Outer East FN: All the latest coaching moves ahead of 2026

There’s been a stack of new coaching appointments in Outer East league, including Gembrook Cockatoo locking in a replacement for Michael Firrito. Keep up with all the latest moves here ...

Simon McEvoy

2 min read

October 8, 2025 - 9:36AM

News Sport Network

Troy Pye, Troy Tharle, Dale Watkins and Leigh Horsburgh are among the new coaching appointments in OEFN.

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The Outer East league coaching merry-go-round keeps spinning with a stack of fresh appointments across multiple clubs.

Catch up on all the latest coaching moves and announcements right here.

PREMIER DIVISION

GEMBROOK COCKATOO

Troy Tharle brings impressive credentials as new senior coach, including 250-plus games across multiple clubs, dual premierships at Cranbourne, league representative honours, and recent coaching experience at Officer plus West Gippsland interleague roles. He replaces Michael Firrito. Tharle has already landed a terrific recruit in Eastern league young gun Sahaf Ali.

Troy Tharle is Gembrook’s new senior coach. Picture: Valeriu Campan

HEALESVILLE

Dale Watkins brings extensive knowledge and experience from multiple coaching roles across his football journey, most recently at Vermont in the EFNL. His proven leadership qualities and strong player development skills make him perfectly suited for the Bloods’ future direction.

Dale Watkins is Helesville's new coach. Pic: Healesville FNC

UPWEY TECOMA

Leigh Horsburgh has been appointed for 2026-2027 seasons after an impressive coaching journey including five successful years at Elsternwick VAFA where his 2020 team topped the ladder before COVID cancellation. Recently coached Drouin in strong Gippsland League.

Leigh Horsburgh is Upwey Tecoma's new coach. Pic: Upwey Tecoma FNC

WOORI YALLOCK

Club favourite Jake Matthews returns as senior head coach, bringing deep passion for the yellow and black. The hardworking, humble leader embodies Tiger spirit and looks forward to giving back to his beloved club. “A lot of hard work ahead but looking forward to the opportunity and for us to put in the work together and get better every day,’’ Matthews said.

Jake Matthews of Woori takes a big mark.

DIVISION 1

SEVILLE

Glenn Pemberton has been appointed Blues senior coach for the 2026 season, replacing Shaun Wilson. Pemberton joins from EFNL club Croydon, and brings a wealth of coaching experience and a strong track record. He has held senior assistant coaching roles at Croydon, East Doncaster and South Croydon. In addition to his senior roles, Pemberton has had successful roles as reserves coach and Under 19s premership coach at Croydon. Wilson departs after three successful years including finals appearances each season and this year’s grand final.

Glenn Pemberton will steer Seville in 2026. Pic: Seville FNC

YARRA JUNCTION

Troy Pye appointed as new senior coach after four years as reserves co-coach at Olinda Ferny Creek and Woori Yallock. His passion for developing young players and community-focused approach aligns perfectly with Eagles’ vision.