A strong second half from Montmorency 1 propelled them to a 22-point victory over Eltham on Friday night at Eltham Central Park.
After not scoring a goal in the opening two quarters, the Magpies piled on six goals to one in a brilliant second half, on their way to a 6.6 (42) to 3.2 (20) victory.
Montmorency remain on top of the ladder with an eight-point gap on second placed Banyule, while the Panthers slipped to fourth, but are still two games clear from fifth position.
Jessica Nursey had another strong performance in midfield, providing plenty of run and dash, while Taylor Langford played a key role in defence, especially in the second half.
Madeline Gallagher-Beanland also starred in arguably her best performance of the season, with Madison Bayes leading the way up forward as the only multiple goalkicker in the match.
For the Panthers, Sienna Gunning was as solid as a rock down back, often kick starting the waves of attack for her side. Michaela Molenberg provided plenty of presence up forward and through midfield, with her efforts being rewarded with an impressive goal.
It was an even start to the contest, with both sides gaining some territory inside the first few minutes. Midway through the term, the Panthers were able to move the ball quickly from defence to attack and kick the first of the quarter through Angelique Reibelt.
It was her ninth major of the season and the fifth consecutive game where she’s found the big sticks.
A few minutes later, Molenberg kicked a stunning snap on the run to make it an 11-point lead, which they were able to maintain heading into the first break, despite a late Montmorency push.
Neither side was able to gain much ascendency in the second term, with multiple stoppages throughout the quarter. Both teams were unable to add to the scoreboard in the term, leaving the margin at 11 points at half time.
Eltham looked destined to extend their advantage early in the third quarter, but it would be the Magpies who hit the scoreboard first through Taylah Harris.
The Panthers then started to press hard following that goal, however Montmorency showed plenty of promise on the transition the following five minutes. It would soon pay off with Madison Bayes and Jordyn Eichstadt kicking a goal each withing a to give the visitors an eight-point lead.
Late in the quarter, Eltham were able to break their scoring drought through Ava Klaic, who converted her shot on goal to cut the margin to three-points at three quarter time.
The hosts started the final term as brightly as they did in the third, but they were unable to capitalise on their early territory gains.
They were soon made to pay by Montmorency when Georgia Thomson brought their lead out to nine points.
That goal would open the floodgates for the Magpies, as a few minutes later, Bayes would launch from outside 50 metres for her second goal of the night, Abbey Ward would follow from a similar position to put the game beyond doubt with a 21-point lead.
Montmorency finished with a further behind to seal an impressive 22-point victory, their third straight win in the top flight.
