ajax junior football club weekly wrap round 2, 2019 the wrap · 2019-05-08 · ajax junior football...

AJAX Junior Football Club Weekly Wrap – Round 2, 2019

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@AJAX_JFC

Round 2Round 2 was an opportunity to recognise Yom Hashoah and the significance it has in our community. Some inspirational and spirited footy was played as many of our teams started to find early season form. The 2018 U14 Girls Premiership Flag was unveiled in front of an appreciative Princes Park crowd.

Unveiling of the 2018 Premiership Flag

Photo credit: Snaps From Here and There Photography/Jenn Aarons


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Around the grounds

Photo credit: Snaps From Here and There Photography/Jenn Aarons


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Results & match reports

U8 RocketsWith their first home ground hit-out for the season, the Rockets came out firing against Prahran. With a strong focus on tackling and long kicking, the boys made sure that Prahran knew it was going to be a hard-fought game. Strong midfield pressure by Oliver and Rapoport and an impenetrable backline led by Davis and Greenberg made the first quarter an enthralling one. At the other end, a captains’sgoal by Luke Raleigh got the Rockets up and about, with some smart weaving through traffic and then an accurate kick though the big sticks. Szwider, Feiglin, Weingart and last weeks captains Beebe and M. Raleigh provided strong marking options while Weinstein, Rose, Kirszbaum and young guns Gerber and Mymin pressured the opposition into turnovers. The second and third quarters were dominated by the Rockets, with Prahran under immense pressure. Davis found the ball on the boundary line and managed to weave a goal from an impossible angle. The celebration lifted the Rockets. There was also some silky teamwork in the midfield with Janover, Mittelman, Borowski and Fajnkind evading the opposition and keeping the ball in the forward half. The tackling pressure was contagious with Small, Kirszbaum and both Stabey boys tackling bigger-bodied players with aggression rarely witnessed at U8 level. The Rockets secret weapon Gordon came on midway through the game and made an immediate impact. Nothing got by Nowoweiski while Kelmann provided good support up front.Prahran lifted the tempo in the last quarter, aided by some extra muscle in their forward line. The Rockets were unable to match their midfield clearance strength but the backs stood up gallantly in the final quarter. Overall, it was a great standard football game and the team is improving each week and showing more intent around the football.

U8 StarsThis week had our team play its first away game on one of the smallest ovals in the comp, it was tiny! Despite the ovals size, our team rose to up to the challenge. We faced the Vampires this week, and the Stars were out for Blood. After last week, our boys were slightly shocked in the first quarter as the ball made it into our backline. We entered QTR Time behind for the first time this season, and indeed for the first time in their lives. A stirring QTR time rouse up by coach Grundy had a new focus taken into the 2nd QTR. People playing in the backline must have a man, when you see the ball pick it up, when you get the ball kick it towards our goals. The renewed focus had the game back on Ajax’s terms with us leading at half time outscoring the vampire 2 goals to 1 in the 2nd. Despite being challenged in the 2nd half our lead was never taken away and the boys ran out winners and got to sing the song again. This time some of them even appeared to know some of the words. Well done Stars - keep listening to your coach and practicing at home.


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U9 RocketsDuring the grading games, you have little idea of what kind of opposition you may meet - well, actually, you can be reasonably confident that you know the club they represent and that they are probably similar ages to your kids but as for how strong they are, you need to get underway before that becomes apparent. So, after a cakewalk in week one, the Rockets met Oakleigh on the weekend and it is fair to say that we will probably see them again, as the teams were very evenly matched. Indeed, it was a cracking game of football, with our lads reminded of what a tough contest football can be, as we were jumped in the first quarter. Full credit to the Rockets though, as that seemed to knock us out of the complacency that may have been lingering following the first week and we stepped up the intensity and a see-sawing battle ensued. We put the home ground advantage to good use (knowing which areas to avoid where the dog poop is) and by the second half the forward pressure and a rebounding midfield kept the ball entrenched in our forward third. Overall a very pleasing day at the office, noting that we only had 17 players with some handy types to come back in this week. Go Rockets

