EDFL 2018: Pascoe Vale coach Digby Morrell eyeing 2019 premiership

After missing finals the past two seasons, Pascoe Vale has unveiled five off-season recruits and implented a five-year recruiting plan.

Ben Allan is one of Pascoe Vale’s big signings for 2019. Picture: David Crosling

PASCOE Vale has implemented a five-year recruiting strategy in a bid to claim its maiden Essendon District Football League Premier Division flag.

The Panthers, who have appointed Digby Morrell as coach, have missed finals the past two seasons despite boasting a list awash with big names.

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As part of the plan, the club assessed the average age of its list, the blend of ex-AFL, VFL and proven local talent and the balance of the squad.

Pascoe Vale has bolstered its midfield with the signings former Coburg VFL players Ben Allan, Errol McConnell and Josh Cauchi, while Daniel Johncock has crossed from Morrell’s former club, West Coburg.

Forward Dean Clare, who kicked 29 goals this year, has also put pen to paper after a stint at Westmeadows.

Digby Morrell has taken over the top job at Pascoe Vale. Picture: Kylie Else

“What we needed to identify was how we were going to get sustained, long-term success,” said Morrell, who has led Strathmore and West Coburg to flags.

“Previously I suppose they chased whoever was available and I suppose I have a bit of a different attitude to it, about really being specific to what the club needs and making sure that age bracket is guys who can come in and impact the club for five or six years rather than two or three.

“That’s probably been our main philosophy change.

“The one thing we identified was we just needed to change that midfield mix a little bit.

“Errol McConnell is a nice, tough inside mid, Benny Allan and Daniel Johncock are really good connectors from outside a contest, which is really exciting, and Cauchi just brings that really genuine leg speed in.

“The group that is already there is an excellent group — it’s just about changing the dynamic slightly and fixing a couple of holes.”

More recruits are set to be unveiled in coming weeks and Morrell said the Panthers had targeted players in the age bracket of 22-26 years of age.

Providing a pathway from juniors to seniors for homegrown talent is also a priority.

Morrell declared Pascoe Vale was capable of claiming the ultimate prize in 2019.

“We’re absolutely setting ourselves up to win next year, but we want them to get sustained, long-term success,” he said.

“You look at Aberfeldie … they’ve developed excellent imports and good local kids as well.

“Ultimately our first goal is to go out and play finals, which they’ve missed the last couple of years, and once we’re in the finals … it’s anyone’s game.”

Matthew Watson claimed Pascoe Vale’s best and fairest. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Best and fairest Matthew Watson, Michael Ross, Luke Foster, Dean Soncin, Jake Polizzi, Giles Guest, Kristian Economou, Jesse Boyd, Murat Ergunen are among those who have re-signed.

Paul Bunn, Craig Anderson, Daniel Harris, Kyle Hardingham, Ben Ross and Patrick Veszpremi have departed, while Shayne Allan is also likely to leave after being limited to four appearances this year.

The Panthers will start pre-season on November 13.