AJAX FC's First Legend Michael Ritterman speaks to J-Air

Michael Ritterman was named the first official Legend of the Ajax FC on the weekend.
J-Air's On the Ball program spoke to Michael about his career, the club, and the state of the game in general.
Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/jairradio/michael-ritterman-speaks-to-j-air-after-being-named-an-ajax-legend#t=0:00

Jackas suffer honourable loss to St Kevs

Ajax were by no means disgraced against the competition’s benchmark-St Kevins OB, despite going down 10.8 (68) to 16.13 (109) in a fiery clash at TH King Oval on Saturday.

Coming up against a team who boast an unblemished record in season 2015 and a handful of players with AFL and VFL experience, the Jackas took it right up to the home team, getting closer than most clubs have.

Star-on-baller Adam Caplan opened Ajax’s account in classy style before St Kevs answered back with two quick goals.

David Fayman looked back to his best snapping brilliantly from the boundary line, although he was quickly outdone by former Hawthorn Premiership player Stephen Gilham who leapt into the sky, arguably bringing down the mark of the year.

The Jackas went onto win the second quarter kicking three goals to St Kevins’ two, and it was the old prolific duo of Fayman and Jake Lew that led Ajax into half-time trailing by just seven points.

The game opened up in the third term and it didn’t take long for the ladder-leaders to flex their muscle, kicking four unanswered goals to extend the margin out past 30 points.

Youngster Brandon Joel kicked a goal against the tide-his first in a Senior jumper, while Adam Caplan slotted his second shortly after.

Lew brought the margin back within five goals on the stroke of three quarter time with his second, as the Jackas set themselves for a season-defining final quarter.

Ajax’s challenge was firmly met by a defiant and clinical St Kevins outfit, who eventually ran out 41-point winners.

David Fayman returned to form with a four-goal haul while first year players Jake Kalmus and Justin Berkowitz were named in the best.

The loss still sees Ajax two games and hefty percentage outside the top four and while they are still mathematically a finals chance, they will have to win their remaining four games and rely on other results to go their way.

Meanwhile, the Reserves slumped to their fifth straight defeat, losing 6.10 (46) to St Kevins 22.11 (143). Ash Shenker toiled hard down back while usual suspects Nadav Greenberger and Daniel Janover-Rocha were named their team’s best players.

It was better news for the Jackettes who convincingly beat Endeavour Hills FC 55-16. Lexi Mand played a breakout game in the ruck while Toni Hamilton continued her strong goal-kicking form with five majors.

The road to finals has well and truly begun for the Thirds (Blacks) who are eying a top two finish after Eli Adelist kicked a goal in the dying seconds to secure a monumental six-point win over Old Trinity on Sunday.

The match will go down in Ajax Football Club history as it marked the first time four brothers played together in the same team. Daniel, Benji, Josh and Jacob Jones made their pipeline dream a reality as their proud family watched on.

Aaron Fetter

Senior Coach Marty Pask 'On the Ball'

Days after extending his tenure at the club, Senior Coach Marty Pask spoke with the team from On the Ball. 
Have a listen here: https://soundcloud.com/jairradio/marty-pask-speaks-to-j-air-after-extending-his-tenure-at-ajax-fc

Three-point thriller keeps Jackas in finals frame

Ajax’s late-season finals charge gathered further credibility on the weekend when they hung on against the fourth placed Old Brighton Grammarians, winning 6.11 (47) to the visitors 5.14 (44) at Gary Smorgon Oval on Saturday.

The result sees them a game and substantial percentage outside the top four, with a two game buffer on sixth place.

The Jackas kicked with a three to four goal wind in the opening term and looked up for the contest early, banging on the first three majors in quick succession.

Skipper Nick Marks continued his strong form, kicking truly from the set-shot. Star utility Eugene Routman showed off his talent, registering the Jackas’ second shortly after.

Aided by the wind, Ajax looked dangerous each time they moved the ball inside their forward half.

Skilful youngster Jake Kalmus rolled through an opportunistic goal from the pocket before the competition’s leading goal kicker, Jake Lew earned a freekick from outside fifty, effortlessly converting, handing the Jackas a commanding 25-point lead.

Old Brighton looked destined to kick their first just before the quarter time siren, but a brilliant defensive effort by Jarryd Ludski and Jordan Bade-Boon on the goal line, kept the visitors scoreless in the first term.

It was an ugly scrap in the second quarter with neither team able to convert their chances in front of goal. Ajax added three points to their quarter time score, while Old Brighton still searched for their first major.

The visitors came out breathing fire in the second half, kicking three of the first four goals to get themselves within 13 points at the final break.

The Jackas were up against it in the final 25 minutes as Old Brighton had the wind at their backs. Ajax conceded the first four scoring shots which narrowed their lead to just three points with only minutes to play.

Old Brighton were on the charge and Ajax looked spent, but a remarkable tackling effort from Stuart Fayman inside the Jackas forward fifty followed by a 25-metre penalty, made the goal a certainty.

Fayman was bumped off the ball just seconds later, controversially earning him another shot at goal, only this time the kick was off line.

With seconds remaining, Old Brighton transitioned the ball from one end to the other, bringing the margin back to four points.

The nervous final moments were defused by the siren with the three-point win a massive boost for newly re-signed coach Marty Pask and his team whose run home doesn’t get any easier, facing the unbeaten St Kevins away next Saturday.

Eugene Routman was named best on ground while Jake Lew was the only multiple goal kicker with two.

Meanwhile the Reserves’ winless run continued, as they put up a brave fight for a half against Old Brighton, losing 6.6 (42) to 12.13 (85). Anton Ritterman was once again amongst the goals finishing with three while Tom Rogers was the standout in the seven-goal defeat.

Aaron Fetter

Clinical Jackas cruise past Parkdale

Ajax Seniors returned from the mid-season break with a 16.8 (104) to 6.10 (46) win over old rivals Parkdale Vultures at Gerry Green Reserve on Saturday, keeping their finals hopes alive.

