Round 8 Match Reports
Seniors
Following a professional victory over Old Geelong before the bye, the Jackas entered Round 8 with an opportunity to achieve something they hadn't managed all season, secure back-to-back wins. The challenge was significant, taking on Beaumaris in a Grand Final rematch, while also celebrating Aaron Bryers' 100th senior game for the club.
On a windy afternoon at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, AJAX arrived determined to play to its strengths: contested football, relentless pressure, ground ball wins and the trademark Jackas spirit.
The first half proved to be a hard-fought battle. Despite generating plenty of opportunities and recording 13 scoring shots, the Jackas managed just two goals and trailed by seven points at the main break. The game remained evenly poised throughout the third quarter before Beaumaris edged further ahead, taking a 12-point lead into the final change, 7.8 (50) to 4.14 (38).
As the rain began to pour and conditions deteriorated, the contest turned into a genuine slog. Clean ball handling became paramount, while both Justin Vogel and Jake Wrobel dominated in the air and Sacha Levine continued his excellent form, showing class and composure in the wet.
With the game on the line, AJAX lifted. Led by the relentless work of midfielders Nick Lewis and Benji Krongold, the Jackas surged the ball forward time and time again. Crucial final-quarter goals from Bailey Nussbaum and Toby Sheezel levelled the scores with eight minutes remaining and set the stage for a thrilling finish.
What followed was a classic AJAX performance. In difficult conditions, the Jackas refused to yield, grinding away contest after contest. Four late behinds to two saw AJAX edge in front and hold on until the final siren, securing a memorable victory in one of the grittiest wins of the season.
Senior Coach Lachie Buzzard described the result as a "season-defining win" as the Jackas improved to 5-3 heading into the second half of the year.
AJAX will now look to continue its strong form when it takes on Old Camberwell next week at Gary Smorgon Oval.
Reserves
The AJAX Reserve Men's returned from the bye round with a solid 8-point win over Beaumaris Reserve Men's at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
It was a tight and competitive game throughout, with both sides enjoying periods of control. AJAX started strong and were able to set the tone early, but Beaumaris worked their way back into the contest across the middle stages, taking a one point advantage into the half time break.
The third quarter proved key with AJAX opening up a four goal lead with the breeze at their backs. In a tense final term, AJAX repelled attack after attack, with the Jackas holding on to secure their fourth consecutive win.
There were strong contributions across the ground, with Max Herzel, Sam Hendler, Hayden Katz, Jesse Wrobel, Oren Tobias and Hudson De Bortoli among the best players.
The result sees AJAX sitting 4th on the ladder and continuing to build momentum heading into the midpoint of the season.
Next up is a match against bottom-placed Old Camberwell Reserves at Gary Smorgon Oval, where AJAX Reserves will look to extend the winning streak to five games.
Sunday 1s (Premier)
The Sunday 1s put on a strong performance in their third consecutive home game at Gary Smorgon Oval.
Going into the game, Uni Blues were the only team that the AJAX Sundays outfit haven't beaten under Coach Whitey's tenure.
Determined to right past wrongs the Jackas went in ready for a dogfight, and indeed it was.
A constant back and forth affair, with the margin never exceeding a couple goals for almost the entirety of the game.
The backline stood up constantly during the game when under fire, standing tall when it mattered most.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Uni Blues took a 4 point lead. Nerves were high with only 2 minutes left, but Gabe Jotkowitz took a mark close to goals and converted to put the Jackas up with but a minute to spare.
Uni Blues almost took a great contested mark inside 50 with seconds to go, but ultimately dropped it, sealing the game in Jackas favour, holding them at equal first place.
Saturday Thirds (Div 3)
The AJAX Saturday Thirds travelled to Brighton Beach Oval to take on ladder leaders Old Brighton in what proved to be a hard-fought contest from start to finish.
With a strong breeze having a significant impact on the game, both sides knew that making the most of their opportunities would be crucial. AJAX held a 15-1 lead at quarter time, but there was a feeling that more could have been made of the advantage. Credit to Old Brighton, who defended the conditions exceptionally well and made it difficult for AJAX to fully capitalise early.
Naturally, Old Brighton responded in the second quarter with the conditions in their favour. They were able to work their way back into the contest and level the scores by half-time, but AJAX continued to compete strongly and remained fully invested in the fight. The game was shaping as a genuine arm wrestle, with neither side able to gain any real control.
The third quarter loomed as a crucial period in the contest, with AJAX needing to make the most of the conditions and build a buffer heading into the final term. Old Brighton defended the ground exceptionally well and limited scoring opportunities, making it difficult for AJAX to gain real scoreboard separation. Despite that, AJAX continued to compete strongly and found a way to take a five-point lead into the final change. While the boys had put themselves in a winning position, the margin left little room for error with the conditions set to favour Old Brighton in the final quarter.
Old Brighton made the most of their opportunities early in the final term, kicking a couple of important goals that created separation on the scoreboard. While that ultimately proved the difference, AJAX continued to fight the game out until the final siren and never stopped competing.
Although the result did not fall AJAX’s way, there was plenty to take away from the performance. The effort, intensity and commitment across four quarters could not be questioned. AJAX matched the competition leaders for much of the afternoon and showed they are capable of competing with the very best sides in the division.
Old Brighton 7.11 (53) defeated AJAX 5.9 (39).
Sunday 2s (Div 4)
Top versus second. Thirty-one points down at halftime. Into the wind in the last quarter. And somehow, the Jackas found a way.
AJAX Sunday 2s produced the comeback of the season, overturning a five-goal quarter-time deficit and a 31-point halftime deficit to defeat Melbourne High School Old Boys (MHSOB) by five points in an unforgettable clash at Gary Smorgon Oval.
The Unicorns dominated the opening half, bringing superior work rate, ball movement, and intensity to leave AJAX chasing the game. But after halftime, everything changed.
Inspired by the coach, Benjy Cylich's challenge to embrace the opportunity in front of us, the Jackas came out playing true team football. The pressure lifted, the contest swung, and belief spread through the team.
The third quarter laid the foundation, with the backline leading a defensive masterclass that held Melbourne High scoreless and cut the margin back to just 12 points.
Then came the final quarter.
An early goal from Jake Surdut ignited belief, and despite kicking into the wind, AJAX never panicked. The boys trusted their structures, trusted each other, and kept grinding away until Doron Segal kicked the winning goal with less than a minute remaining.
The siren sparked scenes that will be remembered for a long time.
A huge response from the entire playing group, with special mention to the defensive wall of Yisroel Procel, Ari Werdiger and Chaim Stosser, the midfield group for turning the contest around, and Jack Stock for a selfless, team-first performance.
Thirty-one points down. Five-point winners. A famous victory and another chapter in an unforgettable season.
Bye this week. Then we go again. Go JACKAS!