Montmorency has suffered their third straight loss for the season against an aggressive Northcote Park outfit, who emerged as victors by 49 points.
Wanting to make amends after last week’s defeat to Heidelberg, applying pressure was on the forefront of the Magpies’ minds.
“Pressure is the backbone of what we do,” coach Ben Haynes said. “Getting on the front foot [is] the plan for this week.”
Haynes’ mantra resonated with his players in the first quarter, the tone being set early with excellent tackling pressure from Matt Hunt and determined second efforts from Nick Patton.
Montmorency’s first and only major for the quarter was scored within the opening minutes with a precise kick from Daniel Keenan from outside the 50.
But Montmorency’s early fortune quickly turned, with ruckman Joel McLellan suffering a head knock following a marking contest.
Although McLellan returned to the field shortly afterward, the extent of the clash forced him to sit the rest of the game out.
Connor Dalgleish and Michael Fitz-Gerald – who returned from injury after dislocating his shoulder in round two – filled McLellan’s massive shoes in the ruck contests.
Kicking against the wind, Montmorency although applying consistent pressure, only managed to score a further six behinds for the term.
Northcote Park experienced similar circumstances to Montmorency in the first quarter, with Bronik Davies securing the Cougars’ only goal.
Both sides suffered from a great deal of turnovers not only in the quarter but throughout the whole game, contributing to the initial low-scoring affair.
The Magpies fought hard in the second quarter, with Nick Snowden being found at the bottom of many contests and stoppages.
Patrick Fitzgerald served as a big target not only up forward, but from the defensive kick-ins, ultimately allowing Matt Deaves to score his first major.
Jesse Donaldson soon followed suit with a left-foot snap in his trademark smooth style of play.
While the wind was to Montmorency’s advantage, a speedy Northcote Park midfield led by skipper Bronik Davies impacted the scoreboard and allowed them to gain the lead.
Utilising the centre of the ground and minimising their play around the boundary, the Cougars secured three majors, two of which only just managed to dribble through before they could be touched on the line.
Alex Chiocci managed to prevent another Northcote Park goal with a great rundown tackle in defence, leaving the margin at only three points in favour of Northcote Park at half time.
It was in the third term that the game broke open, with a nine goal quarter from Northcote Park.
Akin to their namesake, the Cougars were aggressive and agile, using their speed to pounce on the unsuspecting Magpies.
Thanks to their nimble midfield, Northcote Park were able to play a dynamic and flowing style of football, with many uncontested possessions and marks up forward.
The lack of pressure from Montmorency subsequently forced several skill errors, and with defensive space being left vacant, Northcote Park capitalised with 25 inside 50s for the third quarter alone.
Spearheaded by key forwards Brody Ricardi, Ricky Fandrich and Dylan Campbell, the trio helped rocket Northcote Park to a 42-point lead.
Yet the margin would have been far larger had it not been for a three-goal quarter from Matt Deaves, who ended the day with six majors.
Magpie Tom Beers showed grit in defence, laying several tough tackles and subsequently was rewarded for his efforts.
At the three-quarter time address, Coach Ben Haynes was frustrated with the Magpies’ work rate.
“We’re way short of what’s expected, a mile short of what’s expected. A mile short of what’s needed,” Haynes said.
As the fourth quarter began, the woes worsened for Montmorency.
In a courageous attempt to win the ball back from a Northcote Park kick-in, young gun Jackson Jones landed awkwardly from a high-flying marking contest.
Stretchered off the field, many on the sidelines feared a serious knee injury, however post-match, club physios believed the injury sustained may be an ankle.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
Zac Allen was also forced to come from the ground with a left-arm issue late in the fourth quarter.
As the Cougar forwards fired, Dylan Campbell, Brody Ricadi and Bryn Barnes-Webb ended their days with three goals apiece, while Ricky Fandrich finished one better with four majors to his name.
Another two goals to Matt Deaves proved to be one of the few highlights for Montmorency in the final term.
A lock-out meeting at the end of the game emphasised the need for the Magpies to focus on Haynes’ mantra of applying pressure, and go into the following game against West Preson-Lakeside ready to turn the tables.
FINAL SCORE: Montmorency 9.13 (67) defeated by Northcote Park 17.14 (116)
BEST: Deaves, Fitz-Gerald, Hunt, Beers, Snowden, Allen
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