Montmorency’s winless streak has continued following their clash against the top-of-the-table Macleod, with the visitors going down at home by 54 points.
Despite a promising start, the mood was quickly dampened courtesy of a six-goal second term from Macleod, blowing the Magpies out of contention early in the game.
Macleod got the jump early, slotting the first major of the game within the opening minute of play, but the Magpies were able to regroup in what could only be described as a quarter of bravery.
Ben Walton got off to a flyer – literally – taking four spectacular overhead marks from Macleod’s defensive kick-ins in rapid succession.
Walton’s heroics paved the way for multiple shots on goal, yet none resulted in major scores.
Bobby Lamanna similarly showed dare, having a shot on goal after bursting free from a clearance just outside the 50.
Although Lamanna’s attempt was touched on the line, the intent and courage kickstarted a Magpie press, brimming with pressure.
The Magpies’ cohesive link-up play along the wings captured this newfound boldness, and led by the pace of James Brooker, pushed them forward.
Individual acts, including a crucial tackle from Alex Chiocci and intercept marks from Brett Zorzi, similarly lifted the team.
Skipper Jesse Donaldson slotted the first major for Montmorency, with Stefan Uzelac and Blake Charles adding to the scoreboard.
With the entire team flocking to the young Charles after kicking his first senior goal, the team’s spirit was strong, and pleasing to see for players and spectators alike.
The Magpies headed into the second term with a 10-point advantage, but their lead would ultimately be short-lived.
A sensational mid-air kick from Jai Swainger began a six-goal quarter Macleod, with the reinvigorated Roos outworking the Magpies.
While the quarter did little to flatter the Magpies, the result could have been far worse.
Bill Jenkin again acted as the linchpin in defence, thwarting the numerous Macleod entries that flooded the Magpie backline.
Wyatt Le Gassick also proved to be important, taking two intercept marks in rapid succession, repelling the Roos’ attack.
Although they had lost their lead, only a 21-point margin separated the two teams at the onset of the second half.
Yet in the opening minutes, Macleod burst onto the scene, piling on five goals opposed to Montmorency’s one off the boot of Stefan Uzelac.
Montmorency’s solitary highlight for the term was the endeavour of ruckman Joel McLellan, who tirelessly did his best to give the Magpies first use of the ball.
The pressure from the Magpies came in waves, beginning a frustrating cycle of play which dominated much of the term.
While Montmorency were able to work the ball forward, they were unable to convert major scores.
Macleod on the other hand, seemed to have little difficulty transferring the ball from one end to the other, led by midfielders Hamish Paynter, Ned McKeown and Justin White.
An on-the-siren goal from Paynter only rubbed salt into Montmorency’s open wounds, extending the margin to 47 points at the final change.
Despite their efforts to mitigate the Macleod rampage – with Uzelac adding another goal to his name and Alex Chioicci kicking back-to-back majors – the scoring came too little, too late.
The second quarter onslaught from the Roos was enough to keep the Magpies on the back foot for the rest of the game.
Thirteen individual goalkickers from the Kangaroos – including three from Nick Lynch – were unable to be managed by the Magpies, who had nine less scoring shots in the final term alone.
Quick, agile and nimble, Macleod were able to run away as victors by 54 points with relative ease.
Montmorency will play their final away game for the season against Northcote Park next week, desperate to break their losing drought.
FINAL SCORE: Montmorency 8.17 (65) defeated by Macleod 17.17 (119)
BEST: Uzelac, McLellan, Donaldson, Chiocci, Lamanna, Charles
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