Six of the best sink Nodders

AJAX ensured a top-two finish and a finals “double chance” with a scrappy win over third-placed Mazenod at the weekend 16.18 (114) to 14.7 (91).

The Nodders, who came into the clash looking to extend a six-game winning streak, sent a scare through the Jackas’ camp when they got within a point early in the final term, before the home side kicked four goals to one to ice the game.

Premier C stars Evgeni Routman and Ari Lewski returned to the Jackas’ line-up after long absences due to travel and injury respectively, and the classy Daniel Freed also returned to the side after a long-term injury.

In perfect conditions the Jackas came out firing, with Routman having an immediate impact, kicking the first major of the day. Ben Kalmus was sensational down back and Josh Ludski’s tenacious pressure in the forward line paid off when he was awarded a holding-the-ball decision that resulted in a goal.

However, the Nodders managed to get free on a few occasions and made the Jackas pay for their looseness, managing three majors for the quarter.

Sharpshooter David Fayman was on the board early, but it was rookie cult figure Nadav Harel who brought the crowd to its feet with his first goal in the seniors. Fayman bagged another to give his side a two-goal buffer heading into the first break.

Experienced players Jason Israelsohn and Jason Ritterman started the second term brightly, finding plenty of the ball and distributing it effectively. Ritterman was sensational on his wing, while Israelsohn’s work was rewarded with a goal.

But just when it looked like the Jackas were edging away, the Nodders hit back, kicking the next three for the term. Late goals to Fayman and Routman gave the Jackas breathing space at the major beak, but the game was by no means over.

Mazenod kicked the first three goals of the third quarter and took the lead for the first time in the match.
But AJAX again rallied and the intensity lifted immediately. A fine five-minute patch resulted in goals to Fayman and ruckman Adam Laitt as the Jackas again kicked out to a two-goal lead heading into the last break.

Mazenod again came at the Jackas in the last quarter and showed enormous spirit early to slot the first couple goals of the quarter.

AJAX, however, was again up to the task, protecting its slender lead, and lifted once more. Lewski capped off his return to the field by scoring a major, and goals to Marcus Jankie, Israelsohn and another to Fayman ensured the win.

The reserves continued their winning ways with a 50-point shellacking of Mazenod 18.6 (114) to 10.3 (63), while under-19 skipper Richie Simon’s six-goal haul wasn’t enough to edge the Northern Bullants, the Jackas going down 9.9 (63) to 12.16 (88).

The Club 18 Warriors’ good season came to an end in their first semifinal against Ormond 9.20 (74) to
4.8 (32).

AJAX plays Rupertswood on Saturday at 2pm at Salesian College, Sunbury (Melway: 382 F8)

JOEL MARKOFF

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