EDFL: Pascoe Vale to have new coach as ex-AFL forward signs on

An EDFL club has dropped several bombshells one after another in an early indication of intentions for season 2024.

Pascoe Vale has dropped three bombshells in a short space of time on Thursday night.

The Essendon District Football League club announced it had parted way with coach Digby Morrell after five seasons in charge.

The Panthers shortly later confirmed Leigh Tudor as the new man in charge.

Former St Kilda forward Ahmed Saad has been named as the club’s star recruit for the 2024 season.

“Leigh has been coaching at the highest level for 18 years and completed a level 4 coaching standard one of only approx 20 people in the country to have done so,” the club said of Tudor.

“Known for his eye for talent and the ability to communicate with players one on one, Leigh has stayed ahead of the game and its trends, making him a sort after coach and one PVFC is lucky to have won the services of.”

Pascoe Vale also thanked Morrell in a statement.

“PVFC would like to thank Digby Morrell for leading the team in the last 5 seasons,” the club said.

“Digby has taken the club from being bottom to middle dwellers in the Premier division, to top contenders.

“Digby has improved the club culture & nurtured the development of up and coming junior players.

“Moving forward we wish Digby the very best & know that Pacco is in a better position from his involvement.”

Ahmed Saad in action for West Preston Lakeside. Picture: Steve Tanner

Saad arrives at Pascoe Vale after a stint with West Preston Lakeside in the Northern league where he captained the club to back-to-back premierships.

He booted over 300 goals.

“One of Ahmed‘s passions is working with young Muslim and Multicultural athletes helping them achieve their dreams and he has long standing relationships with many of our recently successful under 18’s and will be taking on a formal role at the club in developing our youth as part of his commitment at the Panthers,” the club said.

“We can’t wait to have Saady on board.”

The Panthers season ended in straight sets this season after going down in the Premier Division preliminary final.