Despite the loss to Belgrave on Saturday, Pakenham got a massive boost from an unlikely source.
Matthew Vaiano, the club’s reserves playing coach, was brought into the side and slotted into the forward line for his first senior game since 2023.
Vaiano made the most of his opportunity, booting six crucial goals for the Lions to keep them in the game.
“He was terrific, he really grabbed his opportunities,” Pakenham senior coach Justin Stanton said.
“We just felt that with the smaller ground that we were going to need another target up forward.”
His booming left foot became a massive threat for Stanton’s side, with a wonderful crumb and snap early in the fourth bringing up his sixth and sparking a late Lions rally.
Unfortunately, Pakenham came up two points short, but Vaiano’s effort wasn’t unnoticed.
His form leading in has been spectacular, booting 76 goals this season in the reserves, including 23 in the last three weeks.
“He’s had a terrific year in the reserves,” Stanton said.
“He really led by example and he brought his reserves form in on the weekend and was one of the factors that kept us in the game.”
His leadership was also important, guiding the young Lions from the forward line, providing a key voice.
The haul brings Vaiano’s season total to 82 goals in 12 games, averaging 6.83 goals per game so far in 2025.
With Pakenham heading into the bye and Yarra Junction’s small ground awaiting on the other side, it will be interesting to see what Lions outfit features Vaiano’s name in round 15.
He needs 18 more goals for a season of 100 goals, but 24 in the reserves to get a ton in that competition with four games remaining.
