EDFL: Leigh Tudor departs as Pascoe Vale coach

An Essendon District league club has been forced into a coaching change after just seven games with the outgoing mentor chasing a new opportunity elsewhere.

Leigh Tudor is stepping down as Pascoe Vale coach. Photo: Josh Chadwick.

Pascoe Vale has been forced into a coaching change.

Senior coach Leigh Tudor has resigned as the club’s senior coach due to an “exciting business opportunity interstate”.

“We would like to sincerely thank Leigh for his hard work, dedication, and leadership during his time with the club,” the club said.

“Under his guidance, our senior team returned to finals football in 2024 – a fantastic achievement that brought pride and excitement to the entire Pascoe Vale community.

“We wish Leigh all the very best in his next chapter and thank him once again for his contribution to our club.”

Tudor guided the Panthers to the 2024 grand final last season where they were ultimately outclassed by Keilor.

This year has been a much more difficult campaign so far with Pacco winning just one of its opening seven games.

They currently sit eighth on the ladder, three games back of the top-five.

Essendon father son prospect’s huge outing

Essendon fans will have to wait until the 2027 AFL Draft to hear his name called but Koby Bewick already has Bombers fans excited.

The young gun had everyone talking once again on Sunday after booting 10 goals for Strathmore in their under-16 Essendon District Football League Division 1 clash with Deer Park.

He was named best afield to continue a remarkable run at club and Coates Talent League level this season. In his four games for the Mores, he has booted 13 goals and been named in the best every week.

Bewick is the son of two-time premiership hero Darren and is considered one of the leading players for 2027. It is the same draft which is expected to be heaving compromised as the Tasmania Devils prepare to enter the competition.

He made his Calder Cannons under-18 debut earlier this month against the Northern Territory and registered 28 disposals and a goal.

MARBY ON TRACK FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL

At 3-3 heading into the weekend’s action, Maribyrnong Park was faced with a sink or swim scenario. Brodie Holland’s side overcame Essendon Doutta Stars by 30 points to move into fourth position and show they’re a real finals contender. Jack Gerardi was named best in the win as the young gun continued an impressive first season. The evergreen Jaye Bowden finished with three goals.

A TALE OF TWO

Deer Park are in the mix to play finals after beating 2024 grand finalists Pascoe Vale. That’s two wins against last year’s finalists for the Lions this season. But can they continue closing the gap towards the top-three?

Then there’s the Panthers. A 1-6 record and in any other season would probably be in relegation discussions. It’s a horror run for a side which would have been desperate to take further steps this year. Where do they go from here?

WHERE TO FOR EAST KEILOR?

It’s been a horror 2025 for the Cougars. It started in the off-season with a player exodus. They’ve now got a percentage of 7.35 after seven games. The most goals they’ve kicked in a game is five and they’ve only gone past three once. It’s a credit to the players who keep fronting up every week and it’s probably too late to make any sort of moves. Here’s hoping moving into 2026, they can move in the right direction.

TULLA WORTH KEEPING AN EYE ON

Tullamarine are moving in the right direction with three wins in their last four. The last was a nine-point win over Craigieburn with Shaun McKernan continuing to prove why he’s one of the signings of the season so far. The ex-AFL big man was among the best as fellow off-season signing Nicholas Owens continued his strong form.

OAK PARK SHOW THEIR FAVOURITES

In a potential finals preview, Oak Park recorded a 34-point win over St Albans in EDFL Division 1. The Roos led from start to finishing, even holding the Saints scoreless in the final term. Lachlan Ronaldson was named best afield in a performance which included three goals.

MCCALLUM IN FINE FORM

West Coburg’s Pat McCallum is entering a purple patch. He’s been in the Burgers’ best the last fortnight including an impressive display in the 24-point win over Taylors Lakes on Saturday. Jesse Martini was in fine form in front of goal with four majors. A one-game gap has now emerged between St Albans in fifth and the Lions in six.

NORTHERN SAINTS GATHERING MOMENTUM

After dropping the first four games of the season, Northern Saints have now emerged as a Division 2 finals contender. The Saints have now won three on the trot after overcoming Rupertswood by 15 points on Saturday afternoon. Mahmoud Taleb was best afield while the dynamic forward duo of Nicholas Bruno and Khoder Taleb fired with four goals apiece.

SKIPPER FIRES FOR THE ROOS

Sunbury Kangaroos ensured it kept touch with the top-four after securing an eight-point win over Coburg Districts as captain Mitch Streiff led the way in front of goal with five majors. It was a season best effort from Streiff who was well supported by Jackson Treweek who was named the best player on the ground.

GLENROY ARE GOING TO TAKE SOME SERIOUS STOPPING

Glenroy is unbeaten after seven goals after prevailing by 52 points against local rivals Hadfield as the Roos continued their impressive season. The good news keeps rolling in for Mark Sabatino who is now the competition’s leading goalkicker with 25 after he finished with eight against the Hawks. He’s been on a strong run of form after being held goalless in the opening game.