Round 9 Match Reports
Seniors
AJAX Seniors 9.10 (64) were defeated by Old Camberwell 10.10 (70) at Gary Smorgon Oval, with the visitors edging out the Jackas in a hard-fought contest by six points.
AJAX produced a strong and competitive performance throughout the afternoon, matching Old Camberwell for large periods and taking the game right down to the final siren. The opening three quarters were played at a high intensity, with neither side able to gain a significant advantage on the scoreboard. AJAX led by three points at quarter time and maintained that narrow margin into the main break before taking a four-point lead into the final change.
The game was characterised by tight margins throughout. The midfield worked tirelessly to provide drive, while the defensive unit stood up under pressure against a determined Old Camberwell outfit. The Jackas’ ball movement created several opportunities inside forward 50, and the side’s ability to stay composed in a close contest kept them in control for much of the afternoon.
The decisive period came in the final quarter, where Old Camberwell managed to capitalise on their opportunities and convert scoreboard pressure into goals. Despite AJAX continuing to compete strongly and create chances of their own, the visitors were able to finish with five goals in the last term and overturn the 4 point 3QT deficit. In a game where both sides were evenly matched across most areas, Old Camberwell’s ability to take their chances late ultimately proved the difference.
Justin Vogel and Bailey Nussbaum both had two majors, while Jordan Cohen, Jack Hart, Kane Nissenbaum, Remy Spicer and Brodie Mond each added a goal.
Among the best players were Jake Wrobel, Kane Nissenbaum, Sacha Levine, Sam Hendler, Remy Spicer and Noah Spitz, all of whom made important contributions throughout the day and helped keep the Jackas in the contest until the final moments.
Despite the narrow loss, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. The boys showed strong resilience, maintained their intensity for four quarters, and demonstrated the ability to compete with quality opposition. Converting more opportunities in front of goal and finishing strongly in close games will be key areas of focus moving forward, but the effort and competitiveness displayed across the group provide a solid foundation for the weeks ahead.
Reserves
AJAX Reserves continued their impressive mid-season surge on Saturday, recording a commanding 85-40 victory over Old Camberwell Reserves at Gary Smorgon Oval.
The win extends the Reserves’ streak to five consecutive victories and sees the side reach the halfway point of the season in excellent form. Sitting third on the ladder after nine rounds, the Reserves have firmly established themselves as one of the competition's in-form teams heading into a crucial stretch of the year.
From the opening bounce, AJAX set the tone with relentless pressure and efficient ball movement. The hosts burst out of the blocks with a five-goal first quarter, restricting Old Camberwell to just two behinds to open up a 32-point lead at the first change.
The second term followed a similar script as AJAX continued to control territory and possession. Another four-goal quarter extended the advantage to 51 points by half-time, effectively putting the contest beyond doubt.
To their credit, Old Camberwell fought hard after the main break, but AJAX's defence remained organised and disciplined. The home side maintained its intensity through the third quarter, stretching the margin to 63 points before the visitors enjoyed their most productive period in the final term.
Despite Old Camberwell kicking three goals in the last quarter, AJAX comfortably closed out the game to secure a 45-point victory, finishing with 12.13 (85) to 5.10 (40).
The performance was built on a genuine team effort, with Jesse Wrobel, Noah Micmacher, Zak Harris, Ryan Herman, Hayden Katz and Joshua Nirens all named among AJAX's best players.
AJAX will travel to face fifth-placed Old Carey in a match that could have major implications for the ladder heading into the second half of the season. With both sides eyeing a strong finals position, the clash shapes as one of AJAX's most important tests of the year.
Sunday 1s (Premier)
Playing their fourth consecutive home game, the Jackas needed a win to stay level on points with 1st & 2nd place in a tight competition, separated only by percentage.
The game started off with a hotly contested, high pressure quarter that AJAX finished up scoring 2 goals to Trinity's single major.
The second quarter saw little change in a highly competitive game, but AJAX was able to extend the margin to 3 goals.
It was ultimately the 3rd quarter that saw the game break open, as the Jackas took the game on bravely through a muddy middle of the ground to carve up Trinity with their trademark rapid ball movement. The midfield unit clearly displaying their most unified footy to date, gaining an ascendancy at clearance work, and piling on pressure to prevent any form of Trinity momentum.
AJAX scored 7 goals to 1 in that blistering 3rd quarter, effectively sealing the game on the spot.
Whilst Vice Captain Potash (28 disposals, 1 goal) & Jake Jones (5 Goals) were clear major contributors across the 4 quarters of the game, it was truly a full team performance in which multiple players had season-best games.
First year players Ari Fell & Jake Hendler both found success in new positions in breakout performances for themselves.
The Sunday 1s finished the game with an impressive 101-30 point victory, and now sit in 3rd place, only behind 1st place on percentage.
Saturday Thirds (Div 3)
AJAX suffered a disappointing one-point loss to Kew at Gary Smorgon Oval, going down 3.2 (20) to 2.7 (19).
AJAX started strongly and controlled much of the opening quarter, but four behinds were the only reward for the work around the ground. The pressure was solid and the backline held Kew scoreless, giving AJAX a four-point lead at quarter time.
The second quarter was an even contest, with both sides kicking one goal. AJAX continued to create opportunities but couldn’t capitalise, heading into the main break with a narrow 1.5 (11) to 1.1 (7) advantage.
Kew made its move in the third term, kicking two unanswered goals while restricting AJAX to just one behind. That quarter proved costly, turning a four-point halftime lead into a seven-point deficit at the final change.
AJAX continued to push in the final quarter, holding Kew to just one behind and kicking 1.1, but ultimately fell short by a single point.
David Feldman and Corey Schwartz were the clear standouts for AJAX. Both competed hard and tried all day, continuing to put their bodies on the line and give everything until the final siren.
It was a poor result after having more scoring shots and enough opportunities to win the game.We will need to learn from it, train hard and make sure a performance like this is not repeated.
Sunday 2s (Div 4)
On a freezing Thursday night at Marcellin, AJAX Sunday 2s suffered their second consecutive defeat, going down 46–22 after a game that highlighted an important lesson for the group.
Despite spending most of the opening quarter defending, the Jackas managed to pinch an early goal and actually led 7–6 at quarter time. But the second quarter proved costly, with Marcellin converting their territory dominance into four unanswered goals to open up a 24-point halftime lead.
The halftime challenge was simple: everyone contributes. No passengers.
To the boys' credit, the response was immediate. The third quarter became a fierce arm wrestle, with tackling pressure, repeat efforts, and physicality lifting dramatically across the ground. Aidan Green's return brought energy around the contest, and the entire group dug in to hold Marcellin scoreless for the term.
An early final-quarter goal briefly gave AJAX a sniff, but the game remained locked in a tough battle and the margin ultimately proved too much to overcome.
The biggest takeaway wasn't about skill—it was about intensity. This group has repeatedly shown it can match the best sides in the competition. The challenge now is bringing that level of engagement and intent from the first bounce rather than waiting until adversity forces it out.
A special mention goes to the backline, who were immense all night, conceding just six goals despite spending long periods under pressure.
Now attention turns to a massive opportunity. A red-hot Hampton side. Our home deck. Time to respond.
On to the next one. Go JACKAS!