U9 StarsWowee! The Stars continue to shine as round 2 saw the team build again to record an impressive team based result. Coming up again Russell Robertson’s (formerly of the Melbourne AFL footy club) Beaumaris , the Stars were always going to be challenged. The crowd were treated to a real 4 quarter contest, highlighted by a team ethos where the ‘handball first’ mentality saw the Stars finally overcome a determined opponent in a arm wrestle affair. The Stars repeatedly showed an ability to link up from the back half, moving the ball via hand and foot through the middle to goal.The pleasing thing for the coaches and parents related to the improvement in the small things that lead to success. Effort, supporting one another and enthusiasm. The ball moved quickly from end to end and saw all of the Stars players playing their part in the team endeavours.Each line did their jobs as the Stars continue to learn about the different skills required to defend, attack and compete on-ball. Well done boys. We were all so proud of you. Have a great week and come to training ready to train as a team, support your mates and most importantly, have some fun!


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U10 RocketsOur captains for the day, Schimmel and Theo led us out to battle against the East Brighton Vampires onto a ground as big as the MCG! The message from the coaches to the boys would need to run hard all day, play on if possible and kick the ball long. We came up against a red hot Vampires team who were too big, too strong and too fast but despite this, there were some great positives to take out from the game. Remy and Leo ran themselves into the ground with gut running, Levy showed he was listening at training and led into space nicely to mark in the run and Slonim kicked his first goal for the club which was reward for a great game. Oliver, Waters and Schimmel were important in defence, Hyams was dangerous at times up forward and Manny showed enormous promise for a 2nd gamer.The coaches were really proud of their effort all day and the boys never gave up.

U10 StarsThe Stars loved the opportunity of having an afternoon match at home this week. After the boys had a sleep in and a big bagel smorgasbord for breakfast, they arrived in the sunshine awake and ready to play in front of the big home crowd gathering in the grandstands. The catchwords for the team this week was “energy” and “focus”. They were reminded before the game about what each member ofeach zone had to do, and the role they played in holding the team together. They were able to execute this throughout the game, with full backs Nadav, Josh Jacobs and Eden running out of the square to kick in up the wing to leading back men. The full forwards Noah, and Ethan Small held their spots and resisted the temptation to get drawn into the pack, and were rewarded with great goals. Energy levels were consistently high all game as the repeated tackles and chase-downs were lethal. Captains Beebee and Brad Majman led the boys with stirring speeches and by example on the ground with super strong games. The big improvers this week were Joel Krause and Luca Kaye who really lifted on the day. We are starting to see some good structure and flowing team play, and the boys are getting rewarded for it. After the game the boys got to celebrate with a stirring rendition of the team song with all the younger siblings/dogs in the Centre of the circle, and a kosher hotdog.

U10 SunsIn a fiery clash vs Beaumaris, the U10 Suns put in a solid display following up from last week. Captains Tyler and Dylan gave the boys plenty of inspiration and led by example. Controlling the play early the Suns moved the ball efficiently with long kicking, giving our forwards plenty of opportunities to score. Alon Noriskin took a number of towering marks in defence and Zac Onas controlled the midfield both in the air and gathering numerous possessions. Goals to Levi Wynne and Dean Banky finished off the good work up field. Harley Rechtman took some strong marks and cleared the ball from defencemultiple times, while Ethan Jacobs, Jordan Ritterman and Jaxon Siegel showed great aggression and ferocity clearing the ball multiple times. Beaumaris gradually worked their way back into the game but the contest remained tight throughout. The tackling was again strong led by Tyler Raleigh and Zac Feldman, while Ethan Weiss and Noah Wise saved a number of goals on the last line through disciplined defending. All in all the effort and commitment was again fantastic. A few concentration lapses hurt us but plenty of positives for the boys to take from the game.


