EDFL scores: Strathmore facing depth test after win over Greenvale

The EDFL club is sitting pretty on top with a 5-1 record, but some big names are on the sidelines as the Mores prepare for a tough run of fixtures.

Mitch Purcell sends Strathmore forward on Saturday. Picture: Steve Tanner

Strathmore is the undisputed in-form side in the Essendon District Football League’s top flight after claiming five consecutive victories.

But coach Matt Horne is acutely aware there will be plenty of heavy lifting for the injury-hit Mores in the weeks ahead as their enviable depth is severely tested.

Andrew Vavra, Adam Winter, Andrew Gallucci, Brock Egglestone, Daniel Mammoliti and Matt Knight were among those sidelined from Saturday’s 31-point win over rival Greenvale, while Athan Tsialtas made his debut for Coburg’s VFL team.

With recruits Tierone Cuffe and Will Donaghey taking the field in the reserves, the ladder leader appears in a strong position.

But Horne said Strathmore copped “a couple more injuries” at Section Rd at the weekend as they prepare for a testing run of fixtures against Pascoe Vale (third), Avondale Heights (fifth) and Aberfeldie (fourth) before the halfway mark of the campaign.

The Mores have advanced to 5-1 after their 38-point defeat to 2019 premier Keilor on Good Friday.

They are also comfortably the highest scoring outfit in Premier Division, averaging 134 points a game, but Horne is mindful of the fact just one game separates the top five clubs.

Strathmore’s Nick O’Brien and Greenvale’s Mark Merlino battle for possession. Picture: Steve Tanner

“The good thing about the group is we’re pretty realistic with where we’re at,” Horne said.

“We got a good reality check against Keilor, even though we thought the margin didn’t represent the game.

“We’ve been able to score relatively well in a couple of those games, but to be honest … we’re going to have keep dipping into our reserves and under-18s (due to injuries) which is a good thing because we’ve got great depth and guys deserve games.

“If we can win our next three, we’re in a good position.

“But at the moment we’re just in that pack where there are a lot of teams in a similar position.”

Strathmore controlled its Round 6 clash against Greenvale from the outset, leading at each break on its way to a 12.9 (81) to 7.8 (50) triumph.

Horne was pleased with his side’s display and the fact those who came in performed their roles.

Strathmore’s Ben Reddick tackles Greenvale’s Patrick Baccari. Picture: Steve Tanner

“We’re not particularly fazed with who we’ve got in – we only care about how we want to play and who can play a role,” he said.

“To be honest, we played as well (on Saturday) as we have for the rest of the year.

“We care most about guys buying in and being a good team. That’s our main point we keep harping on about, but I think it’s really important.”

Former VFL listed player Floyd Bollinghaus was best afield in the ruck, filling the void of Vavra.

Horne praised Bollinghaus for his “unbelievable job” in his battle with Jets star Fabian Deluca.

“We still won clearance. He was good enough to have 20-odd touches I’d imaging without looking at the stats,” he said.

“He was very influential on the contest.”

Another recruit in Tom Denning finished with three goals, taking his season tally to 11 from three games after he started the year in the twos.

Denning arrived from St Joseph’s after the 2019 season and has bolstered the forward half.

“He’s a great young guy who came across to the club because he worked with Matty Knight,” Horne said.

“Great work ethic, great person … he’s a really good competitor.

“He’s been a good focal point. He’s definitely added something we haven’t had over the last two or three years.”

Liam Cavanagh, Adam Iacobucci and Luke Jarrad were also among Strathmore’s best.

The Mores will host Pascoe Vale on Saturday in a re-match of the 2019 elimination final.