By TOBIE CHAPMAN
PASCOE Vale are one step closer to sealing a finals spot after 49-point win against West Coburg at Coburg City Oval.
A seven-goal haul from Jacob Polizzi spurred on the Panthers in a high-scoring clash, winning 23.14 (152) to 16.7 (103).
The result sees them sit in third position, a game clear of Essendon Doutta Stars, Greenvale and Maribyrnong Park with two rounds left before finals.
It was an impressive attacking performance from the Panthers, piling on eight goals in both the second and fourth quarters.
They were on song early and made the most of their opportunities to lead by 21 points at the first break. West Coburg were not however, kicking 1.4 in a disappointing display in front of goal.
The Burgers’ midfield was strong early, taking advantage of the absence of Giles Guest for Pascoe Vale, but weren’t finding reward for effort.
The Panthers drove home their advantage in the second term as the game began to open up, kicking eight goals to four.
Ryan Jackson and Dean Soncin began to seize control of the midfield, and Gavin Urquhart’s run off half back was a starting point for a number of attacks.
Polizzi and Ben Warren were causing troubles for a Burgers’ defence which has been one of the worst in the League for points-conceded.
The quick pair were a handful and were the recipients of some excellent delivery thanks to their midfield, and Polizzi was almost singlehandedly beating West Coburg at half time.
Pascoe Vale had been remarkably accurate up until this point, kicking 13.1 but even their accuracy fell away in the second half.
It was a run-and-gun second half, the Panthers kicking 10.13 to the Burger’s 11.2.
Danko Bzenic and Ruairi Cleary each kicked four goals in solid outings for West Coburg, and Fab Brancatisano chipped in with two in a good performance.
Tom Baravi and Omar Abdallah were good through the midfield, Baravi’s hard running a highlight.
Ben Warren added five to his season tally, but Pascoe Vale’s spread of goal kickers was impressive with 11 players kicking a major.
As much as their attack was a highlight, the Panthers defence will be of concern. With the game pretty much over at half time they allowed the Burgers to kick 11 goals, although West Coburg were quite accurate.
Finals appear to be all but a certainty now for Pascoe Vale, provided they get past the challenge of Essendon Doutta Stars next week.
WEST COBURG | 16.7-103
Goal Kickers: D. Bzenic 4, R. Cleary 4, F. Brancatisano 2, J. Gloury, T. Pryde, O. Abdallah, T. Baravi, S. MacAodha, C. Conlon
Best Players: R. Cleary, D. Bzenic, B. Hopkins, O. Abdallah, T. Baravi, F. Brancatisano
PASCOE VALE | 23.14-152
Goal Kickers: J. Polizzi 7, B. Warren 5, D. Soncin 2, L. Forbes 2, R. Jackson, R. Thomson, D. Reid, C. Petroro, M. Panzarino, M. Ross, D. Harris
Best Players: G. Urquhart, R. Jackson, D. Soncin, J. Polizzi, C. Petroro, B. Warren
