Will Pucovski in line for Premier Cricket coaching job

Forced into retirement after a series of concussions, former Victorian batting prodigy Will Pucovski could return to cricket in a head-coach role at Premier club in Melbourne.

Former Victorian batting prodigy Will Pucovski could turn his hand to top-level coaching after being forced into retirement as a player due to concussions.

Pucovski, 27, has emerged as a candidate to coach Victorian Premier Cricket club Melbourne, where he played in a premiership two years ago.

Pucovski was a specialist batting coach with the Demons this season under head coach Ben Vague, who has stood down after five years.

He attended training once a week but had no match-day involvement.

It’s understood Pucovski is in talks with Melbourne about succeeding Vague.

He joined the Demons as a teenager, made his First XI debut in 2014-15 and averaged 56 from 52 matches, scoring five centuries.

Will Pucovski could be set for a return to cricket, via coaching. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Pucovski figured in Melbourne’s premiership in 2023-24. It turned out to be his final appearance for the club.

His career, which took in a solitary Test, ended last year after a medical panel recommended he retire following a series of concussions.

In March last year he took a blow to the helmet from quick bowler Riley Meredith while batting in a Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania.

But Pucovski remained on Cricket Victoria’s contract list for 2024-25 while the financial details of his departure from the playing ranks were worked through.

It was reported late last year that he had sought legal advice over the issue.

If Pucovski is appointed, he will comfortably be the youngest coach in Premier Cricket.

But the well-resourced Melbourne club would have the ability to surround him with experienced assistants.

Originally published as Will Pucovski in line for Premier Cricket coaching job