Lewis plays 150th game for Jackas

Photograph: Nick Lewis, Premier B Captain – Leading AJAX for a club-record 7th year, Nick epitomises professionalism and sets the standard for young, and old.

In a display of high anticipation for another thrilling VAFA season, nearly 200 AJAX players, fans, life members, and sponsors gathered at the senior footy club’s season launch and jersey presentation last Thursday night at Caulfield Town Hall. The excitement continued as two days later, Nick Lewis—selected as the Jackas’ men’s Premier B captain for the seventh consecutive season—began his 150th game at Brandisi Oval, playing against St Bedes/Mentone.

Lewis expressed his gratitude and pride in representing the Melbourne Jewish community in their favorite sport. He stated, “The club has been a big part of my life for the last 10 years, and I am so grateful for all it has given to me.” He added, “It is [particularly] timely – with Yom Hashoah this week – but, putting the playing top on, with its Magen David, is a small reminder of the adversity and sacrifices our ancestors before us faced, to give us this fortunate life in Australia.”

Round one results for AJAX were mixed. The Jackas’ men’s top grade team, under new coach Andrew Jago, faced a strong St Bedes side but ultimately lost with a score of 15.14 (104) to 9.10 (64). The coaching staff emphasized trusting the new game plan and not settling for less than the group’s potential. The Jackas will face Old Trinity this Saturday at Princes Park, following a Yom Hashoah commemorative service.

In windy conditions at Packer Park versus Glen Eira, the AJAX women’s division 3 side welcomed seven debutants, with one of them, Brooke Tuszynski, scoring an impressive early snap goal. The Jackettes trailed by 15 at halftime but managed to close the gap to just four points before ultimately losing 3.4 (22) to 4.8 (32).

AJAX’s men’s development team had a 10-point away loss (70-80) against St Bedes/Mentone, but there were positive signs, including Daniel Cohen, Dylan Rothschild, and Reece Israel scoring two goals each. Meanwhile, the Jewish club’s men’s Sunday thirds division 2 side celebrated a confidence-boosting opening round win over Monash University with a score of 15.17 (107) to 2.3 (15) at Albert Park.

As the VAFA season kicks off, the AJAX senior footy club is undoubtedly poised for an action-packed year. With a diverse range of players and a strong sense of community, the club continues to foster an atmosphere of unity and pride.

Credit: AJN