Jackas’ reality check
JUST two weeks out from finals, AJAX has received a reality check in the form of a 18.19(127) to 10.7(67) walloping at the hands of sixth-placed Rupertswood.
JUST two weeks out from finals, AJAX has received a reality check in the form of a 18.19(127) to 10.7(67) walloping at the hands of sixth-placed Rupertswood.
The Rupertswood hoodoo has become a worrying one for the Jackas, whose only two defeats this season have come against the side.
While AJAX’s spot in the top two is assured, it faces the daunting possibility of a re-match in the second week of the finals, should Rupertswood – currently two points outside the top four – sneak into post-season contention.
Coach Bernie Sheehy was livid with his charges following the disappointing showing citing a lack of effort and skill-errors for the lopsided result, saying there would be more losses to come if the side did not lift its intensity.
Young gun Warren Steinberg was a standout for the Jackas with four goals, while the league’s leading goal-kicker David Fayman added three.
The home side burst out of the blocks and peppered the goals without registering a major. AJAX then scored against the run of play and took a 13-point lead into the break through two first-quarter goals to Steinberg and majors to Fayman and Evgeni Routman.
It was a Rupo raid in the second term, the side piling on 6.6 to AJAX’s 1.1 and taking a 22-point lead at half-time. AJAX players were second to the ball and failed to adapt to the tricky conditions as well as its opponent, which was playing like a team determined to see September action.
The third term was more competitive despite the visitors still butchering the ball and Rupertswood extended its lead at the final break, before a six goal to two final term completed the rout.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Jackas, who face top team Werribee in the penultimate game of the home and away season.
AJAX plays Werribee on Saturday at 2pm. Soldiers Reserve (Melway: 206 A9).
PETER KAGAN
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