MONTMORENCY kept its finals chances alive after blowing away Northcote Park in a blistering third quarter in Round 14.
The Magpies kicked six goals to one in the third term to run away 41-point winners in the 14.17 (101) to 8.12 (60) result at Montmorency Park.
Neither team could gain early ascendency in a tense opening half that had multiple lead changes.
Northcote Park drew first blood following a snap from skipper Bronik Davies, with Montmorency hitting back moments later through Ryan Willits.
The Cougars took a slender four-point advantage into the first change, with both teams taking time to adapt to the difficult conditions.
The games had a lot of feeling in it, with numerous spotfires emerging across the field during the early stages of the second quarter.
The second term was very similar to the first, with both sides inseparable in a tight, physical contest that saw scores level heading into the main break.
The Magpies jumped out of the blocks early in the second half through goals to Daniel Keenan – in his 250th club match – Wayne Pavitt and Patrick Fitzgerald to open up a 19-point lead.
The Magpies ball movement was fluent and they entered their forward 50 with great accuracy and velocity to put the Northcote Park defence under extraordinary pressure.
The Cougars were able to steady the ship briefly before Montmorecy kicked three late goals to open up a 33-point margin at three quarter time, which all but sealed the victory
The Magpies forward line was dangerous all afternoon with Fitzgerald, Pavitt and Willits combining for 10 goals. Midfielders Jesse Donaldson and Ryan Jackson were also very good in the important win.
Daniel Ledda and Jason Kennedy enjoyed good outings for the Cougars, while Julian Violato booted two majors.
The win keeps Montmorency in touch with the top five, sitting one game behind fifth-placed Lower Plenty. Working in the Magpies favour is a healthy percentage of 117, the third best in the competition.
Montmorency faces a stern test this weekend when it faces top placed Heidelberg at Warringal Park in a game that will shape the top five.
Northcote Park is away for consecutive weeks when it faces Eltham at Eltham Central Park next round. A win would ensure the Cougars will avoid the bottom two.
Final score: Montmorency 14.17 (101) def Northcote Park 8.12 (60)
