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THIRD-TIME LUCKY FOR MONTROSE

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by Damian Watson (Twitter: @DamianWatson109)

MONTROSE has claimed its first premiership in 21 years, after defeating Moorolbark by 28 points in the ‘Choose Tap’ Division 2 Grand Final.

At a wet and windy Tormore Reserve, the Demons erased the disappointment of two consecutive Grand Final defeats to register their third EFL flag.

Montrose ruckman Andrew Haining was awarded the Gordon Parker Medal for the best player on the ground.

The Demon was involved in 11 centre clearances and was pivotal in his team’s midfield domination.

‘It’s been three long years and hard work for all of the team and it’s great to win it,’ he said.

‘It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had. The boys in the midfield worked their guts out and they have worked hard all year.’

Brett Johnson was an influential player around the scrimmages for Montrose and displayed great work ethic as the game progressed.

The playing-coach described the win as ‘unbelievable’ and said the club thoroughly deserved the flag.

‘Montrose is a very hard-working club and has been knocking on the door for a long time,’ he said.

‘It has been a one-club effort on and off the field and I’m proud to be part of it. The club sticks together and they are a great bunch of guys who deserve the win.’

 

Montrose star Billy Schilling exerted his influence in the forward line, finishing with a five-goal bag on the big stage to cap off a stellar season.

The Demons’ defence proved steadfast throughout the entire match, with Brendan Gardoll holding potent Mustangs forward Alex Wadsworth goalless. Jye Goodman also proved robust in defence for Montrose, providing streaming run from the backline.

Montrose stamped its authority on the game with three early goals in a scrappy opening term, while holding the Mustangs goalless. The Demons applied immense pressure on the ball carrier and stemmed the running game of Moorolbark with ferocious tackling.

The floodgates opened in the second term as the Demons ran away to a 29-point lead at the major break and maintained the advantage until the final siren. The Montrose midfielders linked up effectively through handball and roamed through the corridor with poise.

Daniel Lemon contributed four goals for the Mustangs and was a valiant performer in the forward line. Fellow Moorolbark forward Chris Murphy also provided a glimmer of hope for his side, converting three goals in the third term alone.

But Montrose was never seriously threatened and when Rowan Hore booted the sealer halfway through the final quarter, the red and blue contingent were sent into raptures.

The Demons elevate themselves into Division 1 next season, but for now, the Montrose faithful will bask in their premiership glory.

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