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U11 RocketsAJAX 16.5 (101) def Brighton Beach 1.0 (6) Goals: N.Goldberg 5, H. Goldberg 3, Rostkier 2, N.Rothschild, Mohr, Bursztyn, Parasol, Pitt, FridmanBest: H.Goldberg, Rostkier, Bursztyn, N.Goldberg, Janover, Pitt

A huge crowd of family, friends and football lovers turned up to cheer this fantastic young team of footballers and unlike Carlton supporters, they were not disappointed. The U11 Rockets turned up focused, switched on and ready to play. From the opening bounce, the trademark Rockets Football was on display with their fierce attack on the ball and never allowing the opposition to get any easy possessions. The Rockets hunt the ball in packs, run hard to help each other and have a team focus to get the ball to the player in the best position. When they win the contested ball, they run hard to spread, make space and share the ball with skill that belies their young age. Each time a Brighton player went near the ball, they were swarmed by two or more Rocket players and our boys were rewarded with multiple turnovers. The Rockets continue to improve their footy IQ, work hard as a team and most importantly, have fun which is evident when we hear these boys belt out “Who are we…. Where are we… We’re the boys of Ajax Football Club”. Go Rockets, Go Ajax

U11 StarsEast Malvern 13.11 (89) def AJAX 4.7 (31)Goals: Gross 3, IsraelBest: Gross, Israel, Millman, J Rostein, Shaw, Younger

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Today, the Stars would face off with the giant East Malvernites and with the opportunity to test the greatness of their character. In a morning of bone crushing tackles, barnstorming runs and moments of brilliance, the greatness of the Stars character stood taller than any giant could image as the Stars overcame the adversity that was thrust upon them to stay focused, support each other and win the final quarter. It was a stirring end to the game and the boys will take massive momentum with them into Mother’s Day next week…


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Results & match reportsU12 CometsAJAX 10.11 (71) def Beaumaris 2.2 (14) Goals: Alford 3, Lakman 2, Levy 2 , Gordon, Gunn, RubinBest: Alford, Klein, Gunn, Lakman, Mehl, Zukerman

Remembrance Day. A motivational pre game speech was presented by David Cohen. After an impressive first round win, today was a great challenge for the Comets to play their nemesis of last year, Beaumaris. On a big ground with deep pockets, the boys were instructed to play down the middle of the ground. The game started slowly but then we kicked 4 goals in succession to set up a good lead before the opposition kicked 2 goals. We had inspiring leadership from Itai and Lackman up forward and a solid contribution from the backline. During the break, despite the opposition playing a game of following the ball and choking our game style, we asked the boys to spread out and open the game up. With a powerful second quarter, we had many opportunities to wrap up the game kicking 3 goals 6 behinds. There were dominant contributions from Zukerman, Mehl and Klein. The team had a well deserved rest at half time and there were many positional changes to give the kids a go in different positions. In the second half, there were terrific performances by Gunn, Katz and Janover , the later two being our two captains today. A special mentions goes to Toby Rubin who kicked his first goal ever for Ajax, and the team appropriately rallied around him. Overall, we as coaches, are pleased with the teams’ attitudes, effort and performance. There are many aspects where we will improve through the season and we aim to improve the skills of all the players, and importantly focus on linking the team to play as a unit...a champion team will beat a team of champion

U12 JetsCaulfield 11.11 (77) def AJAX 2.2 (14)Goals: Fink, KaganBest: Brott, Fink, Hodes, Hoppe, Smolarski

