A blustery Albert Park complex would prove to be only one of the issues faced by the Animals Thirds in their loss to AJAX, with the loss of not one, but two big bodied midfielders in the 105 point loss.
Midway through the second term, the losses of both Matthew Lewis and Nathan Zoumpoukas would do nothing to help the Animals already difficult task of taking down the second place Jackas.
A strong breeze to the pavilion end would see AJAX launch out to a near 10 goal lead after the first, but the Animals would manage to jag a goal in to the breeze.
That was enough hope for the besieged Animals who saw club legend Paul Baranello roll up midway through the first and immediately immerse himself in the action.
Baranello’s return would be the catalyst for some champagne football in the VAFA’s lowest tier of men’s footy, at times bemusing the AJAX defence, and at other times leaving them hopelessly lost, as precision possessions were dolled out like hot jam doughnuts at the MCG.
Despite the return of one of the best community footy players, AJAX refused to play nice, and would instead continue to kick goals.
The final score mattered not to those in blue in the larger scale, as many got to play with one of the most decorated Animals in existence, and coach Gideon Sands left pleased with the continued effort and application from the group.
The Thirds now get a two week reprieve before facing an equally as tough trip to flag favourites Whitefriars.