MONTMORENCY has registered its first win of the year following an impressive 67-point victory over local rival Eltham.
The Magpies were never threatened, running out winners 17.22 (124) to 9.3 (57) in the Round 3 twilight match.
Montmorency produced some flawless passages of play that left the healthy crowd at Montmorency Park in awe.
The Magpies jumped out of the blocks, booting six goals to one to take a 30-point lead into quarter time.
Ryan Willits was back in the side and wasted no time in stamping his authority on the match, booting three majors in the opening quarter. He proved to be a headache for the Panthers all afternoon.
Eltham rebounded from their lacklustre opening term to boot the first two goals of the second quarter through Eamon Gilbert and Josh Lorey.
Despite some brief resistance from the visitors, Montmorency piled on some late goals to take a healthy 46-point lead into half time.
The intensity lifted in the third term as tempers began to flare on both sides. Former Essendon forward Jay Neagle was sent to the backline to try to inspire his Eltham teammates after he was starved of opportunities in the first half.
The Magpies again did the majority of the attacking in the third quarter, with the Panthers defence put under constant pressure. However, Montmorency failed to capitalise, kicking 1.6 to Eltham’s 1.0.
The game eventually opened up in a free-flowing final term, with nine goals scored between the two teams.
Montmorency eventually recorded an emphatic victory, redeeming itself after a sluggish start to the season.
Eltham failed to enter its forward 50 with any real velocity or accuracy, with the Montmorency pressure evident from the opening bounce.
Ben Fennell was exceptional in his side’s first win of the year, kicking four goals in a best on ground performance while Willits had a major impact in his first game of the season.
Billy Glasgow enjoyed a good outing for the visitors, while Lachie Richardson and Matthew Keys also battled hard all day.
Montmorency will attempt to make it two in a row when it meets Northcote Park at Bill Lawry Oval this week, whilst bottom-placed Eltham will try to resurrect its season at Eltham Central Park against the undefeated Heidelberg.
Final score: Montmorency 17.22 (124) def Eltham 9.3 (57)
