Weekend Wrap: Round Sixteen

 

AJAX’s fight to survive relegation is on thin ice after the Jackas were defeated by bottom placed Monash Blues by 17 points on Saturday.

 

With all three of AJAX, Monash and Mazenod stuck on 12 points at the foot of the ladder, a win against Monash would have all but secured AJAX’s future in Premier B for another season. 

 

Two Jordan Cohen goals in the opening quarter wasn’t enough for the Jackas as they went into the first break trailing by one point. But it was the second quarter that saw the Clayton-based side take the initiative as they kicked five goals to AJAX’s one. 

 

Three goals in just a handful of minutes for small forward Dean Rotenberg brought the Jackas within touching distance of the opponent, before torrential rain and deafening thunder put a halt to any momentum needed to claim a come from behind win.

 

As the storm above eased, there was time only for a Kane Nissenbaum special, dribbling the ball in from 35 meters out to give the AJAX fans something to cheer, even if it was only a consolation.

 

Nissenbaum was named best on ground for AJAX, tallying 38 touches and two goals. Captain Nick Lewis made his mark, finishing with 33 disposals and eight tackles.

 

Looking ahead to next week, Lewis said “the lads are up for the challenge and will train and prepare with the mindset to chase another win. We won’t shy away from the fact that the Parkdale game is big for our hopes of staying up. 

 

“If we bring our best footy we will get the job done. Let’s wait and see.”

 

Mark Williams’ men will have to hope for an against-the-odds victory against mid-table Parkdale Vultures on Saturday if they are to salvage a spot in Premium B for 2019.

 

A highly depleted Reserves side were also defeated by Monash, going down 6.6 (42) to 11.12 (78). 

 

Michael Feiler was best on ground for the Ressies for his two goal contribution, joined in the ‘bests’ by Rachbuch, Michelson, Tonkin, Carp and Liberman.

 

The Reserves started slowly in the first quarter before steadying the ship in the second, heading into the main-break with a 7 point deficit.

 

However the Ressies weren’t able to find their attacking charisma in the second half, only managing two goals and one behind for the rest of the game. 

 

The loss means that the gap between Monash and AJAX in Premier B Reserve division is now just four points with two weeks remaining.

 

Ash Obel- Media & Communications Manager

 

Scores   

Firsts- 10.10 (70) def by Monash Blues 13.9 (87)- Goals: D. Rotenberg 3, J. Cohen 2, K. Nissenbaum 2, J. Goldberg, B. Joel, C. Hamilton. Bests: K. Nissenbaum, D. Paltiel, N. Lewis, B. Shapiro, C. Nankin, J. Ludski. 

Reserves- 6.6 (42) def by Monash Blues 11.12 (78) - Goals: M. Feiler 2, B. Carp, D. Rothschild, S. Kalmus, J. Rachbuch. Bests: M. Feiler, J. Rachbuch, B. Michelson, J. Tonkin, B. Carp, J. Liberman.