Returning Melton to the top of the Victorian Sub District cricket ranks is high on the priority list for new coach Michael Alexander.
Alexander, who was appointed to the job earlier this month, appears to be the perfect replacement for outgoing coach Nathan Geisler.
The opening batsman has scored a mountain of runs for the Lions and has been in the middle for some of Melton’s biggest moments.
He is a four-time premiership player at the Lions.
“It’s exciting to be taking over,” Alexander said.
“I’ve played there ever since I was a kid so it’s going to be really nice to coach the club.
“I’ve been an assistant coach at the club as well … so there’s good continuity there.
“I’ve never been a head coach before but with that background it’s a bit more of an easy takeover or an easy progression.”
After missing the finals in 2013-14, Melton enjoyed a strong bounce-back year, reaching the VSDCA semi-finals before ultimately finishing third.
Alexander said he had full confidence the club could return to the pinnacle of the VSDCA.
“I know we weren’t far away this season,” he said.
“I think getting the top spot and trying to have a home final is critical. We sort of had that until the second-last round.
“The planning and the goals are all around that because a home final is so important in cricket.
“That is definitely where we want to be and I think the list we have is certainly up to that standard.”
