The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Pascoe Vale coach Leigh Tudor who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 2nd (15W, 3L, 145.28%)
Coach: Leigh Tudor
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"The focus this pre-season has been the connection with new players and staff.
"Kicking efficiency hurt us in the grand final so we are working hard on the fundamentals, while also challenging our Under 18s and first-year senior players to get better every session and claim a spot in our early practice matches.
"We want to stick to the process of how we play for longer in games and have 22 all on the same page."
LIST SHAPE
"Our list has a good mix of senior and developing players, we deliberately played 10 Under 18s last year to give them a taste of senior football. Seb Carta and Carled El Khodr really stood up for us and we expect them to improve again this year."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Matt Stillman, Ahmed Saad, Ben Allan, and Sunny Brazier will lead us well again – they get it done every game.
"I’m looking forward to seeing Ahmed Zahraman, Noah Hijazi, Max Carta, and Seb Carta continue to improve and influence games."
CLUB INITIATIVES & ACTIVITIES
"Our Under 18 players have joined in the pre-season with the senior group again, building connection and learning the way we want to play. Our senior players led by Matt Stillman, Ben Allan, and Rhys Ritchie have taken an extra session each week and the playing group have embraced the session with great numbers turning up."
2025 OUTLOOK
"After reaching a grand final last year, the players are keen to give themselves a chance again. Training has gone up a level in the pre-season which is exciting to be a part of."
ON THE RECORD WITH LEIGH TUDOR
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Teena Hilton does an enormous amount of work for our club. We are lucky to have so many volunteers who give their time.
MVP of the gym?
Max Carta has been smashing personal bests in the gym.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Ahmed Saad is already coaching and doing a fantastic job.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Rhys Ritchie is flying.
Who’s Mr. Reliable week in and week out?
Jayden Ranno.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Nathan Colenso (Keilor).
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
Round 1 under our new lights!
Flag tip outside of Pascoe Vale?
Aberfeldie.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Matthew Dennis (East Keilor), Corey Ogston (Strathmore), Ryan Evans (Bundoora), Patrick Gashi (Keilor), Jeremy O'Sullivan (St Bernards), Ibrahim Taha (West Coburg), Daniel Harris (Greenvale Superules).
Out: Steven Liparota (Watsonia), Michael Liparota (Watsonia), Luca Scalogna (Old Paradians), Omar Abou-eid (West Coburg), Errol McConnell (Oak Park), Roman Gallivan (Coburg Districts), Carter Sandilands (Coburg Districts), Lachlan Stredwick (Oak Park), Travis Low (Merrifield), Dylan Exposto (Roxburgh Park), Joshua Iacobaccio (West Preston-Lakeside), Khalil Kaakour (Hillside), Adam Del Busso (Oak Park), Julian Hemala (Glenroy), Mua Tavo (St Albans), Adam Figliola (Tullamarine), Matthew Watson (St Bernards).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It's been a busy offseason for Pascoe Vale following the club's most successful season in recent history where it made the grand final. Five players from the grand final side have moved on from the club, along with a handful of others with senior experience. There is some talent coming into the club, headlined by 2023 Reynolds Medallist Matty Dennis. Despite the losses, the Panthers will certainly be looking at September action, but how coach Leigh Tudor covers those losses – be it with recruits or developing youth – will be an interesting watch.
Ladder Prediction: Finals.
