NORTHCOTE PARK ended a two-game losing streak with a resounding 35-point win over Montmorency in a crunch game at Bill Lawry Oval.
The Cougars led from the outset, dominating a scrappy affair to get back onto the winners’ list and inflict Montmorency with a 1-3 start to the season following the 12.10 (82) to 6.11 (47) result.
Both sides were desperate for a win to remain within touching distance win of the top four after both enduring a 1-2 start to the season.
But it was the Cougars who looked the more likely side from the outset, producing a dominant display for the entirety of the match despite both sides producing sloppy delivery when entering their forward half.
Despite Northcote Park’s early attacking flair, Montmorency was able to draw first blood through Patrick Fitzgerald, threading the needle from tight on the boundary line to get the visitors off to an ideal start.
However, goals to Julian Violato, Nick Carter and Mitch Papas saw the Cougars end the first term with a flurry to go into the second term leading by an 11-point buffer.
Neat foot skills off half back allowed Northcote Park plenty of access through the corridor of the ground, whereas Montmorency’s set ups came with movement down the boundary line, often ending in a turnover when entering forward 50.
Northcote Park defenders Tom Walliss and Harmit Singh were productive in defence and cut off many Montmorency thrusts forward.
Northcote Park started the second term as it finished the first, dominating the possession count and inside 50s.
But just like the beginning of the match, the Magpies found a way to score against the run of play to stem the flow, goaling through Rowan Hore to reduce the margin to six points.
However, as it did in the first term, the Cougars kicked the next three goals of the second term to go into half time with a 25-point advantage.
Montmorency was also forced to play a man down after Liam Hunt suffered a knee injury during a contest at half back.
The match returned to a scrappy affair after the half-time break, with both sides unable to put together more than a few possessions without producing a turnover during the opening 10 minutes of the third term.
Northcote Park forward Koden Colman was able to break the scoring drought for the Cougars, kicking his second for the afternoon. He didn’t stop there, kicking his third not long after to give his side a six-goal advantage as the play began to open up.
Montmorency co-captain Jesse Donaldson was able to come up with a reply for the Magpies, kicking a nice running goal from long range, however the Cougars still held a 29-point buffer heading into the final term.
With Montmorency desperate for the first goal of the final term to give itself a sniff, Wayne Schultz booted his third of the game five minutes into the last term to put the result beyond doubt.
Two goals to Jesse Donaldson did little to dampen the home side’s spirit as Jordan Collopy and Violato booted late goals to seal the 35-point win for the Cougars.
Captain-coach Harmit Singh was influential for Northcote Park, leading his back line and setting up counter attacks for his side. He was assisted by a dominant Schultz and a four-goal cameo to Colman.
Northcote Park will look to continue its unbeaten form on its home track when it hosts Lower Plenty in Round 5.
Meanwhile, Montmorency will look to bounce back when it hosts a West Preston-Lakeside outfit fresh off an upset win over the previously unbeaten Heidelberg.
Final score: Northcote Park 12.10 (82) def Montmorency 6.11 (47)
