GREENSBOROUGH moved one step closer to this year’s Diabetes College NFL Division 1 Grand Final with a 13-point victory over close rival Montmorency at Preston City Oval.
The Boro held strong in a close last quarter to prevail 10.13 (73) to 8.12 (60) over the Magpies, who now face a do-or-die first semi final next week and the prospect of losing in straight sets for the fourth time in six years.
The first two goals of the final quarter from Greensborough forwards Josh Grubb and Jason Rogers looked to have sealed the victory, but the drama continued after Jesse Donaldson reduced the margin to nine points with eight minutes to play.
The sealer came from small forward Cam Jordan who picked up the loose ball and pierced one at eye height to extend the lead back out to 14 points with only a few minutes to play.
Greensborough continued its good form over Montmorency, extending its record to 3-0 in meetings this season. The win was the first Division 1 final the Boro have won since 1991 and will guarantee them at least two chances of reaching the Grand Final.
It was a strong victory from Greensborough both physically and mentally. When the Boro were presented with the same opportunity in 2011, they lost both their finals by over 40 points and exited in straight sets.
Boro tall forwards in Rhys Boyden and Andrew Stellas presented well and competed all day in the absence of suspended co-captain Tim Bongetti, who may not play during the finals series.
But it was the mixture of goals from small forwards Jason Rogers (three goals), Cam Jordan (two) and Josh Grubb that helped propel the Boro to victory in front of goals.
In the first game of this season’s Division 1 finals series, the weather and conditions could not have been better, other than the usual breeze running straight down the ground, favouring the city end.
The early going saw Montmorency hit the ground running, quickly racing to a three-goal lead in the first quarter after goals to Jesse Donaldson, Ryan Willits and Pat Fitzerald.
However, a late goal in the first quarter to Rogers saw the momentum shift with the Boro, we went on to kick four of the next six goals before half time.
Montmorency wasted opportunities in the first and third quarters when kicking with the wind, choosing to bomb the ball in long which gave the Boro defenders the upper hand. The Boro also fell into this trap in the second quarter.
Forwards Rogers, Stellas and Jordan were among the best for Greensborough, along with Tristan Stead and Matt Hyde who thrive off playing in these big games.
For the Magpies, Ben Walton, James Gaul and Shane Tennant were among their better players. Ryan Jackson and Jesse Donaldson were well held by the Boro midfield, with both players having quiet games by their standards.
Montmorency will take solace in the way they stuck strong late in the last quarter but will rue the missed opportunities on goal after half time, kicking 3.10.
Greensborough advance to next week’s second semi final against Heidelberg, in which the winner will progress to the Grand Final. The loser will still be alive in the finals, with a second chance in the preliminary final.
Montmorency will be looking to atone for this loss – which ended a run of six-straight wins – when its faces the winner of Bundoora v Macleod in today’s elimination final.
Final score: Greensborough 10.13 (73) def Montmorency 8.12 (60)