Round 2 saw us play our first home game for the year. A stunning morning, close to the change rooms and an electronic scoreboard felt very luxurious. The team had two first gamers today, not just first game for the year or the club BUT first game of football ever - Aiden Rubinfeld and David Smolarski. We also had Leo Fink, Matthew Reichenberg, Max Owide and Gabe Kagan playing their first game of the year. Jason Brott and Benji Felman joined us. It was emotional in the rooms before the game as we honored Yom HaShoah. Our captains, Ethan Greenberg and Liam Gaspar led us out and we had a blistering start, absolutely dominating the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately after all the dominance we failed to score and then the Bears kicked a couple of late goals.The second quarter showed the same sensational effort and attitude as the first but the Bears managed to get on top through the middle. Our defence worked tirelessly controlling the half back line. Unfortunately the Bears kicked 3 goals and went into half time with a big 35-0 lead. The scoreboard did not reflect how we were playing.In the third quarter we asked the boys to try and get our first goal for the year and try and match the Bears for the quarter. The final quarter saw another strong first half of a quarter before the Bears again got on top. Well done to all the boys.


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U12 GirlsOrmond 13.9 (87) def AJAX 1.2 (8) Goals: Page Best: Gilboa, Goldberg, Lowe, Page, Rosens

It was very exciting for the girls to be playing their first match at home on Oval 4 on a pleasant early morning. Led by captains Sophie and Indi we welcomed into the team Ruby P, Shayna and Timna for their debut match. Up against a very tall and experienced Ormond side the girls played a spirited and aggressive first quarter and fought hard for the ball. Olivia continued to tackle hard and Hanna was seeing a lot of the football in the centre. Already improving on what they learnt in Round 1, the girls chased hard all day and made the match into a real contest. The history books will have Ruby P as the first goal scorer for the team and this was met with much excitement from the whole team who were working together beautifully with some lovely kicking, passing and marking. Ormond’s run of goals was being stopped and we continued to improve as the match played out. We definitely had a number of scoring chances and it was positive to see how well all the girls are developing in such a short period of time. Am sure it won’t be too long until we are singing the club song!

U13 CometsBrighton Beach 9.10 (64) def AJAX 4.4 (28) Goals: Rozenes 2, Fell, HaeataBest: Chrapot, Edwards, Gottlieb, Haeata, Rozenes, Sormann

U13 Comets planned to focus on helping their teammates through tackles, shepherd, talk and to be aggressive around contests. Q1 was pleasing, as we fought hard into the wind to be only 1 goal down at the break. Q2 and Q3 we were constantly beaten and out-numbered at most contests, which put our defence under constant pressure, and as a result we found ourselves 7 goals down going into the final quarter. The ask in the final Q, was to outscore the opposition, and to the boys credit we achieved that, and showed real resilience given the amount of players playing injured. The take away from the game, we need to have all 21 players focused from the start, all to make a contribution through repeated efforts to compete at DIV 1. Special thanks to Jesse Wrobel who played first 2 rounds with a foot injury and now heads off for many weeks. Also, well done to Gavi Gottlieb playing his first DIV 1 Comets game in which he competed without fear. Boys will be up and about for the next game as we continue to improve our game during the grading weeks, in readiness for the season to commence after round 4. Go Comets!!


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U13 JetsEast Sandringham 7.8 (50) def AJAX 6.11 (47) Goals: Reuben 3, Rabin 2, Pitt Best: Glance, Nicholas Gomo, Gross, Kranz, Orbach, Segal

Although it was ultimately a disappointing loss today we were really pleased with the effort in the first and last quarters. As a team we ran hard, tackled ferociously and communicated well. Our midfield group of Schwartz, Rockman and Rabin worked well with our rotating rucks Glance and Gelbart, special mention to Chesky Benzur as well who played his first game for the year and showed some great signs. Our defence was brilliantly lead by Gross and Kranz who put in a great effort all game and our forwards lead by Pitt, Lewin, Ariel Orbach- who showed outstanding endeavour in his first game for the year and the Gomo boys presented all day. Unfortunately we lost the game today because as a team we zoned out and stopped working in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, we started running too far ahead of the ball and were not willing to run back as hard as we did forward, leaving our defenders exposed. Against a good team we must play 4 quarters of intense, hard working footy to win. Overall a good effort, with a few tweaks to our overall mentality we are confident we can beat this team should we play them again.

