Trio of semis wins for AJAX
Of Marget’s 100th game milestone, and form, Nankin commented, “She will do anything for this club … I overheard her say at training that she’ll be playing until her legs fall off!”
It was three wins out of three elimination semi-finals for AJAX teams in a memorable start to the 2023 VAFA finals series last weekend.
Facing the same opponent for the second straight match, AJAX’s women’s division 3 side comfortably defeated Oakleigh again, but this time at Scammell Reserve, where they had never won before.
The first quarter was an arm wrestle, but the Jackettes dominated from there, keeping Oakleigh goalless for the whole game, while finding their own range in attack, to win 4.10 (34) to 0.2 (2).
Jessica Marget kicked a great goal in her 100th game, while Lydia Rainey, in only her eighth game, starred on the wing.
Jackettes coach Joe Nankin told The AJN the way they contained their opponents so effectively is a huge confidence booster ahead of their preliminary final versus Glen Eira at Elsternwick Park this Saturday from 10am.
“We’ve had really good consistency in defence this season – having the same back six – and our midfielders working well together to help them out,” Nankin said.
“We’ve debuted 15 players, and they’re getting better as the season progresses, and we also have a core group of very experienced players.”
Of Marget’s 100th game milestone, and form, Nankin commented, “She will do anything for this club … I overheard her say at training that she’ll be playing until her legs fall off!”
In men’s thirds footy, the good vibes in AJAX’s new division 4 side continued with a 17.7 (109) to 5.7 (37) semi-final thrashing of Parkside at Gary Smorgon Oval last Saturday.
This Jackas team only entered the competition in round 5, and won 10 of their following 12 games to make the finals.
Their star against Parkside, with a nine-goal haul, was Jarred Fibishenko, who joined the squad after his bumper Big V basketball season for Maccabi, finishing as the men’s youth league 2’s top pointscorer.
Coach Adam Micmacher said he has utilised 65 players, who are keen to contribute whenever needed, and share a competitive spirit.
“There’s a lot of mateship and mutual respect in this group, which has added real depth to the club,” Micmacher said.
“They always seem to find a way to really go for it.”
They face Old Xaverians in a preliminary final at Whitefriars College this Sunday from 11.45am.
And in men’s Sunday thirds division 2, AJAX continued their fine season by defeating Williamstown 11.10 (76) to 9.11 (65).
They worked their way to a 39-point lead, before their determined opponents kicked the first four goals of the last quarter, only for the Jackas to quickly regain control. Zev Aron and Nachum Paltiel kicked three goals each.
Coach Michael Konsky credited “everyone playing their roles” as the key, as well as goalkicking accuracy, and commitment in defence.
“The spirit, passion and friendship in this team are what really make it special,” he said.
“After my pre-game talk last Sunday, Yossi Jedwab played a shofar, and there was a roar among the team as if Sam Kerr had just kicked a goal in the World Cup – that’s what you want to hear as a coach!”
His troops will face Beaumaris in their preliminary final this Sunday from 2.10pm at Whitefriars College.
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