Jackas seniors win in Lipton’s 100th game

Toby Lipton’s 100th game for AJAX went perfectly to script at Gary Smorgon Oval last Saturday, with the much-admired player having a typically strong match, in a classy 11.15 (81) to 6.6 (42) VAFA men’s Premier C seniors round 12 win over Mazenod.

The senior Jackas trailed by 10 points after the first quarter, but took complete control in the third quarter, booting four goals and only conceding three behinds.

Aaron Bryer was best on ground, Max Herzel top-scored with three goals, and Justin Vogel and Jonty Israel kicked two goals each.

The win kept AJAX equal on competition points with second-placed Beaumaris, and they will enjoy a short break before travelling to fourth-placed St Bedes/Mentone on July 26.

Team co-captain Corey Zielinski – who hopes to return from a knee injury in round 16 – told The AJN that he and Bryer delivered speeches paying tribute to Lipton’s almost decade-long seniors footy journey in a special pre-match presentation, “and it was very well-deserved”.

“Toby started playing senior footy for us when he was just 15, and while starting out as a forward, he has played in recent seasons in our backline, adapting well to become one of our key defenders.

“He’s definitely a guy who sets high standards – often getting to training and to matches before everyone else.”

Zielinski is pleased with how the team is progressing two-thirds of the way through the season, “without of course getting over-confident, because the two top teams are the teams we have lost to, but I do feel like we can continue to improve, and gain momentum”.

“Another positive is our depth – we’re probably the only team with more than 50 players getting game time, and we’ve had over 15 players making their Premier C senior debuts, including five against Mazenod.

“Credit goes to our head coach Lachie Buszard, who always gives us very clear understandings of our roles, and our game plan.”

The Jackas Premier C reserves are in fourth spot after thrashing Mazenod 16.14 (110) to 5.5 (35).

Tyler Southwick, Jeremy Forbes and Brad Antman kicked three goals each, and Manny Micmacher impressed at half back.

Last Sunday, AJAX’s thirds division 5 side had their first loss in eight games, falling by 18 points to Melbourne High Old Boys, but are still coming third.

With the Jackas Premier Thirds winning by forfeit, several of their players, including captain Zev Aron and forward Amir Meyerowitz, made memorable Premier C senior debuts.