Nick Lewis scores in his big 200th game for AJAX
AJAX stalwart Nick Lewis played his 200th game in a win against Old Geelong, and even kicked the last goal.
AJAX Footy Club stalwart Nick Lewis deserved something extra special in his milestone 200th senior game in red, black and white colours last Saturday against Old Geelong at Como Park – and he got it.
In his 14th VAFA season since debuting at the age of 17, the club’s longest serving captain (2017-2024) and two-time Best & Fairest winner (2018 and 2025) was given a huge round of applause when walking onto the ground with family members.
Then, the senior Jackas won their VAFA Premier B round seven clash by 13.15 (93) to 11.8 (74), resulting in Lewis being in the thick of an epic celebration in the sheds where the AJAX song was sung with extra pride and decibels.
Moments earlier, he scored AJAX’s last goal of the match to stamp out any hint of an Old Geelong comeback, and he was immediately swarmed by ecstatic teammates.
In form Jethro Gunn kicked the opening goal, the AJAX midfielders took control in the first two quarters, and Jackas goals flowed, resulting in a 23-point lead.
Old Geelong clawed their way back to within five points at three-quarter time, but when it mattered most, AJAX’s leaders stood up and regained control.
Jack Hart (two goals) and Phoenix Janover were outstanding in the fourth quarter, and Lewis kicked the sealer.
Earlier, Jordan Cohen booted four goals, and Justin Vogel two.
At the other end of the experience scale, young gun Sean Bass also had a game to remember, kicking an early goal in his AJAX seniors debut.
AJAX head coach Lachie Buszard said before the game, “Nick embodies everything about the footy club – he is tough,
loyal and a competitor, who will go down in history as one of the very best to pull on an AJAX jumper.
“His passion and commitment to the team is unmatched, and he continues to set the standard off the field with his preparation and training diligence.”
The team is now equal second on the ladder, and will have a fortnight to prepare for a highly anticipated grand final rematch away to Beaumaris.
The AJAX reserves won their third straight game by 23 points against Old Geelong to climb to fourth spot, with standout performers being Ryan Herman, Hudson De Bortoli, Jarred Fibishenko, Jordy Rothfield, Cobi Chrapot and Corey Wasbutzki.
A massive fourth quarter by the Jackas Saturday thirds division 3 side saw them turn a six-point lead over Mazenod into a 42-point victory, to further secure their second spot position.
Up forward, Max Harris led with five goals, Zak Harris three, and Tal Barda two.
On Sunday, the AJAX Premier thirds thumped last-placed Old Scotch by 117 points, in Jeremy Herz’s milestone 100th game, to rise to third.
Top scorers were Jake Jones (five goals), Gabe Jotkowitz (four) and Joel Parasol (three), while Avi Segman dominated the midfield.
AJAX’s thirds division 4 side remained undefeated after a gutsy comeback 9.8 (62) to 8.9 (57) win at Gary Smorgon Oval over the Unicorns, in which they were 31 points behind at half-time.
The Jackas kept grinding away, and hit the lead in the final minute through a Doron Segal goal.