The victory ended a long run of losses at the ground and sees the Jackas move into fifth place on the Premier B ladder, two games outside the top four.

In his fifth game back from injury star forward David Fayman opened the Jackas’ account and the visitors soon had two on the board after Adam Caplan set sail from outside fifty.

Parkdale registered their first major of the afternoon shortly before the quarter time siren.

Ajax were slow out of the blocks in the second term conceding the first two scoring shots that consequently saw them lose the lead, however Adam Caplan continued his stunning 2015 form kicking his second, putting the Jackas back in front.

Jake Lew recovered from a quiet start to kick back-to-back goals, extending the lead to 17 points halfway through the second term.

Ajax’s midfield began to assert their dominance in and around the contest with Nick Lewis and Brad Caplan the main driving forces.

Youngster Jake Kalmus earned a free kick deep in the pocket and calmly popped it through for his first senior goal.

Lew added his third for the quarter on the half time siren as the Jackas went into the main break holding a comfortable 29-point advantage.

Parkdale’s home crowd finally had something to cheer about when they kicked the first of the second half but their excitement was short lived as the Jackas maintained their dominance posting a six-goal to two third term, with the Caplan brothers running riot.

Coach Marty Pask demanded his players write their own history in the final term, aware of the club’s past struggles against Parkdale on their ground.

Jake Lew heeded that call early in the final stanza kicking his fourth and fifth goal in quick succession moving him six clear on top of the VAFA Premier B goal-kicking table with 39.

The Jackas ran out 58-point winners. David Fayman returned to some form with three goals while Adam Caplan, Jarryd Ludski and Ben Kalmus were amongst the best.

Meanwhile the reserves frustrating season rolled on, losing a game that was theirs for the taking at three quarter time, eventually finishing 7.13 (55) to Parkdale 11.15 (81).

Creative half forward Anton Ritterman took his season tally to 14 with four goals while Daniel Janover-Rocha, Nadav Greenberger and Dov Paltiel worked tirelessly in the middle.

It was better news with the Thirds (Blacks) winning 11.11 (77) to St Kevins 5.8 (38). The result sees them move a game inside the top four with two home and away matches remaining.

Yoel Rosenbaum led the way up forward with three goals while Shimon New and Daniel Jones were rocks in defence.

A depleted Jackettes side were forced to split the points with Knox FC as they surrendered a 17-point lead at three quarter time to draw 3.11 (29) to 4.5 (29), conceding a point that levelled the scores in the dying minutes.

Dani Robinson impressed across half back while Julia Caplan once again contributed strongly in the midfield. Lexi Mand and Toni Hamilton were their team’s only goal-kickers, finishing with two apiece.

Aaron Fetter

Thirds down Carey in Sunday thriller

Only two Ajax teams took to the field on the weekend as the Seniors and Reserves made the most of the mid-season break.

The Thirds (Blacks) recorded a memorable win after they erased an 11-point deficit in the dying minutes to snatch victory in their 11.14 (80) to Old Carey 11.13 (79) match at Carey Sports Complex on Sunday.

The Jackas held onto an eight-point lead at quarter time after getting out of the blocks early, only to concede two late goals.

It was a tightly contested second term with neither team able to kick away to a substantial lead. Skipper Zev Aron and agile big man Daniel Wein were prime movers forward of centre for the Jackas in the first half.

Only one point separated both teams at the main break as the game delicately hung in the balance.

With more than half the team observing a religious fast day, naturally, player’s energy and effort was going to taper off in the second half.

Old Carey piled on consecutive goals and threatened to blow the Jackas away but the visitors did well to only trail by nine points at the final change.

Ruckman Ollie Greenberg began to get on top in the middle early in the fourth quarter, however play around the ground quickly turned into an ugly scrap as both teams tried desperately to effectively forge forward.

 The Jackas were fortunate to still be in the hunt as the home side failed to convert a number of scoring opportunities. With five minutes remaining Ajax required two goals. Star on baller Dov Paltiel hit the scoreboard courtesy of an assist from Wein and the Jackas’ sensed an unlikely comeback.

The next clearance went Ajax’s way as a Chaim Wellis-Stosser pass inside fifty missed its intended target, but fortuitously fell into Daniel Wein’s lap, 35 meters out directly in front.

Wein collected himself, put boot to ball and unconvincingly snuck it in, handing Ajax a one-point lead with under two minutes to go.

The Jackas held firm in the dying stages and as the siren sounded, jubilant scenes swept across the ground. The win has the thirds only marginal percentage outside the top four.

Meanwhile Ajax’s women’s team the Jackettes suffered a rude awakening when they copped a 2.1 (13) to 18.14 (122) belting against Gippsland, who beat the girls by over 100 points for the second consecutive game.

Danielle Shmerling kicked both of the Jackettes’ goals while Julia ‘Hotties’ Caplan was the clear best on ground in the deflating result.

Aaron Fetter

Wollan On The Ball

Classy youngster Alex Wollan joined the team from J-Air’s On the Ball program on Monday night to discuss his promising recent form in the Seniors and a goal of the year contender that he kicked in the weekend’s 48-point win over Fitzroy. Have a listen back to Alex’s chat via the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/jairradio/alex-wollan-relives-his-freak-goal-with-j-airs-on-the-ball-team

Wollan rises in win over Roys

An inspired first half blitz by Ajax has seen them comfortably down Fitzroy 13.14 (82) to 4.10 (34) at Gary Smorgon Oval on Saturday.

The win moves them into sixth place, two games adrift of the top four and sees them head into the mid-season break with much needed momentum.

Classy youngster Alex Wollan kicked the Jackas off to the perfect start after he converted from directly in front. Fitzroy struggled to get their hands on the ball early and the task intensified as a strong home crowd seemed to lift the Jackas as AJ Thurin brilliantly added their second.

Wollan was in everything in the opening 20 minutes and without question put his hand up for a goal of the year contender with a magical finish from the boundary line. Jake Lew’s deft touch set up the silky left-footer and from deep in the pocket Wollan worked the angles to perfection dribbling it through for a goal.

