Prelim beckons for scintillating Jackas
AJAX has advanced to the second round of finals, courtesy of a resounding 11-goal win over Old Camberwell in the first semifinal 15.17 (107) to 6.5 (41) at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday.
AJAX has advanced to the second round of finals, courtesy of a resounding 11-goal win over Old Camberwell in the first semifinal 15.17 (107) to 6.5 (41) at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday.
The Jackas put on a flawless display to brush aside the fourth-placed finisher, the likes of Warren Steinberg, Danny Weislitzer and Geoff Measey putting on a superlative display. The midfield returned to its attacking best with Ari Lewski winding back the clock, while Jake Lew and Jason Seidl provided plenty of options up forward, kicking six majors between them. Ajax led the battle from the first siren, and will now face Beaumaris, which finished the regular season in second on the ladder, in a do-or-die preliminary final on Sunday.
Lew opened the scoring, thanks to a terrific assist from Jason Ritterman, and Eugene Routman quickly added another with a perfect left-foot snap. The Jackas controlled all the possession early and used the ball cleanly. Nick Marks converted from well outside 50, and Ajax might have streaked ahead further if not for some missed opportunities in front of goal. At the break, Ajax led by 15 points.
The Jackas lifted their work rate in the second term, kicking six unanswered goals in an excellent performance. Ben Hershan opened the floodgates with a great individual display, chasing, tackling and finishing truly. Lew slotted two for the quarter, and Ben Kalmus, Daniel Freed and Routman also added to the scoreboard, extending the lead to 59 points at the main break.
The midfield continued its dominance in the second half, winning most of the clearances and hitting up the forwards. Seidl took a couple of great contested marks, goaling twice from the boundary line, as Lew put through his fourth for the day. Old Camberwell kicked two late majors, as the game began to heat up, with numerous scuffles breaking out around the ground.
The Jackas kept providing entertainment for the parochial crowd in the last quarter, Routman finishing off a great team play, and Freed roving a goal at full speed. Old Camberwell slotted late consolation goals, but tit was too little too late.
The Under-19s bowed out of their finals campaign, losing by seven goals to St Kevin’s, 6.7 (43) to 13.11 (89).
Stuart Fayman and Josh Berlinski attacked the footy hard all day, and Joel Gocs and Jesse Strauch put in solid performances in defence.
After putting through the opening two goals of the game through Matt Nissen and Michael Seltzer, St Kevins’ midfield started to get on top, kicking the next four. Josh Berlinski and Adam Caplan reduced the deficit in the seco nd term, but at half time the margin was back out to four goals.
Richie Simons provided the only spark for the final term with a top mark and goal, as the side sank to a 46-point, season-ending loss.
ASHLEY SHENKER
comments