MPFNL: Edithvale-Aspendale signs Ishak Bashir and Kane Hutchinson

Edithvale-Aspendale has made two key signings, including a rival club’s best and fairest runner up, after appointing Kris Pendlebury as coach.

Ishak Bashir has signed with Edi-Asp for 2024. Picture: Facebook

The Eagles are up and about.

Since appointing former Collingwood VFL captain Kris Pendlebury as playing-coach a fortnight ago, Edithvale-Aspendale has secured Seaford’s Ishak Bashir and St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers defender Kane Hutchinson as recruits.

Bashir is a stoppage-king midfielder who was runner-up in Seaford’s best and fairest award in 2022.

The 23-year-old was the Tigers’ most important midfielder in 2021-22 and was a member of the Frankston Dolphins’ academy.

Hutchinson is a powerfully built 6’5 key back who will slot in beside Pendlebury in Edi-Asp’s backline.

Stevie Mannix.

Campbell Ak.

In other news at Edi-Asp, club stalwart Stevie Mannix will continue his march to the Eagles’ games record and add to his 250-plus games after re-signing.

Mannix is closing in on Craig “Butcher’’ Dale, who sits second on the games record list.

Edi-Asp excitement machine Josh “Wizard” Miller is saddling up again, as is Eagles favourite Brad Tagg.

Young midfield gun Campbell Ak has also re-signed; he will form a potent engine room with Bashir.

Kris Pendlebury. Picture: Chris Eastman

Pendlebury said he’s rarely felt so excited about a football challenge.

“When I told Reesy (Edi-Asp footy manager Gary Rees) that I was in, I almost got butterflies in the stomach again,’’ he said.

“I haven’t had that feeling for a long time so that definitely means I’ve made the right decision and I’m really excited to get started.

“We probably won’t start until middle or late November but I’ve already got some ideas in my head for pre season and how we’ll attack it.’’