Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) champions Balwyn Tigers and senior coach Brenton Sanderson have split with six games to go in the season.
Sanderson, who coached Adelaide in the AFL for three years between 2012 and 2014, joined the Tigers ahead of the 2023 season, taking them to consecutive flags in the past two years.
The club confirmed the shock split will be "effective immediately."
“Brenton has made an outstanding contribution to the Balwyn Football Club since joining ahead of the 2023 season and has overseen one of the most successful periods in our proud history,” the Tigers said in a statement.
“Across his tenure, Brenton led the club with professionalism, passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His leadership culminated in back-to-back senior premierships in 2024 and 2025 – an extraordinary achievement that will forever be etched into the history of our football club.”
Balwyn are seventh on the EFNL ladder, with five wins and a draw after 12 games, heading into the final stretch of the season.
“Beyond the premiership success, Brenton has played a significant role in developing our players, strengthening our football program and helping shape the culture that exists within the club today.
“His impact will be long-lasting, and his contribution cannot be overstated.
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“Brenton's achievements ensure he will always hold a special place in the history of the Balwyn Football Club.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have had someone of his calibre lead our football program and sincerely thank him for everything he has contributed over the past four seasons.
“The club wishes Brenton and his family all the best for the future and look forward to seeing him return to celebrate the successful premierships over the coming years.
“The Balwyn Football Club will provide an update regarding the senior coaching position in due course. At this time, the club will be making no further comment,” the club said.
Sanderson began his coaching career after playing 209 games across Adelaide, Collingwood and Geelong.
He joined Port Adelaide at the end of 2005 and spent three seasons before he returned to the Cats in 2007 under Mark Thompson.
Sanderson took over as the Crows coach and would become the AFL National Academy Head Coach from 2015 to 2016 and a Collingwood assistant from 2016 to 2021.
