Montmorency have ended two winning streaks in as many weeks in the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 competition, this time claiming an 11-point victory over Bundoora at Montmorency Park North Oval.
In trying conditions, it was Montmorency who would eventually showcase their composure in the wet weather, doing enough to hold on to a 11.11 (77) to 10.6 (66) win.
As well as ceasing their opponents’ unbeaten start to the year, the Magpies’ win also ends a run of five straight defeats to the Bulls, dating back to 2019.
Marcus Lentini continued his superb 2023 campaign with another best on ground performance for the home side. Billy Jenkin was also a key contributor while Patrick Fitzgerald again dominated up forward with another five majors to add to his season tally.
Liam Wale-Buxton was dominant in the ruck in the absence of Jake Spencer, making it easy for co-captain Sam Binion and Kyle Kankaanpaa to have significant impacts around the ground.
For the Bulls, Joel Fitzgerald was a clear stand-out for the side, with two goals and a massive contribution throughout the game.
Peter McEvoy was another highlight for the visitors, as he kept his side in the game with four majors.
The home team hit the scoreboard early with two goals from Patrick Fitzgerald in quick succession.
However, Bundoora were quick to respond with three successive goals of their own, courtesy of Joel Fitzgerald, McEvoy and Kyle Green.
Montmorency would pinch one back late in the term to even things up at quarter time.
The message at quarter time was simple from Bulls coach Michael Ryan, telling his men to not “overuse the football” in the wet conditions.
Bundoora would start the second term strong with two early goals as they attempted to break the game open.
The Magpies seemed to be struggling to capitalise at stoppages, despite Wale-Buxton’s strong rucking. However, goals from Ben Paterson, Patrick Dozzi and another for Fitzgerald would quickly give the hosts the advantage again.
Inaccurate shooting from the Bulls meant scores would return level for a period of the quarter before Fitzgerald again found the big sticks who, along with Bronson Hill, gave Montmorency an 11-point lead at the main break.
The weather took a turn for the worst right as the third-quarter siren blew, resulting in a goalless quarter for both teams, and a scoreless quarter for Bundoora.
Frustrations were running high, as the immense effort coming from both teams was not being reflected on the scoreboard.
A slippery ball and a wet ground meant that the first score came twenty minutes into the quarter, with Jordan Steele taking an inside 50 mark.
The only other scoreboard contributor was the Magpie’s Bronson Hill who also scored a minor after intercepting an attempt from Bundoora to kick it out of their defensive 50.
Montmorency extended their lead to 14 points as the three-quarter time siren sounded.
Following a brutal term, Magpies coach Jonathan Manzoney was simple with his messaging, instructing his side to “remain clam” and to “get it done”.
The sun dared to peak out from behind the clouds as the final quarter commenced.
Bundoora broke their scoring drought and managed to score two majors in as many minutes, shrinking the deficit to only two behinds.
Both goals came thanks to McEvoy, who was having a major impact inside 50.
Without the added challenge of the rain, the pressure from both teams was finally being reflected on the scoreboard.
Montmorency took back control of the match with a goal from Paterson who was the benefactory of a Jenkin intercept mark.
Bundoora worked incredibly hard to get back in front, however they were unable to capitalise on turnovers from defensive intercepts.
Minor scores from both teams meant the margin see-sawed between three and four points until a late goal from Jai Robinson solidified Montmorency’s hugely impressive 11-point win.
