Greensborough has booked its place in the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 Grand Final after defeating Montmorency by 12 points at Preston City Oval.
The Boro’ overcame a fast start from the Pies to record a 12.14 (86) to 11.8 (74) victory and set up a Grand Final clash with minor premiers Heidelberg.
Montmorency got the early jump and led by three points at the first change before Greensborough fought back to take a five-point lead into half-time.
The contest remained tight throughout the third term, with just three points separating the two sides at the final change.
Greensborough then produced the decisive passage of play in the final term, kicking the opening two goals to extend its lead to 18 points.
Montmorency managed a late goal to give itself a chance, but the Pies were unable to spark a comeback as the Boro’ held on to secure their spot in the Grand Final.
Zak McCubbin and Marty Fitzgerald were instrumental in the victory, kicking three goals apiece on the day – McCubbin takes his finals tally to 12 from three games and has been a livewire forward of centre.
Tom Mitchell was influential around the contest, collecting 28 disposals, eight clearances and seven tackles, while Blake Watson had 24 disposals, seven clearances and a goal.
For Montmorency, William Bella led the way in front of goal with four majors. Ben Davis also kicked three.
Marcus Lentini was prolific with 35 disposals and 10 inside 50s, while Nash Holmes finished with 29 disposals, eight tackles and eight clearances.
It’s a disappointing end to the season for Montmorency, after comfortably winning the first qualifying final they would have been aiming to redeem themselves. They’ll dust themselves off and regroup for 2027.
Greensborough’s run this finals series has been remarkable and with a clean bill of heath they give themselves every possible chance to take it up to the might of Heidelberg on Saturday at Preston City Oval.
After seeing Hurstbridge follow a similar path in 2025 and fall short at the final hurdle, it’s a big ask but funny things can happen in grand finals. We’ll wait and see who’s holding the cup aloft on Saturday afternoon at about 5pm.
