Round 1 Match Reports

Seniors

AJAX 11.11 (77) were defeated by Old Carey 18.21 (129) at Princes Park, with the visitors ultimately proving too strong in a 52-point result.

The Jackas brought strong intent and competitiveness for much of the match, particularly across the first three quarters where the contest remained tight and the game was played on relatively even terms. The midfield group, led by co-captain Kane Nissenbaum (30 disposals), worked hard to generate opportunities, and there were periods where ball movement looked sharp, allowing AJAX to hit the scoreboard and apply pressure. By three-quarter time, the margin was still within reach, reflecting the effort and resilience shown against a quality opposition.

A key difference across the day was Old Carey’s strength in transition. Their ability to move the ball quickly from defence into attack allowed them to generate overlap and create easier scoring opportunities.

The final term was where the game broke open, with Old Carey capitalising on this transition game and adding heavily to their total. The Jackas continued to compete and create opportunities but were unable to match the opposition’s finishing and control of territory late in the game.

Toby Sheezel led the way in front of goal with three majors, while Sacha Levine and Jack Hart each contributed two.

Despite the result, there were encouraging signs in AJAX’s ability to compete for long periods against a strong side. The group showed solid intent, effort around the ball, and glimpses of effective transition of their own. Moving forward, a focus on defending transition, sustaining performance across four quarters, and maximising scoring opportunities will be key to turning competitive efforts into results.

Reserves

AJAX Reserves showed plenty of fight in Round 2 but ultimately went down to a strong Old Carey outfit, 5.10 (40) to 12.4 (76).

Old Carey set the tone early, piling on 7 goals in the opening term to take a commanding lead. AJAX steadied after quarter time, showing improved structure and effort through the middle stages. The second and third quarters were far more competitive, with the boys beginning to win more contests and generate forward entries.

Despite trailing at every break, the Jackas continued to work hard, highlighted by a more disciplined defensive effort and better ball movement in the second half. The final quarter saw both sides add to their tallies, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

There were strong individual performances across the ground. Tyler Southwick and Hugo Krasnostein were influential, while Ryan Herman and Tye Marabel-Whitburn provided important contributions. Jonathan Machlin and Hayden Katz also worked tirelessly throughout the contest.

The Reserves now sit 6th on the ladder and will look to respond next Saturday when they take on 5th-placed Old Melburnians at Elsternwick Park.

Sunday 1s (Premier)

On a hot & sunny day out the Jackas were matched up against a tough Uni Blues outfit.

The Jackas pulled ahead early by 3 goals, before a levelling second term by Uni Blues saw AJAX walk into the half time change rooms with only a 2-point lead.

After halftime Uni Blues began scoring frequently from turnover & centre bounce, with AJAX struggling to keep up especially after star ruckman Saul Alford came off the ground injured from a rough tackle.

A turbulent third term had Uni Blues ahead by a couple goals, and on an ordinary day the Jackas would turn that deficit into a win, but they were unable to do that this week. Ultimately Uni Blues came away victorious 87-55 as they outpaced the Sundays outfit over the entirety of the game.

Shining lights in a tough game were Dov Paltiel showing his class and experience across the backline, debutant Dean Alter found space and looked clean in his Sundays debut, and Kai Gold starred up front with 3 goals on a day when they were hard to come by.

Saturday Thirds (Div 3)

AJAX took on Mazenod at Central Reserve in a tough, hard-fought game shaped by a strong breeze all day.

The boys knew it was going to be about making the most of the wind when we had it in the second and fourth quarters and defending hard when we didn’t. Mazenod started well and put us under pressure early, but we stayed connected and made sure the scoreboard never got away from us.

In the second quarter, with the breeze behind us, we worked our way back into the contest through better ball movement, stronger pressure and a lift around the footy. The biggest effort of the day came in the third quarter, kicking into the breeze, where we managed to win the quarter. That was massive and showed the boys were ready to dig in and take the game on even when conditions were against us.

The last quarter tested us again. Mazenod kicked the first two goals and we found ourselves down, but we were down, not out. From there, the boys kept fighting and stood up when it counted. Tyler Cohen stepped up with the match-winning goal to put us in front and help seal a 49 to 41 win.

Dion Klooger’s composure in the backline was huge, Brad Waislitz played with a mature head when the game needed calm, and Toby Grodski’s class stood out across the day.