EFNL 2024: Ryan Garthwaite bags nine in Montrose masterclass

Nine goals to Ryan Garthwaite helped Eastern Division 1 outfit Montrose to a big win over one of local footy’s most dominant teams of recent seasons on Saturday.

Ryan Garthwaite booted nine majors for Montrose on Saturday. Photo by Josh Chadwick

A nine-goal masterclass from ex-AFL Tiger Ryan Garthwaite has spearheaded Montrose to a statement win over one of local footy’s most dominant teams of recent seasons.

The Demons stunned the 2023 Division 1 runner-up on Saturday in a 19.9 (123) to 7.14 (56) rout, with Garthwaite firing off five first-half goals to lift his side to a 39-point advantage at the main break.

The visitors didn’t relent, slamming on seven majors in the third term for a 65-point lead to put the result beyond doubt.

South Belgrave had lost just once in its past 27 matches leading into Saturday’s clash.

Montrose senior coach Gary Ayres said Garthwaite’s handiwork followed a strong, but tough pre-season.

“Ryan has had a terrific pre-season and he probably came back a little bit late – he was trying out as a punter to get a scholarship over in America,” Ayres said.

“I know he was disappointed that it didn’t work out but it was a real plus for us that he was able to come back.

“He’s a terrific young lad – the guys love him as the coaches do as well, and certainly the ability that he has to compete in the air is amazing.

“He got some really good looks from our mids and guys who were using the ball around the midfield area.

“His accuracy at the minute is really, really good.”

Montrose coach Gary Ayres. Photo by Josh Chadwick

Inside midfielder Brad Watson was among a band of young Demons in the best players.

“He’s not big in stature but he’s big in heart with the way he plays – his commitment at the contest is first-class,” Ayres said.

“Our midfielders led by Taj Heap, Watson, Ben Dessent and Charlie Rosetti in the ruck (impressed).

“We had to make a couple of changes after half-time, one of our boys (Josh Spurrell) went off with concussion, so the guys who then went into slightly different roles were able to implement those.

“You’ve got to be versatile and adaptable because you just don’t know what can happen on any given day.”

South Belgrave lost last year’s decider to Mitcham after turning out an unbeaten home-and-away season.

Team of the Year ruckman Mitch Garner and ex-AFL Kangaroo Taylor Garner were among the Saints’ missing stars on Saturday.

“Credit’s got to be given to South Belgrave in that they have been the powerhouse side over the past 18 months and unfortunately for them, they did have a few of their A-grade players injured,” Ayres said.

“That would’ve hurt them a little bit, but it was really just up to us to make sure that we took what we’ve been training and working at over the pre-season.”

The feat of a win on South Belgrave’s home deck wasn’t lost on Ayres.

A date with reigning premier Mitcham awaits Montrose this weekend.

“I said (after the game) enjoy it for what it is … it’s an away win and they’re hard to get,” Ayres said.

“It’s only early days … but we want to try and get some sort of momentum, especially with the way our fixture is.

“We’re still a young group – but what I’m always searching for is that mindset to come up against really good quality opposition and then be able to play in a similar manner.

“I thought we did that for most parts of the game.”