The Jackas went into the quarter time huddle three goals in front after dominating play in the first half hour.

The Ajax faithful got a look into the future as second-gamer Justin Berkowitz calmly slotted his first senior goal early in the second term. There were ominous signs for the visitors as star duo Eugene Routman and Dave Fayman began to impact the play while Lew continued to wreak havoc up forward, brilliantly snapping his fourth of the quarter.

A near perfect first half turned sour only moments before the siren as Ajax defender Daniel Cohen was believed to be struck off the ball, outraging onlookers. It fueled an emotional and aggressive response from both players and supporters as tempers flared and threatened to boil over.

The umpires took control of the situation and the Jackas with their tails up went into the half time break having kicked nine unanswered goals for the half, leading by 54 points.

Fitzroy kept Ajax from scoring early in the third, however it took them until the 20^th minute of the quarter to register their first goal of the game.

Lew’s sixth major moved him two goals clear on top of the Premier B goalkicking table. Routman enjoyed his best match of the season while Wollan’s breakout game was rewarded with best afield honours.

Ajax ran out 48-point victors led by Lew’s half dozen while Berkowitz, Fayman and Wollan each kicked two.

Meanwhile the Reserves continued to disappoint and were on the receiving end of a 6.3 (39) to 15.14 (104) thrashing against Fitzroy. Michael Feiler bobbed up with three goals while Ash Kalb and Dov Paltiel were their team’s best, in impressive performances across half back.

The Ajax Thirds (Blacks) were by no means disgraced against the outright flag-favourites Old Xaverians in their 14.10 (94) to 10.8 (68) loss on Sunday. Skipper Zev Aron and Jones brothers Josh and Benji were among the Jackas’ best players.

To cap off a mixed bag of weekend results, the Jackettes convincingly knocked off top of the table Rosebud on their home turf to register a 9.8 (62) to 3.3 (21) win. Vanessa Mrocki continued her strong goalkicking form with a bag of five while Toni Hamilton kicked three majors in a best on ground performance.

Aaron Fetter

A chat with Chelsea

Jackettes Skipper Chelsea Fisher spoke with the crew from J-Air Radio's On the Ball program on Monday night about the team's progress in their inaugural season. The Jackettes currently sit second on the VWFL East Division ladder after they comfortably accounted for Endeavour Hills on the weekend by 37 points. Next round looms to be the Jackettes' biggest challenge as they take on ladder-leaders Rosebud. Have a listen back to Chelsea's chat via the link below: 

https://soundcloud.com/jairradio/jackettes-skipper-chelsea-fisher-speaks-to-on-the-ball-after-yet-another-win

Jackas held off at home

Ajax has slumped to its sixth loss of the season after falling agonisingly short against Old Melburnians at Gary Smorgon Oval on Saturday. The 6.13. (49) to 7.10. (52) defeat sees them lose ground on the top four, now two games adrift.

The list of senior debutants climbed to eight for season 2015, after Justin Berkowitz and Brandon Joel were called up on the back of promising form in the Reserves. The task at hand loomed greater before the opening bounce with important forward Jake Lew a late withdrawal with knee soreness, placing a heavier reliance on David Fayman who returned from a foot injury a couple weeks ago.

Not for the first time this season Ajax were wasteful in front of goal kicking five behinds in the first quarter. It was a hotly contested opening with neither team able to find time or space.

Minutes ticked by in the second quarter and the home side was still searching for their first goal. David Fayman appeared to be in for a tough day with multiple opponents hanging off him every time the Jackas went forward, however courtesy of some great play from Jarryd Ludski, Fayman in brilliant fashion registered his and the teams’ first.  

The Jackas continued to dominate possession and consecutive goals from rangy forward Richie Simon pulled the home side out to a 13-point lead. First gamer Justin Berkowitz was instrumental in setting up Simon’s first before the left-footer went solo and snapped another in a productive few minutes.

Ajax’s efforts in the second term were rewarded with a 17-point buffer at the main break, however the 3.10. to 1.5. score line exhibited both sides’ inaccuracy.

It was panic stations in the third quarter for Ajax as they failed to maintain their ascendency, with Old Melburnians holding them scoreless. A costly turnover only seconds before the three quarter time siren handed the visitors a three-point lead heading into the final stanza. 

A packed Albert Park was filled with great intensity and anticipation throughout the fourth quarter as both teams went goal for goal.

It was a tight and tense finish however missed opportunities proved costly as the Jackas eventually went down by three-points. The loss leaves them in seventh position and behind the pack vying for a finals spot.

Geoff Measey was a solid contributor all day in his 150^th game along with Asher Burstin, while David Fayman finished with three goals.

Meanwhile the Reserves had a day to forget going down to Old Melburnians 3.6. (24) to 16.24 (120). The 96-point loss wasn’t the only disappointment with only one on the bench after three quarter time as injuries continued to take their toll.

The Thirds (Blacks) held on for a stunning one-point win against Mazenod away. The 12.9. (81) to 12.10 (82) victory sees the Jackas only percentage out of the top four with momentum building. Daniel Wein was prolific in front of goal kicking five goals.

The weekend finished on a bright note for the club as the Jackettes stamped their authority on the competition with a convincing 9.14. (68) to 4.7. (31) win over Endeavour Hills, which sets up a top of the table clash next week against ladder-leaders Rosebud.

Vanessa Mrocki kicked three goals while Toni Hamilton continued her strong form with two majors.

Aaron Fetter

Kalmus Clan Create Jackas History

It was a historic day for the Jackas on Saturday as the game against Caulfield Grammarians marked a significant club first. Three brothers, Ben, Josh and Jake Kalmus all played alongside each other in the senior team for the very first time. A very proud father and club legend Mark Kalmus watched on with his family as the boys were instrumental in setting up the 20-point win.

