By Wil Spence
An impressive 46 win over Croydon by Montrose on the weekend has widened the spread of teams vying for a spot in finals for Division One.
Montrose are now a game behind Croydon and are locked in fifth position on the ladder in a tight tussle with Beaconsfield for the final spot in the top five, with the Demons percentage the deciding factor as it stands.
Montrose coach Gary Ayres, has been impressed with his sides ability to be competitive in every game this season, barring disappointing quarters against Bayswater and Mooroolbark.
“Our defence has been pretty sound all season, even when we have lost games, they have all been relatively close except for Bayswater and a disappointing third quarter against Mooroolbark, therefore our percentage has been pretty strong,” the former Port Melbourne coach said.
A slow start in the first quarter against Croydon was quickly forgotten, as the Demons kicked five goals to one in the second quarter, getting out to a 22-point lead at half-time. Ayres is pleased the work behind closed doors is slowly, but steadily being put together.
“It gives you confidence about what we can do, the boys have certainly been working hard, and committed on what they want to try and do and achieve,
“They responded in the manner that I know they have the ability to perform at, we probably had our best contingent of players available, I just thought our preparation and intensity was superb.”
Montrose contested ability was evident in a hotly disputed match, with winter conditions settling in.
Ayres was impressed with his sides ability to work hard when they didn’t have the football.
“Our ability when we didn’t have the ball was the best that we have had.
“We ended up having 80 tackles, we almost played three quarters of solid footy.
“Even when Croydon came at us in the third quarter, I thought we were able to weather their ability to change the game and then we responded.”
Ayres has now tasked his side with a response against undefeated Mooroolbark. To play finals, Ayres is adamant Montrose must produce consistent football which he believes will translate to consistent wins.
“Montrose Recreation Reserve will be full on Saturday, and hopefully we can put on a show that is very much indicative of what we’re trying to do, and what we’re trying to achieve down the track.
“We have to turn that into consistent wins and turn that into momentum.”
The Demons have previously come up against the Mustangs in round three, which saw some disciplinary acts in the final quarter and a frustrating third quarter.
Ayres believes his side has taken feedback given on board and are ready to challenge the premiership contenders once again.
“Against Mooroolbark we were quite undisciplined in the final quarter, after we got within 10 points, they’re the learnings the group has to take on board, especially when you have momentum, you don’t want to be in a situation where you give that back to the opposition.”
Win, lose or draw this weekend, Ayres is the first to admit his side is very young and is a long-term prospect, with crowds back in the stands, motivation for making fans proud is the number one goal.
Having blooded 10 debutants this season, the future of the club is in good hands down at Montrose Recreation Reserve.
“We’re a young side and we have debuted 10 players this season,
“We had a 19-year-old Ben Johnson, and a 16-year-old Iliro Smit out there on the weekend,
Two tall young roosters rucking for Gary Ayres at Montrose FNC today: Ben Johnson (pictured) and Iliro Smit. Both are on Eastern's books in the NAB League. Smit is 16. pic.twitter.com/luOCWdPhVI — Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) June 4, 2022
“It takes time and it’s about setting standards and expectations of your performance – It takes time to build a winning culture.
“We want to make the people who come to the club and watch us play feel like we’re doing them proud, if we can do that, then hopefully we can become a destination.”