Dees back in the Five!

By Ryan Long.

The Demons made it three wins in four weeks on Saturday afternoon as they move into the fifth spot on the Division One Ladder.

Montrose defeated previous ladder leaders Mitcham on Saturday by 48 points, 14.13 97 to 7.7 49.

It was the Tigers who jumped out of the blocks first with three goals to one in the opening term. But the visitors were held scoreless in the second term as Montrose kicked five unanswered goals.

19 Inside 50s to seven, Montrose capitalised against an undermanned Tigers outfit. Beau Tennant in defence was a key reason for their run, with 10 disposals, 7 marks, and 71 Premier Data Ranking Points. Meanwhile, Taj Heap booted three first-half goals.

The Tigers cut into the lead multiple times in the third quarter, but Montrose had the answer each time, unable to get within the 22-point margin.

Kicking the last four goals of the game, Montrose blew the final margin out to eight goals, celebrating their third consecutive victory.

Former Brisbane Lions premiership star Oscar McInerney continued his dominance for the Demons, finishing with a game-high 33 disposals and 19 clearances.

“The competition is so even, I’ve been so impressed with the quality. North Ringwood was incredible, Mitcham was so well disciplined,” McInerney said in a post-game

interview.

“It’s such an even division so you need to cash your wins.”

McInerney's return back to Montrose has been a great story for the club this season, and his addition to this year's senior side has given the Dees a great boost.

"The boys have been unbelievable, the place hasn't changed."

Also speaking after the game, Beau Tennant, who finished with 24 disposals and 10 marks for the afternoon, identified the game as a complete four quarter performance.

"Four quarters we played good footy, we didn't lapse off," Tennant said, "Previously we've had a few quarters, even against Boronia, where we lapsed off, today was probably our most complete game."

The division itself has seen a tight battle between the top six, just one win separating the top four teams. Montrose move into fifth, replacing Boronia, both tied on four wins each.

The win opens things up for the Demons, who now have Beaconsfield, Bayswater and Mooroolbark as their next three games after the King’s Birthday weekend bye.

Meanwhile, for Mitcham, the week’s break comes at a great time with several key stars looking to return to the senior line-up for their clash at Walker Park against Wantirna South.