The Cougars’ giant-killing run continued as they bundled the minor premier out of the finals race in straight sets in a 14.13 (97) to 13.9 (87) result.
Having already eliminated the previous two Division 1 premiers – West Preston-Lakeside and Bundoora – from this year’s finals series, the Cougars were able to win all four quarters against the Magpies on Sunday in a close-fought contest.
The game was won in a five-minute patch late in the second quarter. After Montmorency controlled the majority of the second term to open up an 11-point buffer, the Cougars managed to kick three goals in quick succession to lead by seven points at half-time.
The first came after Mitch Papas marked at the top of the goal square from a Michael Naldrett clearance. Joseph Woonton then snapped truly after receiving a clever tap on from Koden Colman, before Colman then converted from the resulting centre clearance to make it three in a row.
Montmorency did not register a disposal during the onslaught and the Cougars were never again headed despite the Magpies’ best efforts.
Paul Scanlon was inspiring in the victory and dominated through the midfield and across half back despite sustaining a knee injury late in the second quarter. He played on with a bandaged knee in the second half and kicked a crucial goal early in the third term as Montmorency surged.
Midfielders Bronik Davies and Doug Morris were also instrumental, while the efforts of Patrick Considine and Julian Violato cannot be understated.
The tall defenders completely blanketed Dean Limbach and Patrick Fitzgerald, with the Montmorency forward duo restricted to just one goal for the afternoon – that being a Limbach major after receiving a generous handpass from Kayne Pettifer (three goals) when unmarked in the goal square.
Daniel Keenan was gallant in defeat for the Magpies and never stopped giving. His gut-busting running enabled his side to close to within five points with five minutes remaining after looking beaten when Colman’s third goal put the Cougars 18 points in front midway through the last.
Jesse Donaldson was also terrific in the midfield and kicked an equal team-high three goals – all of which came on the run.
Aisake O’hAilpin won the ruck battle against Oliver McEwan and Daniel Flynn, with his athleticism around the ground ensuring he won plenty of the football.
However it was Northcote Park’s greater spread of contributors which proved decisive.
Given the dominance of Nick Carter and Anthony Hogan off half back in September thus far, Montmorency put plenty of time into negating their drive from defence.
But with the duo slightly down on their usual output in the first half, Shaun Lorenzini stood up in the back half and provided penetration and a calm head from defence. Then as the game wore on, Carter and Hogan began to impose their influence on the contest – with both playing instrumental roles in the final quarter.
Daniel Ledda gave a hard body around the stoppages all day, while Flynn was able to push forward in the third quarter and kick a decisive goal after struggling to curb O’hAilpin’s influence in the ruck.
With just nine points separating the sides at three-quarter time, it was Northcote Park who began the final quarter in better style.
Patrick O’Connell kicked the all-important first goal after a receiving a handball from Colman and the game could have been over shortly after but for two wasted chances.
The first came off O’Connell’s boot when he missed a regulation set shot from 40m, before Anthony Hogan’s shot on the run from 50m sprayed wide.
Pettifer then marked on the lead and converted from 50m deep in the pocket to the Cramer St end as Montmorency closed to two goals.
It was again Pettifer who cut the margin back to two goals to reply to Colman’s third, before Ben Sinclair made it a six-point ball game after taking a big grab 15m out from goal.
However, it was the Magpies who then blew two golden chances to level the game. First, Pettifer missed from 45m on a slight angle, before Limbach shot wayward from 25m out directly in front.
Northcote Park scooted the ball quickly down the other end of the field where Woonton marked inside 50m. He calmly slotted his second of the day to seal his side’s place in this year’s Grand Final.
It capped off a truly remarkable turnaround for the Cougars who have now won 10 of their past 11 matches after sitting in eighth place on the ladder following a 33-point loss to eventual wooden-spooner, Whittlesea, in Round 10.
Unfortunately for Montmorency the Preston City Oval hoodoo continued with consecutive losses to Heidelberg and the Cougars meaning the club missed out on a Grand Final berth despite claiming the minor premiership.
Final score: Montmorency 13.9 (87) def by Northcote Park 14.13 (97)
