Damien Costigan will attempt to guide Melton back up the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association ladder this season.
Costigan has been named coach of the Lions, taking over from Mitch Stephens. Melton finished 15th last season and Costigan is excited about the prospect.
“I’m just excited to coach the club that I’ve been a part of for over 25 years, so whilst I didn’t see the opportunity coming, I’m going to take it with both hands and look forward to getting the club back to where it belongs,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it…can’t wait to get started.”
Costigan is hoping that most of its playing group would return this season.
The Lions though be without seamer Rhys Berry, who has returned to coach his old club Diggers Rest Bulla.
Berry was a model of consistency last season with 32 wickets at 15.65 and other than in round eight, took at least one wicket in every match.
“Rhys was fantastic,” Costigan said.
“Not just on the field but off the field, so he will take (some) replacing. But I’m more than confident that we have some really good performers in the twos last year like James Robertson so we’ve got options and hopefully we can add another one or two to that as well.”
Costigan said Melton would continue to play young cricketers with an eye to the future.
“We’ve got some under-15, some good under-13s really coming through, so I’m excited not only what we’ve got now, but in the next year or two,” he said.
“Hopefully those juniors can transition into the senior program and help us start the next step. I think communication is going to be key for it. I want to build long-term success, not just getting success this season.
“It’ll make building a foundation and a culture that’s going to give us the best chance for long-term success.”
