The Magpies led from start to finish, extending their lead at every change to record a 16.18 (114) to 11.14 (80) victory in front of a huge crowd at Eltham Central Park.
Defenders Shane Tennant, Michael Fitzgerald and Daniel Coghill were resolute all day, keeping Eltham forwards Paul Currie and Ryan Hocking to just one goal.
The Magpies pressure around the ground was intense and forced Eltham into many uncharacteristic turnovers around the ground – a number of those clangers resulting directly in goals to the visitors.
Ryan Jackson and Daniel Keenan’s dominance in the midfield ensured Montmorency’s forwards were provided good delivery throughout the afternoon – with Ryan Willits and Wayne Pavitt both finishing with three goals.
Pavitt netted the first goal of the afternoon, before Brendan O’Sullivan’s opportunistic snap levelled proceedings.
Montmorency then dominated the remaining 20 minutes of the opening quarter, but was unable to turn that dominance into scoreboard pressure.
The Magpies netted 3.6 for the opening term and wasted a number of chances from kickable set shots at goal. Their quarter-time lead was just 11 points after Paul Currie kicked a goal on the siren following a strong mark and 50m penalty.
Gavan Connelly – who was the Panthers best in the loss – booted the first goal of the second term as the Panthers closed within five points.
The sides then traded goals as the margin hovered between five and 12 points for the majority of the quarter. However, the Magpies were able to land two telling late blows right before half-time.
Leading by five points with just three minutes remaining in the second term, the Magpies were able to snag two late goals through Willits and Chris Burton, the latter after the siren, to take a 17-point lead into the main break.
They made it three goals in five minutes of game time when Jackson kicked his first goal two minutes into the third term.
O’Sullivan reduced the margin back to three goals when he converted after intercepting a poor kick from Montmoreny’s defence, however the visitors effectively sealed the contest midway through the third term following consecutive goals to Willits and Jackson.
Eltham was able to wrestle back some momentum late in the quarter following a mark and goal to Josh Merkel. However, Montmorency again had the answer with Pavitt and Jesse Donaldson both replying with goals in the next three minutes to extend the lead to a match-high 36 points.
A late goal to defender Jackson Weatherald trimmed the margin to five goals at the last break and the Panthers had the chance to cut the margin further at the beginning of the fourth, but poor kicking let them down.
The home side booted four consecutive points to kick-off the fourth quarter – missing the chance to work its way back into contest.
The Magpies were ruthless when they had their chances up forward and Jake Whitling slotted a set shot from deep in the forward pocket to see off any hope of a late Eltham challenge.
To the Panthers credit they fought the game out in its entirety, ensuring that a blowout didn’t eventuate.
The final margin of 34 points was fitting of Montmorency’s control of the game, with the Pies keeping their perfect start to the season intact after three rounds of football.
They now prepare for a tough fortnight on their home paddock, starting with Heidelberg this weekend before taking on Bundoora the week after.
Eltham too has a difficult period coming up with matches against Bundoora, Northcote Park and Heidelberg coming up in the next three weeks. With a 1-2 record, the Panthers are staring down the barrel and will need to lift against their upcoming opponents.
Final score: Eltham 11.14 (80) def by Montmorency 16.18 (114)
