BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — Montmorency and Greensborough will battle it out for a place in the Northern Football Netball League’s Division 1 Grand Final when they meet at Preston City Oval tomorrow.
With Heidelberg already through to the decider, Sunday’s preliminary final presents both sides with one final opportunity to keep their premiership dreams alive.
Montmorency enters the clash after suffering a heavy 88-point defeat to Heidelberg in the second qualifying final, while Greensborough kept its season alive with a 24-point victory over Diamond Creek.
Despite their contrasting results last weekend, both sides have plenty of quality across the ground and will be determined to produce a vastly different performance with a Grand Final berth on the line.
Montmorency will look to its experienced midfield brigade to set the tone, with Marcus Lentini and Nash Holmes expected to play important roles in the clinches.
Lentini collected 28 disposals against Heidelberg, while Holmes finished with 21 disposals and eight clearances despite the heavy defeat.
Magpie tall Tommy Vrkic and Stefan Uzelac will have a critical role to play against Greensborough rucks Nathan Howard and Jamie Smith. Whoever can give first use to their midfielders at stoppages will give their side a decisive edge.
Jordan Steele was also impressive from half-back, gathering 32 disposals and providing plenty of drive out of defence.
Up forward, Ben Davis and William Bella will be among those looking to provide a greater scoreboard threat after both finished with two goals against Heidelberg.
Greensborough will enter the clash full of confidence after eliminating Diamond Creek last weekend.
The Borough were led by a dominant performance from Zak McCubbin, who booted six goals, while Harrison Andronaco added three majors and was also influential around the ground.
Blake Watson was prominent through the midfield with 25 disposals and six clearances, while Tom Mitchell continued his strong finals form with 22 disposals and seven clearances.
Greensborough will also be hoping McCubbin can again provide a focal point inside 50. His versatility with speed on the ground and prowess overhead proved a difficult match-up for Diamond Creek, one they ultimately had no clear matchup for.
His ability to hit the scoreboard will be crucial against a Montmorency defence that will be desperate to rebound from last week’s result.
A couple of unsung heroes of the Boro midfield, Harrison Andronaco and Jackson Hasler, were also important last week and will no doubt have their hands full with the likes of Holmes and Lentini.
With both sides just one win away from a Grand Final against Heidelberg, there is little separating the two rivals on Sunday.
The winner will advance to the NFNL Division 1 Grand Final, while the loser’s season will come to an end.
