Round 5 Match Reports

AJAX Reserves marked their first home game at Gary Smorgon Oval in style on Saturday morning, defeating Williamstown CYMS by 21 points in a strong four-quarter performance.

AJAX controlled the contest from the outset, eventually running out 8.7 (55) to 5.4 (34) winners in front of the home crowd.

The Jackas started with intent, kicking three goals in the opening term to establish an early buffer. Clean ball movement and disciplined defensive pressure allowed AJAX to dictate territory, taking a 20-6 lead into quarter time.

Williamstown responded with improved pressure in the second quarter, but AJAX continued to find answers around the contest and maintained scoreboard control. By half-time the home side held a 22-13 advantage in a tight, physical battle.

The third quarter proved decisive. AJAX lifted around stoppages and capitalised on forward-half opportunities to extend the margin beyond two goals. Strong defensive structure limited Williamstown’s scoring looks, while the midfield group continued to generate repeat entries. Heading into the final change, the Jackas had opened up a 36-21 lead. With the game there to be won in the last quarter, AJAX stayed composed and finished strongly.

Among the standout contributors for AJAX were Jesse Wrobel, Raphael Light, Bailey Nussbaum, Hayden Katz, Jarred Fibishenko and Jonathan Machlin, all playing key roles across the four quarters.

The win gives AJAX valuable momentum heading into a huge challenge next week against top-of-the-table Collegians, who remain undefeated through the opening five rounds. The clash shapes as an early-season benchmark test for the Jackas as they look to continue building form and confidence.

AJAX Thirds got the job done on Saturday morning with a hard-fought 12-point win over Old Scotch, running out 8.9 (57) to 6.9 (45) winners at home, kicking off a Saturday triple-header. It wasn’t always pretty, but the boys stuck to the task and controlled large periods of the game, particularly through the middle two quarters where the game was won.

After a relatively even first quarter, AJAX started to get on top around the contest and played the brand of footy we’ve been building towards. Brandon Efron and Tyler Cohen hit the scoreboard with two goals each and provided plenty of energy forward of centre, while Max Harris also finished with a couple and looked dangerous whenever the ball came near him.

The game was played at a high intensity for most of the day, with both sides bringing strong pressure around the contest. AJAX were able to gain ascendancy through the middle stages by controlling territory and keeping Old Scotch under pressure, even if the scoreboard didn’t fully reflect it at times. Dean Jacobs provided great run and carry off half back all day, while Bailey Rothfield worked selflessly from contest to contest and helped set the tone with his effort.

Old Scotch had their chances late but were inaccurate in front of goal in the final quarter, and the boys remained composed defensively to close out the game. A strong team performance and another important win as the group continues to build nicely each week.

Sunday 2s (Div 4)

Top versus second. Wet weather. Small ground. Finals intensity. And the Jackas stood tall.

AJAX Sundays 2s travelled to Brighton for a massive clash against Beaumaris and came away with a gritty one-point victory in what shapes as one of the defining wins of the season so far.

The game opened as a genuine arm wrestle, with both sides having moments of control before AJAX adjusted brilliantly in the second quarter. By shutting down the Sharks’ outside switch game, the Jackas unleashed their trademark contested “Kadima football,” piling on five goals to two to take a 26-point halftime lead.

But the second half became a fight.

For the first time this season, AJAX was forced to play against the momentum as Beaumaris surged back into the game. The pressure lifted, scoring dried up, and every contest became critical. By three-quarter time, the margin had nearly disappeared, and the message was simple: if we wanted this win, every player had to stand up.

The final quarter was pure finals footy. Tough, congested, stoppage-heavy football with both teams throwing everything at it.

When the siren sounded, AJAX had held on by a single point.

Massive contributions came from Ayden Maron and Foli Tenenbaum through the midfield, Tamir Atzmon and Justin Gross in the ruck, Jack Stock with key goals and a match-saving spoil, and Avi Eckstein with an important defensive effort late.

A huge win. A real test. And a performance that taught the group exactly what they’re capable of when the pressure is highest.

Now comes West Brunswick and five straight home games. On to the next one… go JACKAS!