The oldest of the brothers, Ben, spoke with J-Air Radio’s On The Ball program on Monday night and explained what it was like to create Ajax history with Josh and Jake. The interview in full can be listened to via the link below.

https://soundcloud.com/jairradio/ben-kalmus-speaks-to-on-the-ball-after-making-history-with-ajax-fc

Senior Players Selected in VAFA Rep Squads

The club wishes to congratulate senior players Nick Lewis and Dean Rotenberg on their selections in the VAFA’s initial U19 Big V Squad that will play against AFL Victoria Country U19s on 11 July in Bendigo. Nick and Dean have been a critical part of the Ajax Senior team over the last couple seasons and their rapid development and strong performances have been justly rewarded. They both spoke with J-Air Radio’s On The Ball Program on Monday night. The interview in full can be listened to via the link below.

https://soundcloud.com/jairradio/nick-lewis-and-dean-rotenberg-on-on-the-ball

Star forward Jake Lew was also recognised for his excellent first half of the season with selection in the initial Premier B – Division 4 Squad that will play against the AFL Victoria Country No. 2 team on 11 July in Bendigo. 

Jackas cruise home in Caulfield clash

A spirited Ajax Senior side has held off a fast-finishing Caulfield Grammarians to secure an important 15.12 (102) to 12.10 (82) victory, in a historic day for the club on Saturday at Glen Huntley Park Oval.

Ajax returned from the bye round desperate to make amends after their costly slip-up against Hampton in round eight pushed them dangerously towards the lower rungs of the Premier B ladder.

The game marked a significant club first as three brothers, Ben, Josh and Jake Kalmus all played alongside each other in the senior team for the very first time.

Ajax went into the first break ten points behind the bottom-placed Grammarians, despite having an equal amount of scoring shots as the home side.

The second term was dominated by the Jackas who piled on eight goals to two in a blistering display that saw them head into the half time break with a commanding 26-point lead.

The potent forward setup of David Fayman in the goal square, Jake Lew hovering around the fifty and Richie Simon and Dean Rotenberg at their feet, caused headaches for Caulfield as the boisterous Jackas crowd found full voice.

A slight wind advantage favoured the Neerim Road end as the home side began their charge, zapping Ajax’s momentum, narrowing the margin to five points at the final change.

The Jackas’ energy and intensity dropped off dramatically around stoppages and on occasions the forwards failed to account for the attacking running of Caulfield’s half backs, who made them pay, hitting the scoreboard twice.

Heading into the final term less than a goal in front, Ajax would have been conscious of their 2-6 fourth quarter record. The youngest of the Kalmus trio, Jake, continued his productive afternoon however a few squandered opportunities in front of goal kept the door ajar for the home side.

The deciding quarter was full of momentum shifts, until Richie Simon snapped his fourth goal, seemingly handing Ajax the ascendency. Caulfield quickly answered getting back within ten points.

In true Ajax fashion, skipper Nick Marks stood tall and burst through a crowded pack kicking the sealer, capping off a best on ground performance.

Corey Jankie’s individual brilliance put the result beyond doubt as Ajax ran out 20-point winners, with dangerous forwards Lew and Dave Fayman only combining for three goals, exhibiting the Jackas’ ability to win without heavily relying on them.

Meanwhile the Reserves made it two on the trot as they worked into promising form in their 12.19 (91) to 6.8 (44) win over Caulfield’s seconds. Alex Wollan responded in explosive fashion to his seniors’ demotion, with a dominant three-goal best afield display. Brandon Joel, Roi Abrahams and Justin Berkowitz did their chances for higher honours no harm.

It was a dirty day for Ajax teams competing on Sunday as the club failed to register a win between the two Thirds teams and the Jackettes.

An undermanned Reds outfit was never in the contest against ladder-leaders Old Xavier, while the Blacks missed a golden opportunity to solidify a top four spot, running out of legs in their 8.9. (57) to 9.12. (66) loss to St Kevins. The Thirds’ midfield battled manfully all day while Jordan Lipton, Daniel Wein and Dylan Rothschild were the multiple goalkickers.

Ajax’s women’s team the Jackettes were handed a rude awakening, suffering the biggest loss of their short history in the 2.3. (15) to 18.8. (116) demolition at the hands of the visiting Gippsland outfit, who the Jackettes beat only two weeks ago.   

Aaron Fetter

Seniors Stumble at Home

Ajax has missed an opportunity to head into the bye round in the top four, after they faded badly losing 8.13 (61) to 13.11 (89) in their clash against Hampton Rovers at Gary Smorgon Oval on Saturday.

A host of big-name players returned and after last round’s surprise win over third placed Brighton, optimism was high.

All seemed to be going to plan early as Jake Lew began his 100^th game in style, registering the game’s first, on the back of a remarkable effort from within the centre square. Corey Jankie added the Jackas’ second soon after and the lead moved swiftly past three goals courtesy of a great snap by Jarryd Ludski.

Hampton’s first goal was quickly answered by brilliance we are quickly becoming accustomed to from AJ Thurin, however the Seniors failed to take full advantage of their dominance, squandering a number of opportunities finishing the quarter 4.7 (31) to 1.0 (6).

In the second term the visitors used the wind advantage to great effect keeping the listless Jackas scoreless while piling on six goals of their own, capping off their dominant quarter with a 14-point lead at half-time.

Once again coach Marty Pask demanded a response from his players however a string of undisciplined acts gifted Hampton the opening goal of the term and set Ajax a real task to get back into the contest.

 Lew was up for the challenge slotting his second and finally the moment that all Jackas fans were waiting for arrived when David Fayman weaved in and out of traffic to kick his first of the year in his return match after a pre-season foot injury sidelined him.

The momentum continued to swing as Lew let fly from long range, kicking Ajax into the lead and his third. Stuart Fayman got into the action putting Ajax’s eighth major on the board as they went into the final break holding a nine-point advantage.

The Jackas’ run of fourth quarter fadeouts showed its head again as the visitors completely overran the hapless home-side handing them a 28-point loss to mull over during the bye round.

