There’s good news and bad news this week. The really good news is the club is excited to announce the appointment of Peter Byrne and Michael Pogrzeba (Pogs) as co-coaches of the Mens Over 35s team for season 2026.

Both bring a wealth of coaching and masters footy experience and will be a real asset to the Warriors. Pogs has been playing footy all his life since he was 10, was captain coach at Eastern for two years and also coached at Wantirna South and Wandal. Peter played from 1974 to 1986 and has 10 seasons as a coach including three coaching masters at Eastern, plus two years as assistant coach with Pogs.

“We’re thrilled to have Peter and Pogs co-coaching our Mens Over 35s this year,” said Warriors President Gerard De Fillippis. “Both these guys bring loads of experience and knowledge to the club, and I’m really rapt to have them join our coaching panel with Willo, Magoo and Sue – it’s a real positive for the team.”

Numbers have been consistently very strong at training so far this year and now our Over 35s team have not just one but two new coaches to get behind. With a graded competition coming for the Over 35s in season 2026, and a number of new faces attending training regularly, there are plenty of positives ahead for a team that has struggled to be competitive the last few years.

Now for the bad news – at training on Wednesday, an accidental collision resulted in a hospital stay for JJ who unfortunately has suffered a break in his lower leg, which looks set to require surgery. JJ is a great player and ripping family man and the Eastern Warriors wish him all the best for his recovery. Take care JJ.

The committee is working to lock away our Over 50s coach for 2026, so stay tuned for news on that soon.