Two AJAX teams set for grand finals this weekend

Playing at the large Trevor Barker Reserve oval on a slippery surface in a men’s thirds division 3 preliminary final last weekend against minor premiers Old Brighton presented a huge challenge for third-placed AJAX, but it was a challenge embraced.

And although the Jackas had a poor, error-prone start and trailed by 15-36 at half-time, they staged a defiant, and ultimately successful, comeback from the start of the third quarter, by tackling with intent, winning contests for the ball, and converting more possession into looks at goal, and kicking majors.

With one quarter to go, Old Brighton’s lead was cut to just 37-29, and it was game on.

At the final break, the Jackas players were reminded by coach Matt Hendel what the whole squad had put into this season, and how it was all coming down to the next 20 minutes.

The players’ response was brilliant, with every player willing to put their body on the line.

AJAX scored 4.4 to their opponent’s 1.1 to win the game by

8.9 (57) to 6.8 (44) and advance to the grand final.

Corey Zielinski kicked three goals and Max Harris kicked two.

Hendel was heartened by the team’s gritty performance to beat the minor premiers in such a crucial game, and made special mention of Loki Zielinski, who was given the task of tagging Old Brighton’s most impactful player, and handled it perfectly.

AJAX will face second-placed Williamstown CYMS in the thirds division 3 decider from 4:45pm this Saturday at DSV Stadium, Williamstown.

AJAX Footy Club will have another team in a grand final this weekend, when their minor premiership-winning ‘Sunday’ thirds division 4 side take on third-placed Marcellin from 5pm on Sunday at Elsternwick Park.

Both teams will appreciate a big turnout of Jackas supporters to cheer them on.