Meanwhile the Reserves celebrated their first win of the season in emphatic style over the Rovers recording a 97-point victory. Richie Simon returned from injury and looked a class above bagging six goals while Anton Ritterman bobbed up with four. Roi Abrahams was best on.

There were mixed results for the Thirds on Sunday as the Blacks cruised home to an important 55-point win over Fitzroy. Eli Adelist kicked four goals in a best afield display while only percentage now separates them and the top four. The Reds were handed another thumping this time at the hands of Old Trinity.

The weekend was capped off on a positive note with the Jackettes’ long trip to Gippsland a successful one. Toni Hamilton kicked three goals in the 26-point win that moves the women’s team into second spot on the ladder.

Aaron Fetter

Caplan Heroics Keep Jackas’ Season Alive

by Aaron Fetter

Ajax’s seniors snapped a three-game losing streak with a spirited come-from-behind victory against third placed Old Brighton Grammarians at Brighton Beach Oval on Saturday, reigniting their season.

Ajax surrendered a 12-point lead at half-time to trail by two points at the final break. Years full of promise finally materialised for Adam Caplan, as the 22-year old single-handedly wrestled the momentum Ajax’s way, kicking three phenomenal fourth quarter goals, capping off the nine-point win with best on ground honours and a career-high five goals.

The Reserves remain without a win, despite putting in their best performance of the season. Trailing by 22 points at three quarter time, the Jackas piled on the first three goals of the final stanza, getting within a goal of Old Brighton with plenty of time to play, only to run out of puff and eventually go down by 30 points.

For the second consecutive week in the seniors, AJ Thurin kicked the first of the game in brilliant fashion. Shortly after, Adam Caplan setup Jake Lew for his first and the Jackas had skipped away to an early 13-point lead.

Ajax controlled most of the play in the opening quarter, although two late Old Brighton goals undid some of the seniors’ hard work, narrowing the margin to just one point at the first change.

The home side kicked the first of the second term only for it to be answered by a brilliant piece of play by Dean Rotenberg. It evolved into a scrappy and physical quarter as both teams struggled to convert in-front of goal.

Approaching half-time second-gamer Jake Kalmus laid a desperate tackle close to goal, only for Asher Burstin to take the advantage and finish off the youngster’s good work. Ajax pinched another major before the siren as Adam Caplan marked from long range and slotted his first of the afternoon.

Ajax could ill-afford to sit on their two-goal lead in the second half as Old Brighton backed by their home crowd came out strongly, kicking three of the four goals scored in the third quarter, edging two points in-front at the final change.

The seniors received another trademark talking-to from coach Marty Pask and his stern words seemed to illicit an inspired response. Adam Caplan added to his growing 2015 highlight reel with a breathtaking effort on his non-preferred foot from deep in the pocket, only to better it moments later, all but icing the game with his fifth, a crisp finish on the run.

Jake Lew booted two goals, moving into equal top-spot on the league’s goal-kicking table with 24, whilst Asher Burstin impressed in his new role across half-back.

The nine-point win moves Ajax within striking distance of the top four and sets up a must-win clash with Hampton Rovers next Saturday at Gary Smorgon Oval, where a host of star players are expected to make their long-awaited returns from injury.

Next Matches - Saturday 30th May

Ajax Seniors and Reserves v Hampton at 2.00PM and 11.40AM at Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park.

Sunday 31st May

Ajax Thirds (Blacks) v Fitzroy at Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park at 11.40AM

Ajax Thirds (Reds) v Old Trinity at Trinity Grammar School Sporting Complex, Bulleen Road, Bulleen at 2.00PM

Ajax Jackettes x Gippsland at Tyers Recreation Reserve, Main Road, Tyers at 1.00AM

Ajax No Match For Ladder-Leaders

Gary Smorgon Oval played host to an action-packed weekend that saw four of Ajax’s five fixtures played on home turf in front of strong crowds in near perfect conditions.

Ajax (Blacks) managed the Jackas’ only win of the weekend after the Seniors and Reserves received hidings from the league’s best, while the Jackettes lost for the first time in their short existence. A severely undermanned Ajax (Reds) was thumped by Fitzroy rounding out a bitterly unsuccessful weekend at home.

The Seniors witnessed first-hand the brand of football that is required to compete at the top of Premier B, after St Kevins OB emphatically kept their unblemished 2015 record intact, handing Ajax their first real thrashing of the season- a 94 point loss.

Plenty of excitement surrounded the contest with a further two young debutants, Anton Ritterman and Jake Kalmus given their chance to impress on the senior stage.

Ajax couldn’t have asked for a better start as Nick Lewis streamed from the centre, delivering a pass to the feet of AJ Thurin who showed impressive agility, snapping the first of the game from a difficult spot.

St Kevins quickly countered, peppering the goal face with only five behinds to show for their forward half dominance. Ajax’s defence eventually gave way, conceding two consecutive goals.

Jake Lew bobbed up and kicked an important steadier against the flow of play, his 300^th career goal-a remarkable feat.

Soon after a costly turnover gifted St Kevs their fourth goal of the term as they continued to keep Ajax in the game with inaccuracy in front of goal.

The visitors held a 22-point lead at quarter time, registering 14 scoring shots to Ajax’s two, failing to get any substantial reward for effort on the scoreboard.

Early in the second term they pushed the lead past five goals, with their big men causing some issues up front. Jake Lew continued to find time and space, kicking his second after a brilliant solo effort from deep in the pocket. The visitors quickly stepped it up a gear, out-classing an inexperienced Ajax side on every line. Lew was a shining light in a pretty horrid term for the home side, kicking all three of Ajax’s second term goals, taking his total for the day to four.

54 points adrift at half time, an all too familiar spray from coach Marty Pask didn’t appear to work any wonders, with the young Jackas side bullied for most of the second half. The Seniors have managed to be competitive against the better sides so far in 2015, however at no point were they able to play the game on their terms.

