Montmorency coach Nick Rutley reflects on NFNL Division 1 grand final loss

Montmorency coach Nick Rutley said his players could hold their heads high after Saturday’s grand final defeat and was confident his young players would be better for the experience.

Montmorency players watch on after losing the NFNL Division 1 grand final. Picture: Andrew Batsch

They were banged up but Montmorency coach Nick Rutley said his players never took a backward step.

The Magpies were no match for Heidelberg as it marched to a third straight NFNL Division 1 premiership on Saturday, falling by 41 points.

Their fierce attack on the ball matched that of the Tigers, resulting in a string of brutal collisions that drew gasps from the crowd.

As a result Rutley could not have been prouder of his team’s determination in the face of mission: impossible.

And is confident the experience will only help his band of youngsters to reach new heights in 2025.

Nash Holmes in action for Montmorency. Picture: Andrew Batsch

“They were sore but that’s footy and they didn’t let it show,” Rutley said.

“We had to go full gas just to beat Greensborough in the preliminary final, that was a tough game, and it seems so long ago now but North Heidelberg in the qualifying final was a really physical game.

“When you go the long way that’s going to happen.

“That’s taking nothing away from Heidelberg, they’ve been the hunted for a long time, which is hard to do, they’re the benchmark and the club we’re all chasing.

“As I said on the podium after the game, we’ll take a lot of leanings from it and be better for it.”

Montmorency had 13 players aged 23 or younger with Rutley saying the difference between Heidelberg players with several VFL or senior football pre-seasons under their belts showed.

Billy Jenkin had an outstanding finals series for Montmorency. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Nash Holmes stood out, going toe-to-toe with the Tigers’ midfield.

Young gun Cameron Nyko shone off half-back with Rutley believing he should be looked at more closely by AFL clubs.

The Healesville product played nine Coates League matches for Eastern Ranges and made four Under-18 National Championship appearances for Vic Metro last year.

He signed with Essendon VFL and played 14 games this season.

“He probably came off a lot of draft boards because of his injuries last year, he had surgery on both shoulders,” Rutley said.

“He was really good (on Saturday) and I went through it after the game, he and Jordyn Gillard, Logan Butcher and Aaron Doyle are all 19 or younger.

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“I hope he’s getting another look at getting on a list but if not he’ll go back to Essendon and be with us, which is really exciting.”

Montmorency will regain co-captain Sam Binion after his season was cut short by injury.

Fellow skipper Stef Uzelac returned from a hamstring injury in the grand final but wasn’t able to have his normal influence after a superb Team of the Year campaign.

Rutley said with another pre-season bedding in his gameplan and a stronger fitness base under his young players the Magpies were well placed to return to the grand final stage.