By Mikayla van Loon
The Eastern Football League’s division one semi final on Sunday 28 August saw a local head to head clash with Montrose taking on Mooroolbark for a spot in the grand final.
Having come out on top against Wantirna South in the elimination final, Montrose seniors coach Gary Ayres said it was certainly a step in the right direction and helped build confidence in his players.
“The club as a whole actually qualified for finals, the 19s, seconds and seniors. That was the first time for 20 years that that had been done at Montrose which was a feather in the cap of everyone that’s been able to do the hard work for this point,” he said.
“For the senior side, it was the first time in eight years they were playing in the senior finals. So we really approached it with a degree of optimism because we played some really good footy and we’ve been able to accept the challenges that have come along.”
While the start of the season got off to a rocky start, Ayres said the team was able to find their feet and pull together in the back half of the season to finish fourth and secure a spot in finals.
“Our first half of the season was very much a learning curve on all fronts from not only player availability, but also having two coaches, the chemistry and the things that we’re trying to put in play.
“But over the last couple of months, we’ve been able to keep a fairly stable, consistent side, we haven’t had to make too many changes along the way and I think that’s given the guys a real understanding and trust with each other.”
Having faced Mooroolbark twice throughout the season, where, on both occasions, Mooroolbark played extremely well, Ayres said finals was a whole new competition.
“They disposed of us in pretty convincing fashion on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and I thought they were at the peak of their powers…[but] finals is very much a game within itself.”
Having watched the preliminary final between Mooroolbark and Mitcham at Boronia’s Tormore Reserve last Saturday 20 August, Ayres said even in the face of the wind Mitcham was able to use that to their advantage in overcoming Mooroolbark.
While the weather forecast was looking fairly clear for Sunday 28 August, Ayres said his understanding was Tormore Reserve could often have a slight wind, which may have given Montrose the lead but it was anyone’s game.
“It’s just exciting for my young boys to just keep lapping up all these experiences that they’ve been able to be involved in the last couple of months.
“We had 10 boys who played in the final on the weekend that were under the age of 21 and we had 15 in total that were playing their first senior final. So that’s clearly an indication of our direction as a club.”