U14 CometsAJAX 11.6 (72) def St Paul’s Highett 0.2 (2)Goals: Gaspar 2, Levy 2, Zielinski 2, Belnick, Graham, Marabel-Whitburn, Michelson, NirensBest: Faigen, Feder, Grodski, Nathan, Nirens, Pike

The Comets came to the game ready to play and our intent was clear from the outset, with an emphasis on Holocaust Remembrance day and the fact we are representing more than just a footy club but an entire community - the team came out firing. While it would have been easy to fall into a disorganised method of playing – we showed great maturity in our structures and met all of the team and game plan goals, understanding the game is played as much above the shoulders as it is below.The scoreboard told one story with a great victory and the chance to sing the club song – which we did magnificently – but the game showed that there is a lot of room for improvement and potential to work with - which we will do at training. Interesting to note that the fitness levels across the team allowed us to run out 4 qtrs. with the on-ballers and wingers changing frequently enough to maintain the damaging run. A fantastic team effort with all players deserving a mention… bring on next week!


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U14 JetsSt Bedes Mentone 6.17 (53) def AJAX 2.3 (15)Goals Goldfarb, RoffBest: Boymal, Dahan, Greenberg, Schenk, Smithson

Today was another tough one for our team. Yet again we were really let down by a slow start. Being on the back foot early left us with simply too much work to do, and we were unable to rise to the added challenge we left for ourselves. We have to work on our ability to cause trouble for opposition teams in the air, as we’re simply too small not to have the game played at ground level, should we wish to be successful. The lack of physicality from our boys was also disappointing, and it’s something we have to work on. We will have to work hard at training to improve.

U14 GirlsEast Brighton Vampires 12.20 (92) def AJAX 0.0 (0)Best: Gold, Goldberg, Holzer, Krause, Pincus, Rostkier

The U14 Jackettes were all fired up for their 2nd game of the season and they sure did have their work cut out for them on a mild Sunday afternoon at home. The Vampires came out in a blaze with two quick goals and a fast and tough 1st quarter. Our girls came back in the 2nd quarter with a solid defensive effort with Goldberg, Pincus and Rostkier pulling in massive efforts to create some balance to the game. The team came out at half time with a can do attitude with Krause, Frey and Gold tackling, running and presenting at all opportunities. The girls should really be proud as they never gave up and pushed all the way to the end. Lots of good things to take from the game and this will be invaluable to their overall journey for the year.


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U15 Comets AJAX 16.8 (108) def PMSM 8.8. (44) Goals: Sheezel 5, Potash 2, Herman 2, Black, Siegel, Alter, Wasbutzki, Spicer, Aladjem, IsraelBest: Herman, Rothfield, Sheezel, Spicer, Spitz, Wasbutszki

Having learnt in round 1 that winning Div 1 games of football requires a full four-quarter effort, the Comets made sure they were on from the first bounce to make victory a certainty in Corey Wasbutzki’s milestone 100th match. The Comets boys came out firing with Sheezel, Herman & Spicer showing their opponents a clean pair of heels out of the middle and presenting forwards Potash, Wasbutzki, Herman, Black & Aladjem with plenty of early chances. With only some errant kicking for goal keeping the opposition in the match, it was left to defenders Rothfield, Light, Schauder, Kaye, Fell and Chrapot to lock down on their opponents and not give them the opportunity to claw their way back into the match. Showing a greater hunger for the contest, the boys lifted their intensity noticeably in the second quarter highlighted by some ferocious tackling and follow-up second efforts resulting in goals to Sheezel, Potash, Herman and Siegel and leaving PMSM with plenty of work to do. The boys lifted their output in the second half running both ways with and without the ball and totally dominating play. Despite giving away plenty of height to their opposition and without a discernable difference in skill or speed, the Comets showed what a combination of desire, discipline and football smarts add to a contest with the scoreboard not truly reflecting the one-sided nature of the contest. Eventually, as is often the case, the opposition’s frustration spilled over in the last quarter with some unnecessary pushing and shoving detracting from an otherwise clean and good natured battle. Newcomers Black and Bentata both showed they can mix it at Div 1 level making important contributions on the wings and up forward whilst Spitz, Alter, Siegal & Israel also showed plenty with some eye-catching efforts on the flanks and across half-back.. A big mazel tov to Corey Wasbutzki on 100 classy games of football.

