Jackas put Monders to the sword

AJAX superstars David Fayman (eight goals) and Evgeni Routman (six goals) piled on 14 goals between them as AJAX continued its undefeated start to the season, with an impressive 50-point demolition of highly fancied Ormond.

The Jackas delivered their best performance of the season on a historic day for the club, which saw the new state-of-the-art scoreboard, named in honour of favourite son Richard Pratt, unveiled. A huge crowd turned out at Albert Park for the ceremony, including Pratt’s son Anthony.

In perfect conditions for footy, it was Ormond who burst out of the blocks kicking a goal within minutes of the opening bounce. Fayman answered with his first as the sides went goal-for-goal, with skipper Gary Blieden and Ari Lewski leading from the front in the early exchanges. Fayman kicked a delightful crumbing goal late in the quarter to give AJAX some breathing space as they pushed out to a two-goal lead.

Ormond again started brightly, adding the first two of the term before Rubin Winograd showed a touch of class sidestepping deftly and spotting up Fayman, who kicked his fifth for the half. Jackas coach Bernie Sheehy moved midfielder Routman to the forward line with immediate results, last year’s best and fairest runner-up booting two late goals to give the side a four-goal buffer at the main break.

AJAX had a sensational third term with Routman and Fayman adding two goals apiece, including a sensational boundary line snap from the latter, which sparked wild celebrations. Ormond responded to stay within five goals at three-quarter time.

The defence, bolstered by the return of stopper Geoff Measey after stellar form in the reserves, held up sensationally in the final quarter, keeping Ormond goalless. Jesse Kotchen was outstanding in the back half, while Lewski continued to rack up touches.

AJAX slammed on the last few goals to put the result beyond doubt and finish with a stylish 50-point win. Eighteen-year-old Adam Caplan impressed on debut, with the only sour note, a knee injury to young ball carrier Daniel Freed, with scans later this week to determine the extent of the damage.

The reserves also recorded an impressive victory over the top of the table Ormond reserves team. Josh Dorevitch was superb in the ruck, while midfielders Ash Kalb and David Selzer worked tirelessly all day. Nadav Harel was a livewire up forward, creating many opportunies for others and kicking three goals himself.

Senior gun Nick Marks successfully made a comeback from shoulder surgery and should make his return to the firsts in the next few weeks. Coach Darren Seidl was delighted with his team’s come-from-behind win, saying he “couldn’t be prouder of the boys”.

The under-19s suffered a huge defeat at the hands of the highly fancied Caulfield Grammer. Noah Rischin was best on ground.

JOEL MARKOFF