In overcast conditions and playing on the smaller Monty Juniors / Lower Plenty ground we came up against the newly promoted Division 2 Premier of 2007 in Lalor Football Club. It has never been easy for a Division 2 club to win many games in their promotion season, and on the evidence of yesterday, the suggestion is Lalor needs to work very hard this year.
Lalor did front up undermanned; of course you can do that in a practice match. Unfortunately for Lalor the competition at Montmorency Football Club for a spot in the senior squad is stronger than it has been in many a year and all players were out to impress. This meant Lalor were on the end of a hiding not only on the score board, but all over the ground.
It was good to see the Monty faithful turn out to see the Mont boys run around the park for the first time at home for 2008, even if it was the Lower Plenty oval. President Steven lock was hands on helping out where needed while there was a great group of Monty regulars helping out on the BBQ and in the 'can hill' bar. Of course for people like me who have not been around the club much during the off season it was great to see that so many people want to help for season 2008.
The game started and I along with most of the crowd was scratching their heads as to who was out there on the field. With new players such as Mark McGough, Daniel King, Justin Banbury, Josh Slattery, Patrick Fitzgerald and Jake Whitling just to name a few and old boys with new hair cuts like Matt Neill and Brent Gutterson, and the fact everyone was in training jumpers made it hard to properly follow who was who. No problems for the players though who started the game at an amazing pace where we kicked the first three goals of the game before Dave Hunt as goal umpire realised that it was three separate goals and not players having practice pot shots at him before the game. The presence of Daniel King in the ruck was what every Mont supporter has been looking for as he gave our players first use of the ball and our on ball division looked sharp. Even the old stagers like Cesari were having a huge impact as the younger players started to also impose their presence.
The game gave the new players a chance to show their wares to the Monty faithful and they didnt let anyone down. Lalor of course didnt put up as much of a fight as we would have hoped, but come season proper we will have to respect them as Lalor is a quality outfit that will be smarting after the schalacking we gave them. Final Scores for the game
Mont 7.1 12.2 24.8 31.11 197
Lalor 3.1 5.9 6.10 8.11 59
It was interesting to see ex Mont coach and current West Preston coach Matt Larkin at the ground. His comment "You guys have improved" seemed to be the understatement of the day. Hopefully it will translate into victories against his side as we owe him from last season.
In every position Monty posted a winner and though the coaches will probably not be able to take a lot from the game, it does set up a delightful prospect for next week when we take on Balwyn at home in our last practice match before the season proper begins. Balwyn will have Daniel Hartford, Joel Smith & Patrick Bowden just to name a few. Last years practice game against Balwyn was one of the more physical parctice games I have ever seen and I have no doubt that this week will be the same as Balwyn use us to 'toughen' themselves up for their own competition so that they can go closer to winning a flag in the EFL this season.
So make sure you come to the game and make sure you come along to the season launch for 2008 this Thursday at 8pm at the Monty RSL. Details on the front page of the website and in the social section.
Last Modified on 02/04/2008 23:12