Grand final: Montrose key forward Adam Cook will play a key role for the Demons in the EFL division 2 grand final on Saturday. Picture: Sam Stiglec
Goal-kicker: Montrose forward Billy Schilling is a goal-kicking threat for the Demons. Picture: Wayne Hawkins
DIVISION 2 grand final day will be a bumper occasion for Montrose Football Club.
The Demons have both their seniors and reserves in their respective Eastern Football League division 2 season deciders with both sides overcoming tough competitions to play on the final day of the season.
The Demons seniors will face Rowville while the Demons reserves face Upper Ferntree Gully, with both matches at Jubilee Park, Ringwood this Saturday.
Under first-year coach Brett Johnson, the Demons seniors faced a torrid season as they, along with Rowville Hawks and Mooroolbark Mustangs, took turns at the top of the division 2 ladder with no side ever holding true control of the competition.
Johnson, a former Hawthorn and Carlton AFL player, joined the Demons in the off-season after captaining Victorian Football League club Williamstown for several seasons.
He replaced former Richmond ruckman Troy Simmonds, and took over a side who had gone painfully close to the division 2 premiership in 2011 before rivals Lilydale took the crown and with it promotion to division 1.
Johnson didn't make too many major changes to the side although the inclusion of former VFL forward Adam Cook has given the club a second potent forward target next to goal sneak Billy Schilling. As with all close battles it has come down to which side could find their best form in the finals and the Demons did that in the major semi-final, beating the Hawks by 24 points after trailing early in the match.
Much like its season, the Demons struggled to find their best football in the opening of the semi-final but then clicked into gear late in the second term to eventually run away with game.
But the grand final will be a whole new ball game as the Hawks have proven just as good as the Demons during this year, notably their win over Mooroolbark in the preliminary final.
The Demons reserves have turned the tables in their competition this season, supplanting successful Rowville and Waverley Blues teams to top the league and qualifying for the grand final.
The Demons beat Upper Ferntree Gully in the semi-final by 27 points and while they start as favourites for the premiership will not take their opponents lightly.