A new era is about to start at Melton Cricket Club with the Victorian Sub-District outfit having farewelled six players – along with a stack of talent and leadership – from last season’s first XI.
The Lions have lost former competition best-and-fairest winner Michael Allen to Oakleigh, his brother Nathan to Yarraville, and Thomas Rogers, Nathan Geisler, Steve Buhagiar and Waddington Mwayenga.
But rather than be daunted, new Lions coach Michael Alexander is excited about the new opportunities presented.
The Lions chose not to recruit in the off-season, instead throwing their support behind a host of talented youngsters who have previously been forced to do their time in the seconds and thirds.
“There has been a real focus on youth, a focus on development and a bit of a change in game plan as well,” Alexander said.
“We haven’t gone after anyone. We’ve had a pretty strong group coming through who haven’t had much opportunity. Now’s our time to give them the chance at that higher level.”
To help fill the leadership void, Alexander is looking to some of his remaining senior faces.
Top-order batsman David Kirk enjoyed an outstanding 2014-15 season, blasting 373 runs .
And opening bowler Brad Jones will be looking to replicate his previous season when he claimed 37 wickets and a place in the VSDCA team of the year.
“It’s a good opportunity for these guys who have been at Melton for a long time but haven’t had leadership roles,” Alexander said.
Melton will begin its 2015-16 campaign against Moorabbin. Its first home game is against Caulfield in round three.
Star Weekly’s Liam Twomey looks at some of the likely new faces in Melton’s first XI in 2015-16.
Matthew Stead
Top-order batsman
Stead goes into the new season after a brilliant year with the bat in the second XI. Among his 251 runs were two half-centuries, with a top score of 81 against Williamstown. Stead also proved handy with the ball, taking seven wickets.
Jake Charge
Bowler
A talent with the ball and a handy batsman, Charge is expected to push for senior selection early in the season. He claimed 15 wickets at an average of 24.5 for the second XI last season and made 109 runs batting in the lower order.
Jake Thornton-Gielen
Wicketkeeper-batsman
One of the premier batsmen of the second XI competition last year. He smashed three half centuries and averaged an impressive 36.6. His consistency was enough for the young talent to force his way into the Lions’ first XI, where he played five matches.
Dylan Clarke
Bowler
After a brilliant 2014-15 campaign, Clarke looks set to make the jump to top-grade cricket. Bowling second or third change last season, he took 20 wickets at an average of just 15.8.
