AJAX celebrates junior premiership joy
AJAX’S under-16 side has taken out the club’s sole premiership for 2013, after a come-from-behind 11-point victory over East Malvern in Division 2.
AJAX’S under-16 side has taken out the club’s sole premiership for 2013, after a come-from-behind 11-point victory over East Malvern in Division 2.
After trailing at three-quarter time, the Jackas kicked three goals to two to clinch the thrilling win and send off outgoing coach Anthony Le Bransky on a high note.
“It’s been about 19 years all up of coaching, so it just goes to show that persistence pays off,” Le Bransky told The AJN.
“I knew our best footy was going to get us the win and it did.”
Skipper Benjamin Michelson was named best afield, with David Bookman also producing a stellar performance and Toby Fisher starring with four goals.
East Malvern beat AJAX by 34 points during the home-and-away season, coming from fourth place on their way to taking on the minor premiers in the ultimate decider.
The Jackas went in as hot favourites after finishing the season on top with 12 wins and two losses, and didn’t disappoint in a thrilling encounter.
AJAX got off to a solid start, leading by a couple of points at the first change. But East Malvern stepped up in the second term, taking a seven-point advantage into the main break.
Another close quarter saw the Jackas reduce the deficit heading into the final stanza, with Le Bransky and his assistant, Justin Joffe, rallying their troops at the last break.
The side took inspiration from the coaches’ words, piling on three goals in the first eight minutes.
The opposition clawed its way back with a major of its own, but the Jackas were able to hold on for the remainder of the game to record the gutsy victory.
AJN STAFF
Photo: Shane Lipton
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