By Tara Murray
Brian Wheelahan is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the senior coaching role at Darley Cricket Club.
The Lions last week announced that Wheelahan would take on the senior coaching role, replacing Michael Alexander who stood down from the role after two seasons as coach.
Wheelahan was assistant coach, chairman of selectors and second XI captain last season, having return to the club for a second stint having played at the club for several seasons previously.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Wheelahan said.
“I see a lot of upside to the club, with a lot of kids aged between 17 and 23.
“There’s a lot of potential at the club and it’s a really good group, who I think can do some damage.”
This will be Wheelahan’s first stint as a senior coach, but he comes with great playing experience.
He played several years in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association with Sunshine and Melton, while he also played in England.
While he hasn’t had a senior coaching role in cricket before, he spent several years as senior coach at Melton Centrals Football Club, where he is still involved.
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Wheelahan said there had been a lot of work done behind the scenes in preparation for next season.
Imports Danza Hyatt and Hasitha Wickramasinghe have already re-signed for next season.
They have also signed wicketkeeper Anthony Taylor, who has come across Napoleons SebastopoL
“We can build a side around them,” he said.
“Last season they [the imports] didn’t arrive to about round three or four and we left our run too late.
“A lot of people are working tirelessly behind the scenes. We’re pretty confident that we can submit four maybe even five strong teams.”
Wheelahan said he was still going to play next season, but at this stage was unsure what grade he would play in.
He was also hopeful that Alexander would continue to play on.
“He’s a good mate of mine,” he said.
“I’ll let him be for a few weeks, but I would love to have him continue in some capacity.
“He finish to the season was great, so maybe stepping down from the coaching role might bring out the best in him.”