U15 JetsAJAX 11.9 (75) def East Malvern 2.10 (22) Goals: Jotkowitz 4, Zohar 2, Alford, Goldfeld, Greenberg, Segman, Sigeoker Best: Alford, Gaddie, Goldfeld, Jotkowitz, Zohar

Once again we were under the pump from the very start of the game, only having 17 players against a firing East Malvern team known for their aggressive play. The boys started slowly but picked up the pace on the back of Gabe’s 2 huge grabs and 2 vital goals. Ethan, Ben and Adam worked hard through the middle of the ground giving the forwards a chance to lead at the ball and take the ball in front. Lior sent a message to the rest of the competition with his inside 50 marking and kicking his first goal of the season.We pushed through the fatigue in the second half, with help from our ruckman Saul who provided first class service to the midfielders and even going forward and taking some huge grabs and kicking a goal. The game was won in the back half of the ground with the likes of Bizza, Behm and Ron playing lockdown roles and keeping the opposition to 2 goals for the day, proving that Ajax Jets have the best lockdown defenders in the competition. Coby’s run of the half back was inspiring to watch and was running riots around the other team, once again sending a message to the competition that nobody works harder than Ajax. Overall, everyone is very proud of the boys for their efforts today and will be looking forward to next week.


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U16 CometsAJAX 35.11 (221) def Mordialloc Braeside 1.1 (7)Goals: Vogel 6, Jacobs 6, Kavallero 5, Antman 4, Felbel 2, Barsheshet 2, Efron 2, Carp 2, Rosenbaum, Ehrlich , Nissen, Zuker, Mond, TobiasBest: Baron, Kavallero, Mond, Nissen, Vogel

With near perfect conditions at Princes Park we assembled and structured our U16 Comets side for the contest ahead. From the first bounce our mid field was dominant in the clearances giving our key forwards opportunity to mark strongly and convert. Our preparedness to each play our role and “team think “were the baseplates from which we launched an avalanche of goals in the first half. To kick 20 goals, 2 behinds is exceptional. The manner in which we played with competitiveness and composure was instrumental in this unselfish scoring frenzy and the feature to be most proud. A wonderful collective team effort played with great energy and respect.

U16 JetsAJAX 12.9 (81) def Ormond 8.4 (58) Goals: Glick 4, Katz 2, Atzmon, Basman, Israel, Klooger, Kol, Lindell Best: Glick, Israel, Kol, Rostkier, Schwarz

U16 GirlsMordialloc Braeside 18.16 (124) def AJAX 0.0 (0) Best: Gunn, M.Herszfeld, Kacser, Klooger, Liberow, Werdiger

In the team’s first home game for the season, the day started with the unfurling of the premiership flag that most of the team won last year in the U14s, but unfortunately that was the end of the day’s celebrations. Against a much bigger, stronger and fitter team, the U16s Girls team were outclassed in all facets of football by a team of girls, some of whom have played together for 5 years. However, the team did not stop trying, and this was highlighted by Maya Herszfeld who played the game of her career in defence and showed the rest of the team how to really have a crack. Werdiger was tireless in the ruck all day, Klooger battled hard, Kascer made a welcome return to the team after missing the first game and Gunn could at least match the opposition in the air. Liberow also showed in only her second game that she is a quick learner willing to take the hits if required. Now the team needs to re-group, train hard and then the results will come our way.


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ajax junior football club weekly wrap round 2, 2019 the wrap · 2019-05-08 · ajax junior football...

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