2019 RECAP
Despite bowing out of the final series with a dismal 40-point loss to Strathmore, you have to consider Pascoe Vale's 2019 campaign a success.
Under experienced new coach Digby Morrell, the Panthers' talented list delivered the club its first finals appearance since 2016 with an 11-6-1 record and a healthy percentage of 117.03.
While the Panthers twice gave eventual premier Keilor a good run for its money in the home-and-away season and did well to put together a fairly consistent year, their 1.3-9 scoreline in the Elimination Final against Strathmore ended the 2019 season on a very sour note.
BEST & FAIREST TOP FIVE
1st - Matthew Stillman
2nd - Errol McConnell
3rd - Julian Hemala
4th - Michael Ross
5th - Luke Foster*
GOAL KICKING TOP FIVE
52 - Matthew Watson
30 - Josh Cauchi
26 - Daniel Archer
21 - Jacob Polizzi
16 - Jordan Cellini
STRATHMORE COMMUNITY BANK PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE YEAR
Luke Foster* (centre half back)
Matthew Watson (centre half forward)
*players not returning in 2020
2020 PREVIEW
Coach: Digby Morrell (2nd season)
LIST CHANGES / LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Nick Parthenopoulos (Greenvale), Damandeep Aujla (Airport West), Nick Linton (Nhill & District), Nick Gooch (Waratah), Daniel Guccione (Bundoora), Daniel Sharrock (Wangaratta), Jake Pantas (Oakleigh District), Kynan Barnes (Northern Saints), Gerard Sharrock (Uhs-Vu-Afc), Kole Judd (Northern Saints) & Adam Ianchello (Strathmore)
Out: Luke Foster (retired), Patrick Veszpremi (Hoppers Crossing), Nick Keating (Jerilderie), James Gregory (Jerilderie) Sean Gregory (Werribee Districts), Daniel Johncock (West Coburg), Liam Forbes (Airport West), James Duell (Tullamarine), Anthony Petrocco (Northern Saints) & Ali Ahmad (Glenroy)
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Luke Foster is going to leave a huge void down back, but Pascoe Vale has done very well to replenish its back line during the off-season.
In 2017, the coaches gave Nick Parthenopoulos the nod as the league's best full back, while fellow arrivals Nick Linton and Nick Gooch will further strengthen Pacco's defensive structure in 2020.
Another huge signing is classy forward Damandeep Aujla, who managed to get into last year's Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division Team of the Year alongside new Panther team mate Matthew Watson despite playing in a side that was eventually relegated, leaving Pascoe Vale in a strong position to again contend for a finals berth this year.
