Pascoe Vale continues strong start with victory over Strathmore

From his inspirational co-captains to the kids leading the charge, new Pascoe Vale coach Leigh Tudor is loving his time in charge of Panthers. Here’s what he’s made of the year so far.

Sunny Brazier of Pascoe Vale celebrates kicking a goal. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Leigh Tudor is enjoying the early season ride as Pascoe Vale coach.

The Panthers are 2-0 after an impressive 11.16 (82) to 7.10 (52) win over Strathmore and look set to challenge come the pointy end of the season.

While the on-field performances might have Tudor smiling from ear to ear, it’s the whole club which has left impressed so far.

“It’s just a good club,” Tudor said of his impressions early in his first season in charge.

“There are volunteers every week who are putting in hours to ensure we can play a game from the senior team right down to the juniors.

“The supporters are so loyal, you can the legends of the club always hanging around at games and cheering on the boys.

“I’ve had so much support from everyone involved. The coaching staff right down to the volunteers are pretty much the same from last year.

“We’re in a strong position.”

Port Melbourne listed VFL player Tom Holfert was named best afield for the Panthers in his second outing for the club but it was the next generation of Panthers rising stars who have Tudor really excited.

Carled El Khodr, Noah Hijazi, Noah Scott and Sebastian Carta, who are all still eligible for under-18 footy, played in the senior side at the weekend.

Scott was named in the best alongside Charlie Bolmat who is in first full season out of under-18s.

“It speaks volumes of the pathway the club has been able to put in over the last few years,” he said.

“These young guys are coming in and playing some really good footy having earned the opportunity. We’ve worked closely with the under-18s so they’re across the type of footy they’ll be playing if called upon.

“It’s a real credit to the direction the committee has the club moving in.”

Meanwhile, Tudor said he had been left impressed by his co-captains Lachlan Stredwick and Matt Stillman for how they are leading the Panthers.

“They’ve embraced the change of coach and are outstanding leaders for our club,” he said.

Despite walking away with what appeared to be a comfortable win on the weekend, Tudor paid full credit to Strathmore for their performance.

“They’ve been a very good side for a long time,” he said.

“They were really stiff in the last quarter, they were a couple down and we were probably able to run away with the game.

“I thought it was a high standard of footy and a great advertisement for our competition.”

Pascoe Vale now turns its attention to a trip to Deer Park.

Strathmore will enjoy the weekend off having brought its fixture against Keilor forward to Good Friday.