Montmorency took a major step forward in its hunt to play in the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 finals, with a 32-point win over West Preston-Lakeside at Montmorency Park Oval.
The 15.9 (99) to 9.13 (67) triumph now has Montmorency sitting in sixth spot, just percentage behind the Roosters – who slipped to fifth place following just their second loss from the past nine matches.
Despite being separated by just one win entering the contest, the Roosters entered as the warm favourite. However, the home side tore the game open with an eight-goal to one second term to record their best win under Garry Ramsay.
Young gun Blake Murphy was Montmorency’s best in the win and continued his late season purple patch. Murphy dominated in the midfield, winning a substantial amount of the ball in the contest, as well as winning many clearances.
Michael Fitz-Gerald had the tough task of playing on Roosters’ spearhead Ahmed Saad, who was fresh off a bag of nine goals in last week’s huge win over North Heidelberg.
Fitz-Gerald limited Saad’s influence and held the competition leading goal kicker to three majors. Fitz-Gerald was regularly able to spoil the ball in marking contests and played a pivotal role in Montmorency’s win.
Ben Walton was outstanding for the winning side in his 100th game. Walton was busy up forward kicking four majors, as well as taking multiple contested marks. He combined well with Patrick Fitzgerald, who also finished with four goals.
Despite the result, Garrett McDonagh had a fantastic game for West Preston-Lakeside, even though he received a tag throughout the day. McDonagh was a workhorse, winning the ball all over the ground and using it well. He also kicked a major.
James Tadd had the role of tagging Montmorency’s in-form captain Jesse Donaldson and limited Donaldson’s impact to below his usual best.
Max Dreher played a solid game off the half-back line for the Roosters. Dreher regularly drove the ball forward, with his kicking a highlight of his game.
West Preston-Lakeside got off to a good start, taking a five-point leading into the first break after Saad kicked an unbelievable goal from the boundary after the siren.
But it was the second quarter blitz from Montmorency that set up the win. The Magpies made the most of their chances and piled on 8.2 to 1.1 to take a commanding a 38-point lead into half time.
The highlight of the third quarter was a classy goal on the run from 50 metres out by Donaldson, who was donning the number 0 in the TAC Towards Zero Round.
The second half saw the scoring for both teams slow down heavily, with Montmorency only kicking 3.6 to West Preston-Lakeside’s 4.6. However, it was the work from the Magpies in the second quarter that ultimately won them the game.
The goal accuracy difference was also a major story of the day.
Montmorency converted 24 scoring shots into an accurate 15.9, while West Preston-Lakeside converted 22 scoring shots into an inaccurate 9.13.
The Magpies travel to third-placed North Heidelberg in what looms as a huge game in Round 16, while West Preston-Lakeside returns home to J.E. Moore Park to host Hurstbridge.
Final score: Montmorency 15.9 (99) def West Preston-Lakeside 9.13 (67)
MONTMORENCY
Best Players: B. Murphy, M. Fitz-Gerald, B. Walton, S. Uzelac, C. Dalgleish, B. Fotheringhame
Goal Kickers: B. Walton 4, P. Fitzgerald 4, A. Chiocci, B. Gillard, J. Donaldson, S. Uzelac, J. Bedrac, J. Steele, R. Howe
WEST PRESTON-LAKESIDE
Best Players: G. McDonagh, L. Lirosi, D. Costanzo, J. Tadd, M. Dreher, J. Clarke
Goal Kickers: A. Saad 3, M. Vincitorio, M. Harman, B. Samie, G. McDonagh, M. Crapper, L. Lirosi
