Jackas’ season on a knife’s edge
AJAX went down to Old Haileybury 13.12 (90) to 10.8 (68) at Gary Smorgon Oval on the weekend, but the Jackas’ season is not over just yet, with eight games still to go.
AJAX went down to Old Haileybury 13.12 (90) to 10.8 (68) at Gary Smorgon Oval on the weekend, but the Jackas’ season is not over just yet, with eight games still to go.
The side may be sitting in eighth position on the ladder, but it is only two games out of the top four, with a huge game against fourth-placed Old Melburnians this week.
It was a tough battle in horrendous conditions and AJAX trailed from start to finish.
The Jackas defence was put under the pump for much of the day, but backmen Matthew Kaye and Rubin Winograd gave their all.
Midfielders Josh Ludski, Evgeni Routman and Warren Steinberg worked hard against an impressive Haileybury engine room, while David Fayman led all goal-scorers with four for the day.
AJAX was kept goalless in the opening term and conceded two majors in a sluggish start.
The Jackas came out far better in the second quarter, Jason Tendler getting the home side’s first for the day in the early stages and Fayman adding another soon after.
But AJAX’s run stopped and the visitors took control, kicking four goals to lead by 28 points at half- time.
Old Haileybury kept its momentum after the main break, kicking the first two goals of the term, before Fayman finally registered one for the home side.
The big forward proved to be the only glimmer of hope in attack as he slotted his second for the term, but not without the opposition kicking three more of their own to lead by 46 points at the final break.
The Jackas put in a brave effort in the last quarter, getting on top in the midfield and kicking six goals to two. Adam Caplan went up forward and slotted two, while Fayman got his fourth for the game.
Geoff Measey, Ashley Kalb and Steinberg also managed to find the sticks, as the hosts reduced the final margin to less than four goals.
The Reserves won their third game of the year by just nine points, midfielders Nicholas Shulman and Nick Lewis starring for the Jackas.
The Thirds were forced to forfeit their second game in a row.
AJAX plays Old Melburnians at 2pm on Saturday at Junction Oval (Melway: 58 A8).
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