Macleod did what no other team has managed in 2013 – defeating Montmorency by 10 points in a huge upset at De Winton Park.
Down by 12 points at the last change, the Roos booted four unanswered goals in the fourth term to win 14.6 (90) to 11.14 (80).
Tough nut Cathal Corr set the tone for Macleod and was best afield, while Harley Ryan played a great game in defeat.
The Roos were well and truly in the contest the whole day and got off to a perfect start with the first three goals of the match, including two to Mathew Pow.
Montmorency looked rusty after last week’s bye, but eventually got back into the game with three goals through Pat Fitzgerald (two) and Ryan Jackson to give it a one-point buffer at quarter time.
The Magpies got off to a better start in the second with James Gaul finishing off a great passage of play with a nice goal. When Ryan Jackson got his second of the day quickly after it looked like the visitors would put the game to bed early.
But to Macleod’s credit, it came firing back with the next four goals, including another two from spearhead Pow. Montmorency stopped the onslaught with Ben Walton’s first goal, before Fitzgerald kicked two of the next three goals to give the Magpies an eight-point lead at half time.
The third quarter was a tight tussle as Montmorency lost Luke Jackson to injury. Walton kicked his second to stretch the Magpies’ lead but it was cancelled out by John Andrew to keep Macleod in the contest.
Walton’s third followed and when Jesse Donaldson kicked the next goal, Montmorency looked like it would break away as it had for the past 13 weeks.
However, Macleod refused to yield. It once again dug deep and another goal to Andrew with little time left in the quarter gave the home side great belief at the last break.
The last quarter started in a tight and defensive manner. Macleod seemed to have the momentum and kept the ball in its attacking 50m, but Mont’s defence – led by Shane Tennant – was standing strong.
However, Pow broke the deadlock with his fifth to put the Kangaroos less than a kick behind. They continued pumping the ball inside forward 50m and eventually broke Montmorency’s resistance with a goal to Lachlan Considine to steal the lead with only minutes left.
Another goal to the home side soon after sealed the win and one of the great upsets of the season, as the Macleod faithful rejoiced its first win over Montmorency in 42 years.
Having also beaten reigning premier Northcote Park and pushed 2011 premier Bundoora by five points in recent weeks, the Roos remain a finals chance. They sit seventh with five wins, just four points behind fifth-placed West Preston-Lakeside.
In the end, Montmorency may have underestimated their opposition and paid the ultimate price, losing their first game of the season.
Final score: Macleod 14.6 (90) def Montmorency 11.14 (80)
