Tara Murray
New Caroline Springs captain-coach Kevin McLean always wanted to come back to Australia to play cricket.
Having played with Seddon in the 2019-20 season, McLean fell in love with Melbourne and everything about it.
So when the opportunity came for him to join the Falcons, he jumped at the chance to return to Melbourne and the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
“It has been enjoyable and all the club members have been really welcoming,” he said of Caroline Springs.
“I was here in 2019 at Seddon and then there was a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
“My friend played for Caroline Springs either last year or two years ago. He spoke about the culture of the club and they wanted to progress and go up the levels.
“I like that about the Caroline Springs culture.”
McLean has held a level two coaching certificate with the England Cricket Board since 2013. Having focused on his first class career, he’s now at the point of his career it’s more about giving back to others.
“This is my first real head coaching role,” he said. “I haven’t been coaching, but I’ve still been passing on advice.
“I want to help people and get them to another level. I always wanted to come back to Melbourne, and coming back at this stage in my career, I can give more teaching which is my passion.”
McLean said everyone was still buzzing at the club after it was it’s first VTCA premiership, claiming the division 4 title.
With the title came promotion and a new level of challenges.
McLean said the group was keen to get better and continue to grow.
“You have to improve when you go up a level,” he said. “We will have some good days and some bad days.
“The ability to grow is the key. We have some senior guys who have played in higher divisions.
“They understand key performances, good decisions and working hard. I don’t think there’s anyone in the side who can’t perform at this level.”
McLean said as well as some experienced players there were some talented young players coming through.
Daniel Williamson, who is still playing under-17.5s, made his senior debut last weekend, while Reece Blackman is another at the top of the order that have impressed McLean.
After the first two rounds, the Falcons were sitting 1-1. On Saturday they are due to face Pascoe Vale Hadfield.
McLean said he was confident with what the side could do this season.
“The first game we were a little unfortunate and we should have won that one,” he said.
“The second game we sent a statement. We’re definitely looking to play finals.”
