In the season’s first twilight game, a six-goal to one third quarter from the Magpies opened up a scrappy start to the game as they put Greensborough to the sword.
Three goals from the Boro to start the fourth quarter led to a few nervous moments for the home side as the lead was cut down to 23 points. But a Ryan Jackson goal on the run put an end to any fightback and secured Monty’s perfect start to the season.
The intensity was high early with both teams unable to break clear with any outside run, with only three goals kicked in the quarter.
While the Magpies had more dominance with the inside 50s in the first term, two late goals to Greensborough saw it go into the first break with a four-point lead.
From here however it was the midfield of Montmorency – through Ryan Jackson, Jesse Donaldson, Luke Collins, Alex Chiocci and ruckman Ryan Willits – which turned the game into the Magpies’ favour. These players figured in the best for Monty, along with defender Shane Tennant.
Tennant was a rock for the Magpies down back, taking numerous marks from opposition kicks and setting up many attacking plays with the help of full back Michael Fitz-Gerald.
A six-goal unanswered run in the second quarter for the Magpies showed why they will again be a premiership threat this year.
The clearance work from Montmorency was exceptional, as its midfield ran in numbers through the middle and switched the ball effectively, finding space on the wide wings before attacking the forward 50 from the angles.
Tim Bongetti was again strong for Greensborough, kicking three goals and providing the visitors with a tall marking option up forward. Conlan Gunn was consistent in the midfield while Matt Fowler and Drew Wilson did their best to stop the Montmorency forwards.
Greensborough forward Jack Johnson provided a marking option across the wing and almost took an absolute screamer above a pack of five before the ball slipped from his hands at the peak of his climb.
But it was the lack of marking options for the Boro when kicking out of defence and into pack situations that gave Monty the upper hand when defending.
Boro vice-captain Drew Wilson was assigned the role of stopping Magpies power forward Patrick Fitzgerald and he won the battle, allowing only one goal against him.
Pre-match focus was on the off-season departures of Mitchell Anderson, a Greensborough boy from his junior days, and former Greensborough coach Jack Cole across to Montmorency. Anderson was able to settle his nerves early and play a role for Monty across the half back flank.
Montmorency will look to continue its unbeaten streak next week when it plays Eltham away in another winnable game, while Greensborough heads to Heidelberg for another tough encounter.
Final score: Montmorency 14.17 (101) def Greensborough 9.12 (66)
