The 18.9 (117) to 9.12 (66) moved the Magpies back on top of the Division 1 ladder after 16 rounds, following Heidelberg’s draw with West Preston-Lakeside at Warringal Park.

It was an indifferent lead-up for the Magpies, with the game moved to Lower Plenty’s home ground after the council deemed Montmorency’s oval unplayable. 

And with stars Irish and Micka suspended and forward The Dog Limbach out injured, some thought Lower Plenty – after coming off its second win of the season over Macleod last week – could produce another upset by beating the Magpies for the second time this year. 

However, those beliefs were extinguished from the outset with Montmorency in a ruthless mood.

Ben Walton started superbly and kicked two goals from long set shots. Jake Whitling kicked his side’s third before Kayne Pettifer – who arguably locked away mark of the year against Heidelberg two weeks ago –  put in a contender for goal of the year with an over the head goal from 20m out while laying on his back. 

Tenno got the next major after floating forward from the backline, before Pettifer booted his second as the Magpies raced to a 36-point lead.

Lower Plenty finally stemmed the flow through a Reece Geary goal, but it was short lived as Ryan Jackson kicked his first quickly to give the Magpies a six-goal led at the first change. 

Incidentally, Montmorency’s seven first-quarter goals were more than they could muster in their Round 7 loss to the Bears, where they kicked a woeful 5.22 for the day.

The scoring dried in the second quarter, as both sides lost their way trying to exert their physicality. As a result, seven cards were given out for the term, including a red card to Lower Plenty’s Michael Ryan.

Once both sides settled, Jarrod Shaw booted the Bears’ second goal of the game before Sammy O’Meara got his first of the game for Monty. A late goal to ruckman Patrick Flynn enabled Lower Plenty to take out the quarter and reduce the margin to 30 points at the main break.

The sides then traded a goal apiece before Montmorency managed two in a row, including a classy goal to Pat Fitzgerald after receiving a nice pass from Sammy O’Meara, as the Magpies took a 45-point lead into the final change.

Pettifer got his fourth goal of the game to begin the fourth quarter, before Lower Plenty responded with two goals in a row through Clint Monger and Matt Barden.

They would be the final goals the Bears would manage, as Montmorency closed the afternoon with the final two majors through Pettifer and James Brooker.

Montmorency co skipper Freddy Flint excelled across half back and fought out best on ground honours with Ryan Jackson, while Ricky Mullins and Jackson Powell played well for the Bears. 

The Magpies face a mighty challenge next weekend, travelling to Bill Lawry Oval to take on a Northcote Park outfit which has won its past six games, including wins against both of last year’s grand finalists. 

Final score: Montmorency 18.9 (117) def Lower Plenty 9.12 (66