EDFL: Pascoe Vale beat Strathmore as Jesse Boyd makes his mark

Essendon’s five changes at AFL level sparked a stunning display for a Pascoe Vale big man as the Panthers stunned Strathmore while three goals weren’t the most impressive part of a star forward’s game.

Five late changes for Essendon’s AFL side had a flow on effect that reached Pascoe Vale.

But its impact was not one Panthers coach Digby Morrell predicted.

With big man William Hoare called into the Bombers’ VFL side to debut on Sunday, it meant Jesse Boyd was called into the senior side after just one reserves game this season.

He had undergone a medical procedure on his knee during pre-season putting him on the back foot ahead of 2022.

But he thrived in a dominant display as Pascoe Vale ran out 10.8 (68) to 6.9 (45) winners over Strathmore, who have now suffered back-to-back losses.

“Essendon gave us an indication on Friday night that Will might be required so that’s when we started planning what to do,” Morrell said.

“All we asked Jesse to do was to come in and compete. He competed really hard for four quarters, that’s his bread and butter.

“It was terrific to see him do well after he had a hard pre-season.”

Jack Raines finished with three goals. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Dominant forward Matthew Watson starred for the Panthers in a best on ground display with three majors while Jack Raines added three of his own.

Christian Mazza was the game’s only other multiple goal scorer with two majors.

Liam Forbes, Aaron Hilton and Lachlan Stredwick were also impressive for Pascoe Vale.

“The goals were a nice reward but I was most impressed with his (Watson) pressure when the ball hit the ground,” Morrell said.

“We moved the ball well better then we have in previous weeks and it allowed us to create one-on-ones which gave our forwards a chance.

“It’s especially pleasing because Strathmore are a fantastic defensive side.

“It was pleasing Watson was able to bring the ball to ground because it allowed our smalls, Christian and Jack, to create opportunities for themselves and others.”

Pascoe Vale now have a 4-1 record. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Morrell’s side now sit 4-1 after the opening five rounds ahead of a “huge” month of footy.

They’ll face Maribyrnong Park, Aberfeldie, Avondale Heights and Keilor in their next four games.

“It’s going to give us an understanding of where we are at,” he said.

“We were really disappointed with our effort against East Keilor two weeks ago but we’ve been getting back to doing the basics well.

“The boys know what Pascoe Vale footy is about and we need to keep playing that way.”

Big man Andrew Vavra produced his third straight best on ground display for Strathmore.

Luke Jarrard, Will Jury, Andrew Gallucci, Cooper West and Lachlan Currie also battled hard.

They’ll now look to bounce back against Greenvale.