Brad reaches double century of games
... while he couldn’t celebrate with a winning result on the day, Caplan told The AJN on Tuesday, “It was an incredible feeling really, to get to 200, as I’d come up through the juniors, starting for AJAX from U9s.
IN his milestone 200th senior game for AJAX last Saturday, Jackas stalwart Brad Caplan was cheered onto Brunswick Street Oval by his teammates, before running through the banner and having a blinder against Fitzroy, kicking two goals and making the best on ground list.
The 32-year-old became just the 24th player in the Jewish club’s 66-year history to reach the double century match mark.
And while he couldn’t celebrate with a winning result on the day, Caplan told The AJN on Tuesday, “It was an incredible feeling really, to get to 200, as I’d come up through the juniors, starting for AJAX from U9s.
“And apart from 2018, I have never missed a year of footy – it’s been a constant.
“But I guess I didn’t fully understand the significance of it until about halfway through last week, when I started getting messages from some of the AJAX greats, like David Fayman.
“That’s when the enormity of it hit me.”
The Jackas have struggled so far this VAFA Premier B men’s season, winning just one match, but they gave second-placed Fitzroy a real scare, earning a 10-point half-time lead, before fading late to lose by just seven points, 10.8 (68) to 11.9 (75).
Corey Zielinski, who returned after several months out following a knee reconstruction, also scored two goals for AJAX, while their best on ground was Jonah Micmacher.
The close result against a top team should give them confidence to get back on the winners’ list in round 14 this Saturday from 2pm at Gary Smorgon Oval, when they take on last-placed Monash Blues.
“Although we couldn’t get the win against Fitzroy, we got so close, and all our guys put in a tremendous effort, so I’m super proud,” Caplan said.
“It’s been a pretty consistent year for me, and I’ve been able to score a goal in most games.
“I’m a defender, but part of my role now is to go forward at times.
“I’m still looking to play on next season and then look at things on a year-on-year basis.”
Club president Alida Lipton congratulated Caplan, describing him as a “highly skilful and footy-smart player, who continues to age like fine wine!”
“Well done, Brad, on this significant achievement,” she said.
In women’s division 3 VAFA footy last Saturday, AJAX solidified their fourth-placing by crushing last-placed Bulleen Templestowe 9.12 (66) to 1.0 (6), keeping their opponents goalless for the last three quarters.
Hayley Mrocki was best on ground and Lindi Nankin, Jess Shustin and Jess Marget scored two goals each.
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