GREENSBOROUGH continued to stake its claim as a genuine Division 1 finals contender after a hard fought 19-point victory over Northcote Park at War Memorial Park.
The Boro came out victors 13.16 (94) to the Cougars’ 11.9 (75) to maintain the Neale ‘Cowboy’ Carroll Cup in another big win for the club.
After trailing by 22 points at half time, it was a seven-goal to one third quarter from Greensborough that put them in a commanding position heading into the final term.
Boro utility Jason Rogers starred in the third quarter, kicking three goals as well as having a hand in a few assists for his teammates. Northcote Park was never able to stem the flow of the rampaging Boro, who played slick and efficient footy, particularly in the third quarter.
The Cougars needed to replicate last week’s fourth quarter performance against Montmorency if it was to be any chance of winning the game.
Tom Walliss got the ball rolling with his third goal for the game at the nine-minute mark of the last quarter after a free kick in the goal square.
However, Greensborough was able to grind its way through the last quarter, hunting the ball in packs, making sure the Cougars never had the chance of gaining the momentum to win the match.
All hope was lost for Northcote Park when Boro key forward Corey Cogan kicked truly to extend Greensborough’s lead back out to 20 points and seal the Boro’s fourth victory for the season.
Rogers’ third quarter heroics put him a top of the votes while Boro midfielders Scott Conte, Lachlan McQuilken and Tristan Stead all closely followed amongst the best on ground.
Ruckman Michael Hooper was sensational in his battle with Cougars’ ruckman Oliver McEwan, and was particularly dominant in the second half as the Boro took the ascendency.
While the hitouts were quite even, Hooper’s influence around the ground through his tackling pressure, marking and even slotting a goal from a fine mark in the third quarter blitz put him clearly on top in the ruck.
Northcote Park would have wished they had more than one Julian Violato on the ground. Violato spent the first three quarters down back, providing the chop out and intercept marks needed against the tall and potent Greensborough forward outfit.
He was moved forward and even into the ruck in the last quarter in hope of the same influence he was having down back. Doug Morris, Joel Donaldson and Luke Svarc were also amongst the Cougars better players on the day.
Greensborough has now cemented its place in third spot on the ladder, two points clear of fourth-placed West Preston-Lakeside, and only behind second placed Bundoora on percentage.
With wins now against finals contenders Montmorency, West Preston-Lakeside and Northcote Park, the Boro have cemented themselves as a true challenger to play finals this season.
Northcote Park meanwhile sits in eighth spot on the ladder with only the one win coming in five matches.
The Cougars will be under no illusions they now face an uphill battle to push for a top-three spot, while finals will also be a battle with sides like Greensborough, Macleod and West Preston-Lakeside all showing good form early in the season.
Greensborough now faces a road trip against the winless Whittlesea at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, with the Eagles looking to bounce back from a triple-digit loss to Montmorency in Round 5.
The Cougars are again drawn to play away from home when they take to battle against Lower Plenty, in a clash between the seventh and eighth-placed teams at Montmorency Park. It is certainly a danger games for Northcote Park, with the Bears undefeated at home this year.
Final score: Greensborough 13.16 (94) def Northcote Park 11.9 (75)
