AJAX teams win two flags in one day
A team effort, skill and determination were other ingredients in the dominant grand final win.
Two AJAX Junior Footy Club teams were crowned SMJFL U13 mixed/boys premiers in their divisions last Sunday at King George Reserve with contrasting wins, while another junior Jackas team fell just short in a nailbiting Ull decider.
U13 division 5 ladder leaders, the AJAX Rockets, continued their brilliant form on the most important day of the season, when leading from start to finish in their 7.9 (51) to 1.4 (10) grand final win over Ormond.
Played in windy conditions, defence was always going to be key, and the U13 Rockets were brilliant in that department, keeping their opponents goalless until the last quarter, with particularly solid contributions by Abi Ainsworth and Angus Somerville.
They took a little while to find their flow in attack, only scoring a goal in each of the first two quarters, to lead by 16-3 at the main break.
A pivotal 3 goals to nil third quarter by the Rockets paved the way for their victory, and 2 more goals in the final quarter sealed it.
Ber Vorchheimer, named Best on Ground, top-scored with 4 goals, fellow co-captain Alon New scored a goal, as did Asher Weinstein and Nathan Smith.
There was also individual brilliance by a host of players, including Judah Kreuzer who provided dash off the half back line, speedy winger Avi Kraemer and top tagging pressure from Elai Kohl.
A team effort, skill and determination were other ingredients in the dominant grand final win.
In the U13 division 2 decider, the AJAX Comets trailed the Murrumbeena Lions in the first three quarters of their decider, but found some extra gears in a decisive last quarter that turned the game on its head, earning them an incredible 4.8 (32) to 3.4 (22) victory.
The Lions scored a goal in quarters one, two and three, while keeping the Comets goalless, to lead 22-6.
To their credit, the team from AJAX never gave up, and began the last quarter with a fighting spirit and attacking mindset.
A flurry of goals were scored by Kobi Borowski, Sidney Gauvin, Charlie Szwider and Oscar Greenberg, while the Comets’ defence held strong, not conceding a further point, let alone a goal.
It was a comeback for the ages that will be remembered for years to come.
In the U11 division 5 grand final, it was not to be for a brave AJAX Rockets side, who were outlasted by just 2 points by Prahran, 3.2 (20) to 3.4 (22).
The U11 Rockets led 20-16 with 2 goals to Nathan Goldberg, and 1 to Brody Hoppe, but were unable to score a point in the last quarter, when Prahran scored a crucial goal.
While the loss was heartbreaking, the Rockets – captained by Ethan Dodge, Nadav Sion, Jude Beggs and Jonah Gorenstein –should be proud of their journey this season, qualifying for the finals in fourth place before toppling first-placed Hampton to earn their grand final spot.
Three AJAX teams will play in SMJFL grand finals this Sunday.
The AJAX Stars won a preliminary final by 43-23 last Sunday over Murrumbeena to earn an U15 division 5 boys’ grand final spot, while the AJAX Comets U16 division 3 girls’ team, and the AJAX Comets U18 division 1 boys’ side, had already qualified.
U13 division 5 premiers the AJAX Rockets. Photo: Supplied
Asher Mohr kicks ahead for AJAX U13 Comets versus Murrumbeena.
Photo: Peter Haskin
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