Jackas edge Tigers in GF rematch

THE AJAX Football Club recorded a terrific victory on the weekend, defeating Werribee by eight points away from home in a rematch of last year’s premier C grand final.

However, the win came at a large cost for the Jackas, with scans revealing star forward David Fayman will miss up to six weeks with a broken hand.

Jake Lew, Nadav Harel and Fayman combined to kick 10 goals between them, as AJAX was able to beat its rival 14.9 (93) to 12.13 (85) in a seesawing affair.

Adam Caplan was a star down back, putting his body on the line on several occasions, with strong support from Corey Jankie and Luke Peters.

Despite kicking with the wind in the opening quarter, the Jackas got off to a slow start conceding the first goal, but not before lively forward Harel quickly responded.

AJAX was then able to gain the ascendency from two sensational snaps from the boundary by sharp-shooter Lew.

The sides went goal-for-goal before Fayman gave AJAX a six-point lead at the first break.

The Jackas continued to show promise in the second term, as a gutsy Harel finished truly from a free kick. But it was downhill from there, as the Tigers took full control of the game, slamming on five unanswered goals to take a 21-point lead nearing the main break.

But a spirited Jackas outfit launched a late comeback just before half-time, with Jankie dashing out of defence to set up goals to Fayman and Simon, who reduced the margin to eight points.

The away side continued its strong showing from the end of the first half, slotting three successive goals through Jason Tendler, Lew and Fayman.
The Jackas conceded only one goal, but missed chances to extend their advantage beyond 15 points at the final break.

The visitors had a nervous start to the last term, as the home side kicked the first two majors to reduce the margin to just four points at the halfway mark.

Werribee continued its late surge, but the Jackas defence held strong, conceding only a couple of behinds. Eugene Routman was then able to seal the game, converting from a rare chance up the other end.

The Reserves won their match by 29 points, despite conceding six majors in the final term. Adam Trytell staked a claim for a senior recall, with a five-goal best on ground ­performance.

The Thirds were no match for a stronger Old Melburnians side, which kicked 13 goals in the second half to win in a blow-out. Unfortunately due to lack of numbers, the Under-19s side forfeited to MHSOB.

AJAX plays Old Melburnians at 2pm on Saturday at Gary Smorgon Oval (Melway: 57 J7).

DANIEL FREED