Pascoe Vale powers to sixth win in a row over Aberfeldie in EDFL Premier Division

ADAM Contessa has declared Pascoe Vale’s line-up this year is superior to the side which logged consecutive finals appearances in 2015 and ’16 with a six-game winning run putting the club in flag contention.

Pascoe Vale’s Daniel Harris looks for an option on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell

ADAM Contessa has declared Pascoe Vale’s line-up this year is superior to the side which logged consecutive finals appearances in 2015 and ’16 with a six-game winning run putting the club in flag contention.

The red-hot Panthers have recovered from a sluggish start to the Essendon District Football League Premier Division campaign to be 7-3 after 10 rounds.

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Pascoe Vale gained retribution for its two-point opening-round loss to Aberfeldie on Saturday when it knocked off the reigning premier by six points in another absorbing contest.

The home team kicked 10 goals to five after halftime at Raeburn Reserve to score a 12.10 (82) to 11.10 (76) victory.

The Panthers missed a top-four berth last season after being eliminated in the opening week of finals the previous two years.

Giles Guest starred for Pascoe Vale on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“List wise and on paper, I think it’s a better side,” director of coaching Contessa said.

“But it means bugger all on paper and I also think the competition is better as a whole. You’ve only got to look at the top six being separated by a game as of last week.

“I think where we’ve been able to bolster is having some really good scoring opportunity.

“We had Ben Warren there for those two years and then we lost that last year. To have some real firepower down there is a plus.”

Recruits Matthew Watson and Lachie Hansen have formed a potent combination in the attacking half, while Jacob Polizzi has also impressed.

Shayne Allen, Sam Caruso, Jarryd Graham and Eamonn Ogden were other acquisitions over summer.

Pascoe Vale’s Sam Caruso looks to fire off a handball. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“At the start of the year, we thought if we got everyone on the park that potentially our second half of the year should be better with guys adapting,” Contessa said.

“Lachie Hansen’s first game against Abers, I think he only had four or five touches, and since then he’s had a bag of eight and a bag of six.

“I think with a few of the other guys, we needed to find their spot as well. We were playing a few blokes probably out of position early and they’ve sort of found their niche now.”

GREATEST CAMEOS IN LOCAL FOOTY

Pascoe Vale was 25 points down at the main break in the Round 10 clash before big man Giles Guest and midfielders Ben and Michael Ross inspired a fightback.

The Panthers have a tough stretch of fixtures to come with clashes against Keilor, Strathmore, Greenvale and Maribyrnong Park in the next month.

Matthew Watson has been in superb form. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“I think we were a little bit smarter in the second half, just with our ball use, and a bit more composed,” Contessa said of Pascoe Vale’s effort to recover from a two-goal first half.

“In the heat of the game early, there was a bit of panic, probably from both sides.

“In the second half we came with a bit cooler head and we were able to kick some good goals.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever beaten them (Aberfeldie) being involved in the EDFL for seven years.

“They’re always a real tough outfit to beat and I think their record over the last five or six years has shown why they’ve been the benchmark.”