Montmorency unveils ‘big four’ recruits in big win over Northcote Park

Montmorency unveiled its big recruits in a convincing NFL Division 1 win over Northcote Park but there are concerns for a star midfielder.

Patrick Fitzgerald kicked six goals for Montmorency. Picture: Hamish Blair

Montmorency unveiled its “big four” with a commanding 76-point win over Northcote Park on Saturday.

Ex-AFL recruit Lin Jong, Mitch Honeychurch and Liam Buxton made their NFL Division 1 debuts, while Danko Bzenic made his return to Montmorency Park.

However, the day was soured when Magpies star Jesse Donaldson was helped from the ground in the last quarter after a serious head clash with Lucas Perry.

Bzenic was the standout with several nice touches and two goals, while Buxton was involved in an enthralling ruck duel with Cougar recruit Matt D’Angelo.

Jong and Honeychurch worked hard through midfield but found space hard to come by in difficult conditions against a committed Northcote Park.

Local footy's back!@MontyFNC hit the park against Northcote Park. @northernfnl
Usually say 'day for it' but it's legit terrible weather for Round 1. pic.twitter.com/Fp6PcShMbJ

— Ben Higgins (@ben_higgins84) April 2, 2022

Montmorency coach Garry Ramsay was pleased with his new faces’ first showing.

“I thought Danko was really clean and playing a role at centre half-forward in these conditions is really tough,” he said.

“I felt his touches were really good and led to scores, he was really clean below his knees, I thought he was the cleanest player out there. I was really impressive.

“Liam went really well, it was a great battle (with Matt D’Angelo).

“Mitch and Lin were just real workmanlike, they tackled well and put their heart and soul into it.

“It’s nice when you’ve got players like that, I think they’re best and worst is going to be really close together because they enjoy tackling, enjoy the physical stuff and that’s what win or lose close games.”

The margin arguably flattered Montmorency as Northcote Park missed a glut of opportunities in front of goal.

The Cougars kicked 0.5 with the wind in the opening quarter and kicked as many as 10 shots out of bounds on the full.

Montmorency coach Garry Ramsay. Picture: Stuart Milligan

In contrast, the Magpies were far more clinical, running out 16.14 (110) to 4.10 (34).

Star full forward Pat Fitzgerald booted six goals and debutant Nick Uzelac kicked three, while Billy Jenkin was excellent in defence.

Ramsay was content to blow the cobwebs out.

“It was real workmanlike I felt,” he said.

“There was plenty of contested footy with the conditions and Northcote were really good at the contest.

“It was really pleasing, I liked the fact there was plenty of tackles, plenty of physicality, it wasn’t a high-marking day.

“I’m very pleased to get the win, I’ll go home and have a pizza, maybe a couple of beers and do a video review – I love having footy back.”

Donaldson will face a fitness test after being left stunned on the ground for several minutes in the final term.

Northcote Park also has injury worries after star recruit Jordan Schroder left the game in the third quarter with a groin injury and stand-in skipper Matt Perry limped off with an ankle concern.

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However, the Cougars hope to regain captain Paul Dirago, key defender Reed Jepson and Jack Sammartino.

D’Angelo and Alex Boyse were standouts on debut, D’Angelo splitting the ruck battle with Buxton and Boyse strong in defence, while Jordan Perry also impressed in his return to the club.

Montmorency faces Bundoora in a blockbuster Round 2 clash at Yulong Reserve, while Northcote Park will hope to bounce back when it hosts North Heidelberg.

Elsewhere in Division 1, West Preston-Lakeside (94) were too good for Bundoora (57), Macleod (111) upset North Heidelberg (71), Heidelberg (100) saw off Hurstbridge (45) and Greensborough (89) eased past Whittlesea (64).