Jackettes continue winning ways

AJAX’s women’s division 3 side was on the winners’ list for a second consecutive week, outlasting Whitefriars 3.5 (23) to 1.3 (9) in an important away fixture.

Whitefriars led early, but two goals to Lindi Nankin, and a sealer by Caitlin Boylan – who scored from 30m out after grabbing a huge mark – proved the difference.

The AJAX men have sustained heavy losses so far in the 2023 VAFA Premier B season, but their performance in round five last weekend, when they travelled to Old Geelong, was encouraging.

Old Geelong dominated all departments of the game in the first quarter to lead by 31 points, but AJAX regrouped, lifting their intensity in tackling and contested possessions, for the rest of the match.

Although the final score was an 83-107 loss, the senior Jackas outscored Old Geelong by seven points across the last three quarters.

Coach Andrew Jago said the key going forward is improved decision making and execution by the playing group, to match their intensity and effort.

Max Herzel was best on ground, and Ben Krongold kicked three goals, and Toby Lipton two.

Round five losses of various degrees were recorded by three other AJAX teams.

In men’s Premier B reserves, the Jackas dominated possession and field position for three quarters versus Old Geelong, but inaccurate kicking and a horror third quarter in which they were kept scoreless but conceded seven goals, proved their downfall, losing 8.9 (57) to 13.12 (90).

The AJAX men’s Sunday thirds division 2 team battled hard, but ultimately lost by seven points to Old Xaverians, 8.15 (63) to 9.16 (70).

Nachum Paltiel was their top goalscorer, booting three.

And the club’s newest team, in men’s thirds division 4, played their first match, losing 28-140 to ladder leader Old Scotch.

Jonah Berman was their best on ground, and Justin Vogel kicked two goals.

The new team is a sign of increasing player depth at the club, and was made possible due to the tireless work, in particular, of vice-president and head of football operations Adam Micmacher and secretary Peter Kagan.

In other AJAX Footy Club news, tickets are selling fast for its 2023 President’s Lunch to be held from midday to 2pm on Saturday, June 17 at the David Mandie Pavilion at Albert Park.

Guest speaker at the event will be North Melbourne Kangaroos star and former AJAX junior Harry Sheezel.

To book tickets, visit https://www.seniors.ajaxfootballclub.com.au/shop/presidents-luncheon-17-june-2023