GREENSBOROUGH coach Robert Hyde believes an “us-against-them” mentality played a part in his side’s 67-point upset win over Montmorency in Round 1.
After conceding the opening three goals of the game, the Boro kicked 20 goals to six against last year’s beaten grand finalist to kick off the 2014 season with a 20.13 (133) to 9.10 (64) victory.
Hyde revealed his disappointment at no Greensborough player earning selection in the NFL interleague team that defeated the EDFL last week.
In contrast, Montmorency’s beaten Round 1 team included four players – Ryan Jackson, Jesse Donaldson, Shane Tennant and Pat Fitzgerald – that played in the NFL’s 37-point win at the Metro Championships.
“I got a bit annoyed that we didn’t have one representative in the NFL rep side,” Hyde said.
“I told my players to take that as an affront. Nobody values us enough to have anyone in the rep side.
“It’s a little bit of us against them. It’s old fashioned, but it’s the way we have to look at it.”
Playing with a distinctively harder edge, the Boro beat an unusually flat Magpies outfit in every facet of the game.
After taking a 14-point lead into quarter time, the home side stunned their more fancied opponent with a seven-goal to three second term.
Leading by 39 points at half time, the Boro extended their buffer to 52 at the final change before kicking the opening four goals of the final term to take a game-high 76-point lead.
Tall forwards Rhys Boyden, Tim Bongetti and recruit Andrew Stellas caused havoc inside attacking 50m, combining for 12 goals in the Boro’s first win over their neighbour since Round 4, 2011.
Hyde was pleased with the way his forward line functioned, but credited his midfielders for his side’s dominance inside its forward half – culminating in 20-9 win for marks inside 50m.
“I give credit to our midfield,” Hyde said.
“It’s not a glossy midfield but Ricky Mullins and those guys are young and have been around. They’re not as well credentialed as say Bronik Davies and Ryan Jackson, but as a group they have matured since last year.”
After a big pre-season, which included three thumping wins against slightly lesser opposition, Hyde said he was unsure how Greensborough would perform in the season opener.
But with every player buying in to his philosophy, the Boro enjoyed their best performance since 2011 – a season in which they finished third on the Division 1 ladder.
Hyde said the pressure was now on his team to play with the same vigour and work rate on a consistent basis.
The Boro will enjoy an extended break before taking heading to Eltham Central Reserve for a blockbuster clash with Eltham on Good Friday.
“We couldn’t beat Eltham once last year and our win today is totally wasted if we get beaten by Eltham,” Hyde said.
“The focus is on continuing our work rate, our effort and what we believe in to meet those targets. The scoreboard takes care of itself if we can meet our key indicators.”
“As I said to the boys, it’s Round 1 and I think we caught Montmorency on the hop.
“I’m not taking anything away from the way we played, but they’ll be much harder to beat the next time we play them.”
Hyde also praised new recruits Dan McLinden and Michael Hooper who were both influential in their first game for Greensborough.
