Joel a winner in his 150th game
Both sides were desperate for a win, having lost their first six games, and nothing could split them early on, with scores tied at 27-all at first quarter time.
What a moment it was for AJAX veteran Brandon Joel last Saturday at Frearson Oval, when he was hoisted on the shoulders of teammates after scoring two goals in his 150th game for the Jewish club.
Even better, his Jackas VAFA Premier B team won their first match of the season, coming back from behind in the last quarter to beat the Monash Blues 15.19 (109) to 16.7 (103).
Both sides were desperate for a win, having lost their first six games, and nothing could split them early on, with scores tied at 27-all at first quarter time.
Monash went on a goal-scoring spree to lead by 37 points midway through the third quarter. But the Jackas responded, lifting their intensity – as well as their goal-kicking accuracy – to surge to an 18-point lead, eventually winning by six.
Kane Nissenbaum also scored two goals, and Richie Simon booted three.
Joel, who is part of the team’s senior leadership group, said of reaching his 150th game milestone, “For 20 years, this club has been a second home – through juniors, then seniors, captaining or coaching, debuts and milestones, premierships and demotions.
“The club has given me a lot, and it’s a place that I am immensely proud to be a part of.
“I just hope to leave it even better than I found it.”
Round 7 winners also included the Jackas reserves, who beat the Monash Blues 16.16 (112) to 7.10 (52), and AJAX’s new men’s thirds division 4 (Saturday) side, who thumped South Melbourne Districts 20.9 (129) to 1.4 (10).
Ryley Michelson and Brandon Efron kicked three goals each for the reserves, and Jesse Velleman was best on ground, while for the Saturday thirds, Ayden Carp and Justin Vogel both scored five goals, and Josh Peker was player of the match.
AJAX’s men’s Sunday thirds (division 2) team remain in fourth spot, despite narrowly losing to Mazenod by 7.11 (53) to 8.11 (59).
The club’s women’s division 3 team are officially fifth, but effectively equal third on competition points, after losing to ladder leaders Glen Eira last Saturday by 2.1 (13) to 10.9 (69).
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