Disappointingly the margin ballooned out to 94 points when the final siren sounded, a strong reminder of the strength of competition in Premier B. Corey Jankie battled hard all day, as did Zac Braun in the ruck. Adam Caplan continued his strong form in the middle, while Alex Wollan has been more than handy in the last couple weeks.

The winless Reserves were always going to find it tough against the top of the table however the 81-point final score paints somewhat of a harsh picture as the effort was an improvement on recent weeks. There was a few positives out of the game with strong inside midfielder Ben Sher performing well, while Justin Kramersh kicked five of Ajax’s eight goals in a great individual effort.

There was mixed results for the club on Sunday as the Jackettes fought valiantly against Rosebud, only to fall 13 points short and in doing so suffering their first loss of the season. Toni Hamilton booted two goals while Daniella Abraham showed plenty of grit in the midfield.

Ajax’s Thirds (Reds) side were thumped by Fitzroy in a day to forget, with the loss marred by a string of injuries, however the news was better with the Blacks recording a stunning 15-point come-from-behind win away against Old Trinity. Skipper Zev Aron led the charge, kicking three final quarter goals to finish with five.

Next Week's games:

Saturday 23rd May

Ajax Seniors and Reserves v Old Brighton at 2.00PM and 11.40AM at Brighton Beach Oval, South Road, Brighton

Sunday 24th May

NO Thirds Matches this week due to Shavuot

NO Jackettes Match this week

Next Jackettes Match - Sunday 31st May

Ajax Jackettes v Gippsland at Tyers Recreation Reserve, Main Road,Tyers at 11.00AM

DISAPPOINTING JACKAS GO DOWN TO MAZENOD

In a tough weekend, both the Ajax Seniors and Reserves went down to Mazenod, and the Blacks were the only winners, with a victory over the Reds in the Thirds. Coach Marty Pask was left to lament another week of injuries to Senior players and another game of missed opportunities.

Kicking to the scoring end, Mazenod dominated the first term, adding five goals to nil. The home team took full advantage of the blustery conditions, and whilst the Jackas had their share of scoring shots, could not register a major for the term.

Taking a 29-point deficit into the second term, Ajax knew it had to take full advantage of kicking with the wind if it was to have any hope of staying in the game. Unfortunately, Mazenod scored the opening goal to open up a 35-point lead. Stuart Fayman passed to Jake Lew for the Jackas opening goal, then Roi Abraham and Corey Jankie both goaled to reduce the margin to 16 points, and offer a glimmer of hope. However the visitor’s turnovers were not helping their cause, and when Mazenod added three late majors, the home team had extended their lead to over 5 goals. Lew scored his second just before half time to keep the deficit to 27 points at the main break.

With the heated words of the coach still ringing in their ears, Ajax started the second half with a far greater intensity. Mazenod scored an goal early with the breeze, but the Jackas hit back with goals to Lew, his third, and Adam Caplan to reduce the margin to 20 points and offer some hope to their supporters. That hope was short-lived, as the home team took full advantage of kicking to the scoring end to add another four goals, opening up a 44-point lead at the final change.

An Ajax turnover gifted the home team the opening goal of the final term, but the Jackas hit back with two quick ones of their own through Adam Caplan and Jake Lew, making the margin six goals with just under twenty minutes still to play. Missed opportunities did not help the cause, and though Roi Abraham kicked his second and Alex Wollan capped off his good play with a major, the home team kicked away late to run out 33-point winners.

The Reserves had a great opportunity to register their first win of the year, leading Mazenod by four goals at ¾ time, with the belief this was going to be the ice-breaker. Unfortunately, it became a heart-breaker, as the home team kicked four goals to nil in the final quarter and inflict the fifth straight defeat for the Ressies.

In the Thirds, the Ajax Blacks defeated the Ajax Reds by 97 points with Levi Lewis kicking six goals and Eli Adelist booting five. Jeremy Herz and Zev Aron led the way for the Blacks, whilst Roger Hassan booted three for the Reds with Assaf Danby and Jay Kramersh amongst the best for the Reds.

The Jackettes had a Bye.

Next Matches – Saturday 9^16h May

Ajax Seniors and Reserves v St Kevins at 2.00PM and 11.40AM at Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park.

Sunday 17^th May

Ajax Thirds (Black) v Old Trinity at Trinity Grammar School, Bulleen at 2.00PM (TBC)

Ajax Thirds (Red) v Fitzroy at Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park at 2.00PM (TBC)

Ajax Jackettes v Rosebud at Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park at 12.00PM

ST BEDES TOO CLASSY FOR JACKAS

In a weekend of mixed fortunes, the Jackas went down to St Bedes Mentone by 47 points, whilst the Jackettes remain undefeated on top of the ladder.

Taking on old foe, St Bedes Mentone, Ajax won the toss and and elected to kick with the advantage of a three to four goal wind. The Jackas attacked early with little result for their effort, and it was left to Dean Rotenberg to kick the home team’s first goal and give them a 10-point lead. The Tigers hit back with their first major, before Adam Caplan was free-kicked and extended the lead.  In the final minute of the term, a lapse in concentration by the Ajax defense allowed St Bedes to goal and reduce the ¼ time deficit to one point.

The second term proved to be a costly one for the home team. St Bedes scored four goals to none, and had the Tigers taken advantage of the number of scoring shots they had, the half-time lead may well have been much more than the 29-point deficit the Jackas faced at the main break. The quarter ran 42 minutes due to a major injury to one of the St Bede’s players, and the umpires took the unusual step of sending the players to the sheds with 49 seconds still on the clock. The half was finally completed without any addition to the scores.

With the wind at their backs in the third term, Ajax turned up the heat on the visitors, with a five goal to one quarter. Jake Lew booted three superb goals in a 15-minute purple patch before the visitors kicked their only major of the term to push their lead back out to 12 points. The Jackas dug deep, and Jarryd Ludski goaled, followed by another to Ash Kalb, and the Jackas headed in to the final term with all of the momentum and trailing by a solitary point.

