Jackas keep finals hopes alive

THE AJAX Football Club is now one of three teams within a game of the top four, after a 13.15 (93) to 7.9 (51) away victory over Old Ivanhoe on the weekend.

The Jackas were missing a number of key players heading into the game, but were able to dispose of the bottom side with solid performances from brothers Dean and Warren Steinberg.

Gun forward David Fayman, who slotted five goals, is finding form after a lengthy injury, while former skipper Jason Ritterman returned from a hip complaint for his first game of the season. AJAX got on top early in the midfield early to set up several chances at goal, with Dean Steinberg kicking truly to open the scoring.

The home side failed to take advantage of its opportunities, until it finally capitalised on a defensive blunder from the Jackas. But AJAX was able to reply immediately, as Jarryd Ludski spotted up Geoff Measey, who goaled.

Old Ivanhoe responded in kind, as the sides went goal-for-goal, and at the first break AJAX trailed by two.

Measey got the second term underway with a goal from a long bomb and AJAX began to dominate the contested ball. The only thing letting the visitors down was their delivery into the forward line.

The home side kicked truly against the run of play, as the Jackas’ defence felt the pressure.

Fayman’s classy snap from the boundary kicked off a great run for the Jackas, who put through the next four goals before half-time.

Dean Steinberg was able to add to his tally, before Fayman kicked another two for the term to give the Jackas a 27-point lead at the main break.

Evgeni Routman kicked the first goal of the third term, before Fayman slotted another from an outstanding team play.

The Jackas’ defence was impenetrable for much of the quarter, until Old Ivanhoe broke through with the final three goals, reducing the deficit to 21 points at three-quarter time.

AJAX got off to a flyer in the last quarter, with Jason Tendler finding himself on the end of some good link-up play to extend the Jackas’ lead.

Marcus Jankie prevented a certain Old Ivanhoe goal and set up Routman for his second of the game, before Fayman sealed the win with consecutive goals.

The Reserves suffered a 34-point loss after blowing a two-goal lead at half-time, while the Thirds were forced to forfeit their game due to a lack of numbers.

The under-12 Jackettes registered their first-ever win, beating Hampton by 53 points.
AJAX plays Old Haileybury at 2pm on Saturday at Gary Smorgon Oval (Melway: 57 J7).

PETER KAGAN