Jackas reclaim top spot
AJAX has regained top spot on the Premier C ladder after a 15.6 (106) to 9.14 (68) thrashing of Fitzroy at the weekend.
AJAX has regained top spot on the Premier C ladder after a 15.6 (106) to 9.14 (68) thrashing of Fitzroy at the weekend.
With a slender lead at the last change, the Jackas piled on six goals to one in the fourth quarter, including four to superstar David Fayman, to run out easy winners. Warren Steinberg dominated in midfield and Corey Jankie was again superb in defence.
Missing Ben Kalmus, Josh Sacks, Jarrod White, Eugene Routman, Ari Lewski, Ollie Ford and Geoff Measey, coach Bernie Sheehy opted for a mix of youth and experience. Former captain Nick Gold made his comeback to senior football along with Josh Dorevich and Jesse Kochen. Youngsters Joel Gocs and Nadav Harel were also presented with deserving debuts after fine form in the reserves.
Kicking with the aid of a stiff breeze, the Reds got away to a flyer kicking the first two of the match, but AJAX’s intensity and toughness saw the visitors restricted to just two more for the term as the Jackas added three of their own.
AJAX made better use of the wind in the second, dominating the quarter 4.9 to 1.3. Ash Kalb and Jason Ritterman forced turnovers with team-lifting pressure acts, while Steinberg and ruckman Adam Laitt were driving the footy inside 50 relentlessly. Fitzroy’s frustrations started to show, resulting in a large scuffle towards the end of the quarter.
The Jackas came out firing in the second half with a tenacious attack on the footy, but fell away quickly. Tall timber Jason Samuel, moved to centre half-forward, kicking the first goal before the Lions started to dominated. Blieden kicked a goal against the run of play late in the quarter but the Lions’ improved game style saw them convert four chances, putting them a goal behind at the last break.
When Fitzroy kicked the first goal of the final term the game seemed to be slipping away from the Jackas, before Fayman stamped his authority on the game. Josh Ludski and Ritterman chipped in with majors to ensure a comfortable margin at the final siren.
AJAX plays Old Camberwell on Saturday at 2pm. Gary Smorgon Oval (Melway J7 57).
JOEL MARKOFF
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