Unfortunately, it was not to be the Jackas’ day, and the visitors took full advantage of kicking with the wind in the final term kicking eight goals to one. Running out of petrol tickets, it was a tough ending to what was a brave effort by the home team for three quarters, with the visitors running out 47-point winners.

The Reserves have had a tough start to the season and remain winless after another poor showing.  Kicking just five goals for the match, Benji Michelson, Roi Abraham and Ben Michowski were amongst the team’s best.   

In the Thirds, the Ajax Blacks were never in the hunt against a very strong Old Xaverians outfit, defeated by 140 points. Moses Weisner, Eli Herbst and Jeremy Herz were the only players to show any resistance in a tough day out at Xavier College.

Ajax Reds forfeited their match against Old Carey.

The only shining light for the club over the weekend was the continued excellent form of the Jackettes. In front of a large crowd at Gary Smorgon Oval, the girls had a 45-point victory over Knox, and remain undefeated at the top of the Eastern Section VWFL ladder with a percentage of over 600%.  Rebecca Bennett, Dana Hamilton and Daniella Abraham led the way for the girls whilst Toni Hamilton and Chelsea Fisher kicked two goals apiece.

Next Matches – Saturday 9^th May

Ajax Seniors and Reserves v Mazenod at 2.00PM and 11.40AM at Central Reserve Oval No 2, Cnr Springvale & Waverley Roads, Glen Waverley.

Sunday 10^th May

Ajax Thirds (Black) v Ajax Thirds (Red) at Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park at 2.00PM

Ajax Jackettes – Bye (TBC)

JACKAS WIN IN A THRILLER

In a dour, low scoring game, Ajax has secured its second victory for the season with a nail-biting 3-point win over Fitzroy.

With injuries forcing three changes to last week’s winning team, the Jackas took on old foe, Fitzroy, in wet and greasy conditions at the Brunswick Oval.

Coach Pask rewarding two more debutantes, ruckman Zach Braun and on-baller Nadav Greenberger, for their first outing in the Anzac Day match. 

Ajax set the tone early with Braun dominating the early hit-outs, and Nick Lewis found Dean Rotenberg for the Jackas first. Ajax attacked for much of the first term and had little to show as reward. Late in the term, Fitzroy seized the momentum, and two late goals had the home team in front by seven points at ¼ time.

Responding to the coach’s quarter-time spray, Ajax lifted their intensity and leveled the scores with a goal to Jake Lew, following a 25-metre penalty. Leading by example, skipper Nick Marks was hitting the ball hard, and his teammates responded, but were not rewarded for their effort on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, there were a number of incidents off the ball that resulted in Corey Jankie being helped from the ground by two trainers. As happened in the first term, Fitzroy seized the momentum late in the term and added two late goals to take an 11-point lead into half time.

Coach Pask reminded his players at ½ time that reward for effort will come and the scoreboard will take care of if itself. With Geoff Measey leading the way, Ajax continued to attack the ball at the start of the third quarter, and the rewards soon followed, with the visitors kicking four goals to none in the term. AJ Thurin was free kicked in the opening minute and slotted a goal from 40 meters. Jake Lew followed up with his second for the match, and the Jackas had turned the ½ time deficit into a slender lead. Adam Caplan snapped truly, and then Dean Rotenberg found Alex Wollan for another major and the lead was extended to 15 points heading into the final break.

Early in the final quarter, Wollan returned the favour for Rotenberg, finding him in the goal square for his second. When Jake Lew added his third, a brilliant check-side kick from the boundary that sailed over the goal umpire’s head, the Jackas had opened up a 27-point lead.  Fitzroy were not going to lie down and kicked the next four goals of the match to reduce the margin to three points. The final frantic minutes of the match saw kamikaze football from both teams, but the Jackas were able to hold on to register their second win of the season with a gritty 3-point victory.

The Reserves had a day to forget and were defeated by 53 points. Ryan White registered the only goal for the match, whilst Benji Michelson and Daniel Janover-Rocha battled hard all day, amongst a very few to show any resistance.

In the Thirds, the Ajax Blacks battled hard all day in a gallant effort against Mazenod. Only nine points down at ¾ time, the Blacks were outplayed in the final quarter, and were defeated by 19 points. Joel Benjamin was amongst the best with two goals.

Old Xaverians defeated the Ajax Reds by 20 goals in a day the team would rather forget. Fielding a team low on numbers, the Reds battled hard, but were never in the contest.  Zev Aron leading the way with three of the team’s four goals.

Next Matches – Saturday 2^nd May

Ajax Seniors and Reserves v St Bedes at 2.00PM and 11.40AM at Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park

Ajax Thirds (Red) v Old Carey at Carey Sports Complex, Bulleen Road, Bulleen at 11.40AM

Sunday 3^rd May

Ajax Thirds (Black) v Old Xaverians at Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park at 11.40AM

Ajax Jackettes v Knox 2.00PM at Gary Smorgon Oval, Albert Park at 2.00PM

A sharp-shooting AJAX side has posted a hard fought 12-point win over Parkdale at Albert Park last Saturday in a landmark weekend that also saw the Jackettes female team record a victory in their inaugural hit-out.

Coming off a seven goal defeat to Old Melburnians last week, and having lost playmaker Josh Kalmus with a broken jaw, and ruckman Ryan Winston with a leg fracture, coach Marty Pask implored his young team to stand up and be accountable in their home match against Parkdale last week.

The Jackas were certainly out to make a statement in the opening term, and kicking with a slight wind advantage, had five straight goals on the board in the first fifteen minutes, whilst holding the opposition scoreless.  Jake Lew and Richie Simon were proving to be a potent combination up forward booting two goals apiece, and Jarryd Ludski was also causing Parkdale some concern with his perfectly roved goal in the square. Jason Ritterman turned back the clock, and with a withering run down the outer flank, bombed long from outside the 50 that posted the home side’s sixth goal. Brad Caplan found Jake Lew who kicked his third for the quarter, before Parkdale posted its first major just on quarter time to reduce the home team’s lead to 34-points.

