Montmorency into first NFNL Division 1 grand final in 11 years, captain races clock
Montmorency is through to its first NFNL Division 1 grand final since 2013 and will give skipper Stef Uzelac until the final second to prove his fitness.
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Montmorency is back on the big stage for the first time since 2013.
The Magpies won through to the NFNL Division 1 grand final with a heart-stopping two-point preliminary final win over Greensborough at Preston City Oval on Sunday.
The 8.10 (58) to 8.8 (56) victory sets up a clash with two-time reigning premier Heidelberg on Saturday.
Montmorency will be sweating on the fitness of captain Stef Uzelac after he missed the match with a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, spearhead Patrick Fitzgerald is also a chance to return after being dropped.
Magpies coach Nick Rutley said Uzelac would be given every chance to prove his fitness.
“Stef has been out leader all year, Sam Binion our other captain has unfortunately been cruelled by injury,” Rutley said.
“Sam has been amazing off-field with his leadership, that can’t be discounted, and Stef on-field has been a pillar of strength – his football has been obscene.
“I have so much trust in him so he’ll get until the very last minute to decide whether he puts his hand up or not.
“Greensborough and Heidelberg are two very difficult teams to coach against and two very different gamestyles.”
Northern Knights-listed pair Aaron Doyle and Jordyn Gillard came in for Uzelac and Fitzgerald and performed well.
Rutley said there were “multiple chances” at the selection table this week for the grand final 22.
He said not playing a club great like Fitzgerald was an extremely tough call.
“Not an easy decision by any stretch and with respect to him we had those conversations earlier than Thursday,” Rutley said.
“We made an early call on that and credit to him, such an amazing Montmorency citizen and great person, always club first.
“He was bitterly disappointed but definitely understood were we where at the and club itself was really mature about it.
“It’s a big decision, especially at community level, especially with someone who has put so much time and effort into the football club.
“I didn’t want to have a what-if moment and that’s what you have to do as a coach.
“I did think speed would be an asset and although the speed we brought in was very youthful and inexperienced they do give you some extra energy.”
Missing Uzelac, Binion and the veteran presence of Fitzgerald, Montmorency turned to Billy Jenkin.
The Magpies’ best-on-ground in the semi-final loss to Heidelberg, Jenkin stepped up again to inspire his team’s comeback.
“To have Billy lead the club (on Sunday) in a prelim final was really cool, great for him and the footy club,” Rutley said.
“He’s another Montmorency citizen who’s been there since he was a kid and just so well respected.
“He’s a leader by actions, he doesn’t say a lot Bill, but he gets his work in and does it with a smile on his face.
“Some of the defensive plays he made were enormous.”
Montmorency kicked the first goal of the game but were quickly behind as Greensborough dominated the opening quarter.
The Borough had 10 scoring shots but will rue a wayward 5.5 as they took a 21-point lead into quarter-time.
Despite not capitalising on the breeze in the second term, the Magpies turned the tables in the third, winning the quarter against the wind to narrow the margin to 10 points at the final change.
Lachy Batchelor kicked three clutch goals to inspire the comeback and Monty held firm in a nerve-racking finish.
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Jenkin, Batchelor, Marcus Lentini, Connor Kane, Ben Peterson and Brodie Jones where Montmorency’s best.
Greensborough captain Jack Johnston rivalled Jenkin for best afield honours, while Tom O’Sullivan, Angus Seivers (three goals) and Harrison Andronaco stood tall.
Montmorency and Heidelberg will also face off in the reserve grand decider after the Tigers topped Greensborough by 65 points.
And Diamond Creek will look to ease the pain of its senior and reserve grade grand final defeats after winning through to the Division 1 Under-19s grand final, where it will face Heidelberg.
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