutes of the game with some opportunistic finishing. In a true fight to the finish, AJAX was able to hold on and grind out a scrappy win.
Eitan Potash and Avi Segman were the standouts in the middle, while Kai Gold enjoyed his best game for the season with a bag of five goals. The Sunday 1s now turn their attention to a crucial meeting with the top-placed Old Xavs 2.
Saturday Thirds (Div 3)
Despite going down by seven points to Old Scotch, there was plenty to like from the way we fought the game out until the final siren.
After a tight opening quarter, we found ourselves trailing by six points at the first break before Old Scotch edged a little further ahead at half-time. Credit to the boys, they refused to let the game get away from them. We responded with a strong third quarter, closing the margin to just three points heading into the last and giving ourselves every chance to steal the four points.
The final term was played at a high intensity, with both sides throwing everything at the contest. Unfortunately, Old Scotch were able to kick away late and hold on for a 10.5 (65) to 8.10 (58) victory. While the result didn’t fall our way, the effort and resilience shown by the group was something we can build on.
A special mention goes to Joel Schwartz, whose forward craft was outstanding throughout the afternoon. He consistently created opportunities, competed hard at ground level, and brought others into the game with his smart positioning and selfless work inside 50.
Although we didn’t come away with the four points, there were plenty of positives to take out of the game. We’ll take the lessons from this one, continue to work hard on the track, and look to bounce back stronger next week.
Sunday 2s (Div 4)
The Sunday 2s did not have the opportunity to take to the park on Sunday with Parkdale forfeiting the match. AJAX takes the four points to keep them atop the Thirds Division 4 ladder and look to gear up for their Round 13 clash at home against Beaumaris.