Parkdale opened the second term with a quick goal, and as happened last week against OM’s, Ajax seemed to go into their shell and could not replicate the pressure they had brought in the first term. The home team’s midfield dominance of the first quarter that saw them win the majority of the centre clearances was no longer evident as Parkdale began to get on top. In a 20-minute period, Parkdale piled on seven goals to none to take a six-point lead, and if not for their inaccuracy in front of goal, could well have been further in front. Skipper Nick Marks, returning from a long stint on the sidelines with injury, stepped up and booted a captain’s goal to stop the visitor’s onslaught. Asher Burstin and Adam Caplan added two more majors to give the home team a three-point lead at half time.

The third term saw both teams defend grimly as the game seemed to be played between the two half back lines, before Parkdale kicked their only goal for the quarter to take a slender lead. It was going to take a special effort to break the game open, and when Dean Rotenberg found Simon for his third major, and Lew added two more to take his afternoon’s tally to five goals, the Jackas had opened up a 15-point lead. Ash Kalb added another just before ¾ time, and the home had a 21-point buffer, heading into the final stanza.

Parkdale went in the final term with a slight wind advantage, and midway through the term had reduced the deficit to seven points, and threatened to run over the top of the Jackas. Asher Burstin snuffed out the Parkdale challenge with his second major for the match, and the Jackas held on to record a well deserved 12-point victory.

In a low scoring match, the Reserves were defeated by 19 points, and whilst they were competitive for the majority of the match, they again fell short in a match that they should have won.  Daniel Janover-Rocha, Jamie Lewis, Nadav Greenberger, Alex Wollan and Jake Kalmus battled hard, whilst Brandon Joel was the only multiple goal scorer with three.

In the Thirds, the Ajax Blacks went down to Old Carey by 4 goals. Inaccuracy cost the team dearly, kicking 7.15.57 to 12.9.81. Benji Jones, Daniel Wein and Jeremy Herz amongst the best for the Blacks.

St Kevins defeated the Ajax Reds by 95 points, with Daniel Klotnick, Jarred Swire and Adam Shapiro leading the way for the Reds. Special mention to club stalwart, Sonney Roth, in his comeback game, and scoring one of the team’s six goals.

The Jackettes, Ajax Women’s Football team, played their debut game at Montmorency and took their hosts to the cleaners with a 38-point victory. In cold and wet conditions, the Jackettes kicked 4.17.41 to 0.3.3, with Vanessa Mrocki becoming the first ever goal-kicker for the women’s team. Best for the Jackettes were Alex Fleiszig, Toni Hamilton, Jess Marget and Danielle “Booba” Robinson. The team sits on op of the VWFL Eastern Division with a percentage of 1366%. 

Round 3 Next Week -

Saturday 25th April

Ajax Seniors and Reserves v Fitzroy at 2.00PM and 11.40AM at Brunswick Street Oval, Fitzroy

Sunday 26th April

Ajax Thirds (Black) v Mazenod at Gary Smorgan Oval, Albert Park – Time TBC

Ajax Thirds (Red) v Old Xaverians at Gary Smorgan Oval, Albert Park – Time TBC

Ajax Jackettes  - Bye

Heading in to the first round, Ajax had come off one of the most intense pre-seasons in the club’s history, and new coach, Marty Pask, had developed a very positive atmosphere around the club. Despite the loss of guns, David Fayman and Eugene Routman to injury, the club was looking to start the season on a winning note. Unfortunately, that was not to be in a spiteful contest that saw the Jackas go down by seven goals.

Taking a ferocious attitude into the first quarter, Ajax put Old Melburnians under intense pressure with several attacking forays. Jake Lew capitalized by booting two early goals, the second a Goal of the Day contender from the boundary. Adam Caplan slotted the third major for the term and the Jackas took a 14-point lead into the quarter time break. Debutant ruckman Ryan Winston injured his knee in the opening term and would take no further part in the game.

Ajax seemed to go into their shell in the second term, as OM’s added five goals to one. The Jackas could not replicate the pressure they had brought in the first term, and the home team started to win the ball out of the middle. Adding four unanswered goals, OM’s had turned the quarter time deficit into a 13-point lead, before Jake Lew kicked his third to stop the rot. The hosts added another on the siren to hold a two-goal buffer and take all the momentum into the half time break.  Adding to the club’s injury woes, Josh Kalmus was taken to hospital with a suspected broken jaw, reducing the interchange bench to two fit players.

The third term saw Ajax attack early, but for all of their good work, could not register a major. The Jackas defended manfully as Melburnians dominated play for the majority of the quarter, struggling to keep out their opposition who slotted three quick goals to open up a game-high 31-point lead. Richie Simon kicked the Jackas only goal for the term just before ¾ time to reduce the deficit to 25 points at the final change, and offer a glimmer of hope. 

Given the warm conditions of the afternoon, the limited interchange bench and the number of players suffering from cramp, the final stanza was always going to be difficult. The brave Jackas fought out the battle, but ultimately struggled to overhaul a stronger Melburnians outfit. The home team added five goals for the term and opened up a sizeable lead, before Jason Samuel, AJ Thurin and Nick Lewis all added majors to keep the final deficit to 43 points.

The Reserves were defeated by 10 goals, and whilst they were also in the match until half time, Old Melburnians dominated the second half to add eight goals to one. Anton Ritterman and Jacob Kingston kicked two goals each, whilst Alex Wollan and Jake Kalmus battled hard for the visitors.

The Premier B Thirds competition saw two Ajax teams competing in the same division for the first time. The Ajax Blacks had a huge 15 goal win over the Ajax Reds, with Daniel Wein booting 5 goals for the Blacks. Benji Jones and Jeremy Herz led the way for the Blacks, whilst Zac Braun and Simon Roth were amongst the best for the Reds.

Next Saturday sees the Club’s first home match for the season against Parkdale at Gary Smorgan Oval, Albert Park, whilst the Jackettes debut away to Montmorency next Sunday.