Darley has signed one of the Ballarat Cricket Association’s greatest players as its coach for next season.
The Lions announced on Tuesday night that four-time EJ Cleary medallist Nathan Yates had signed on as player-coach for next season.
“Nathan brings a wealth of experience to the Lions Den and we are looking forward to Nathan working with our experienced and emerging senior playing group,” the Lions said on social media.
Yates joins the club from Mt Clear where he spent last season playing in the second XI, averaging more than 60 with the bat across 14 matches.
Yates replaces Dilan Chandima as coach, with the star all-rounder having signed on to remain as a player.
The signing of Yates was one of three made by the Lions as they aim to return to the top four after missing finals this year.
The Lions finished a disappointing sixth, 20 points outside the top four.
The signings mean the club will have three EJ Cleary winners in the team next season.
“We welcome Sajith Dissanayaka to our senior playing group,” the club said.
“Sajith is the current EJ Cleary medal winner and will be a fantastic asset at the Lions den with both the bat and ball.
“To round out our senior appointments we also welcome Jarrod Burns to the Lions den.
“Jarrod is a Bernie Davey medallist and recent second XI premiership player with Mt Clear.
“Jarrod brings a wealth of experience and we look forward to him joining our senior playing group.”
