The Magpies controlled the contest from the outset and never looked truly troubled during the 18.20 (128) to 14.14 (98) victory.
In windy conditions at Lower Plenty football ground on the last day of the regular season it was first against third with Montmorency playing to cement first place while Bundoora’s hold on third position couldn’t change regardless of the result.
With the inclusions of Ben Haynes and Aisake O’hAilpin, Montmorency was close to full strength despite the loss of suspended forward Kayne Pettifer.
A fast start to the Magpies gave them two quick goals through Pat Fitzgerald and Ben Walton before Gary Moorcroft put the Bulls on the board.
Walton booted his second and soon other another goal gave the Magpies a three-goal buffer closing in on quarter-time.
Cameron Cloke pegged one back late in the term to keep the visitors within 14 points at the first break – a deficit which could have been worse considering Montmorency’s wasteful 4.6 in the opening stanza.
Alex Tsardakis kicked his first of the day to start the second term, but that was again quickly cancelled out by another Cloke major.
After putting in a blistering start in the midfield, the prominent Ryan Jackson got his first with a great run and a nice finish before Walton popped up for his third.
Montmorency certainly had the upper-hand in the contest, but Bundoora’s forwards ensured their side stayed in reaching distance as Moorcroft’s second kept the Bulls within four goals.
Walton’s day out continued as he reached a four-goal haul in the first half, before 2011 leading goal kicker Dean Limbach booted his first of the afternoon to leave Montmorency in a commanding position at the main break, with a 33-point lead.
Needing to lift to head into its second semi final with confidence, Bundoora charged early in the third term and booted three of the opening four goals of the term. Moorcroft and Cloke each kicked their third, while Walton continued his purple-patch with his fifth down the other end.
Montmorency was able to stem the away side’s momentum and with three of the next four goals – including Walton’s sixth and Ryan Jackson’s third – the Magpies stormed back out to a match-winning 35-point lead at the last change.
Ryan Jackson booted his fourth to commence the fourth quarter as the Magpies showed they would continue their unrelenting performance right until the final siren.
The Bulls were admirable and refused to yield as two goals to Salvatore Mammone and Moorcroft closed the margin to 18 points, however two great goals from the Magpies ensured they would finish atop the ladder.
Tsardakis kicked the first of those from a tight angle, before James Brooker put through a goal of the year contender after Dean Limbach tapped the ball over a Bulls defender for Brooker to boot the sealer from mid air.
Walton and Dean Giles were sensational in the victory, along with Ryan Jackson who continued his stellar season. For the Bulls, Matthew Hyde and Joseph Palazzolo led the way.
The result sets up an enticing second semi final with Bundoora to take on old foe Heidelberg at Preston City Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Final score: Montmorency 18.20 (118) def Bundoora 14.14 (98)
