AJAX and Old Carey hit the accelerator as Premier C heats up

Raj Johnston

Normality returned to Premier C in Round 4 with some more modest results, notwithstanding AJAX and Old Carey who blitzed their oppositions in big victories.

AJAX had a comprehensive 83-point victory over Glen Eira/Old McKinnon at Princes Park. This contest saw a former Premier B side go up against a side promoted from Division 1 last year, so the Gryphons knew they were in for a challenge. Both sides commemorated Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) in a ceremony before the game to acknowledge victims of the Holocaust.

The first ball was then bounced at two o’clock and AJAX had a positive start with a healthy 14-point lead at quarter-time. The Gryphons could not match AJAX’s fast scoring, going on to dominate the second and third terms, however there were some positives for the Gryphons who won the final term with a 4-goal haul.

In his 200^th game, AJAX’s Richie Simon dominated, kicking 6 goals to put himself comfortably ahead in the competitions leading goalkicker tally; whilst Toby Sheezel had 4 of his own and Adam Caplan and Benji Krongold contributed 2 each.

Kane Nissenbaum and Brad Caplan put in strong performances to earn themselves a spot in the best for the Jackas, and their opponents Stuart Carey and Joel Ludik were amongst the best players for the Gryphons, alongside Ben Reid who had 3 majors for the game.

Old Carey had a successful day out, defeating PEGS by 92 points. PEGS were always going to have their work cut out for them to defeat this Old Carey side who have started in blazing form, and this indeed proved to be true as Old Carey dominated from siren to siren.

PEGS were left scoreless in the first quarter thanks to some forward line brilliance from Old Carey. Old Carey continued to build their lead, going into half-time 65 points up, and well and truly kept the momentum going with seven goals in the last quarter.

Old Carey shared the goals around with five majors to Trent Warren and three each to Lachy Godden and Jed Rule, amongst others. Jamieson Jarvis, Scott Whillas and Oscar Bales had a good day for PEGS in what was a tough match for the away side.

Marcellin travelled to Gerry Green Reserve to play the Parkdale Vultures in which the Vultures won by 48 points. Parkdale’s inaccuracy in the first quarter cost them dearly, scoring one goal and eight behinds compared with Marcellin’s four goals straight.

Parkdale’s accuracy improved as they hit the lead later in the match, but their winning margin could’ve been much greater. Ex-AFL player Mitch Brown had a fantastic outing for Parkdale, booting ten majors. Marcellin could still leave with their heads held high, having been the better team throughout the first half, and some good individual performances, notably captain Lachlan Rush, and four goals from James May, however it simply wasn’t enough against this strong Parkdale side.

Despite a good first quarter, Mazenod lost to the Hampton Rovers by 43 points at Central Reserve. Mazenod had a 22-point lead at quarter time, however in the second quarter the Rovers showed everyone why they have been the team to beat, piling on seven goals, continuing that scoreboard pressure for the rest of the afternoon to claim victory.

Brendan Wales, Matthew Fewings and Jack Sullivan were amongst the best players for Mazenod, as were Max Coughlin, Chris Perkins, Christian Carnovale, and William Crawford who had 4 goals for the Hampton Rovers. This win sees Hampton remain undefeated and sitting in second place on the ladder, just behind AJAX on percentage.

In what was the closest game of the day in Premier C, the Monash Blues just scraped over the line against Oakleigh in a 12-point victory which gives the Blues their first win in 2024.

This was a game of back and forth, with Monash holding a slight lead at quarter time and half-time, Oakleigh breaking out in the third term, and Monash getting the job done to take the four points.

Late goals to Monash in the third and fourth quarter certainly helped them claim the win. Oakleigh’s Luke Ashen was the standout forward with four goals. The Blues will be pleased to have recorded their first victory of the season; however, they still have a lot of work to do to return to their Premier C glory days of 2022.

Oakleigh can hold their heads held high, fighting their way back into the contest with the likes of Patrick Loannidis and Harry Boontjes leading the way for their side in the Premiership quarter.

The season continues with Round 5 producing five well-matched games that will have ramifications throughout Premier C.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon host Oakleigh in what is a rematch of last year’s Division 1 grand final, with Oakleigh desperately looking for their first win of the season.

Monash Blues host PEGS at Frearson Oval. These two teams are similarly matched, both having just the one win on the board and looking to push towards top four spots.

Two of the strongest sides in it, Parkdale Vultures and AJAX, will come head-to-head in what promises to be a great contest. Expecting goals aplenty here.

Hampton Rovers host Old Carey in what is another clash between top four sides at the Trevor Barker Beach Oval, and Mazenod come up against Marcellin in a battle of fifth v sixth.