Bryan Thomas to help guide both Anglesea and Corio cricket clubs this summer

A local legend’s philosophies and deep passion for the game of cricket will be shared by two clubs this coming season under a unique arrangement fused by Melbourne Bitter.

Two local clubs will be joined through the philosophies and deepening passion of a true stalwart of the Geelong cricket community.

Anglesea coach Bryan Thomas will be a busy man this summer with a bricklaying business, his ongoing commitments to the all-conquering Roos – who have won six of the past nine BPCA A1 premierships – and now a coaching director role with Corio.

Thomas’ connection with the Devils began about four or five years ago via his working network with the-then president, captain and coach, and was invited down to training through mutual connection, boxing coach Kevin Murray.

“They were all chippies,” Thomas said.

Cricket stalwart Bryan Thomas will be in the unique situation of coaching one team and director of another this season. Picture: Alan Barber.

The Roos announced on its socials earlier this week that Thomas’ “selfless, supportive” qualities would be costing both clubs “excessive amounts of Melbourne cans”.

Thomas, who was in charge of the Barwon Rockets under-18 representative team and guided St Joseph’s among other coaching stops, will be director of coaching with Corio and mentor at Tuesday night trainings.

Thomas has also previously worked with the likes of Corio bowler Dylan Shelley.

“I’ve got a pretty understanding family, two kids and a wife who understand it’s my number one hobby,” he said.

“I do enjoy helping cricket clubs out.”

Thomas is equally passionate about the biomechanics of bowling – who he learned off mentor and Cricket Australia head of performance Brian McFadyen – believing current Test quick Cameron Green was the poster boy for the science.

Thomas coached St Joseph’s for more than 20 years. Picture: Alan Barber

“They built him, he’s a specimen of biomechanics,” he said.

“They stripped him all the way back and built him up.

“He does everything right, in his run up, his loading and his follow through.

“I’ve worked with (Shelley), when he gets his biomechanics right he’s really good.”

Thomas is a disciple of both McFadyen and Victorian Premier cricket legend Peter Cox when it comes to finding the key ingredients for success.

“What they taught me was unbelievable, people would probably pay money for that and I got it for free,” Thomas said.

“The sort of stuff I pass on.

“They were about everybody being on the same page.

“If you’re all enjoying each other’s company you’re half way home.”

He said he was drawn to helping clubs who boasted plenty of local talent that had come through the junior ranks.

“It’s very much like Anglesea (who) have 20 father-sons,” he said of the Devils.

“I’m really keen to help people who have come through the system, through their own clubs.

“They want to better their own clubs.”

Anglesea’s Brett Venables departs during the 2022-23 grand final against Jan Juc. Second day of two-day match. Picture: Mark Wilson

However, Thomas admitted times had changed, and it was not as easy these days to get players to commit to an entire season.

The ability for clubs to sub players in and out of games had helped player retention, though.

“We struggle with the festivals,” he said of his tenure with Anglesea.

“But if you’re putting pressure on them to play each week you might get more of a commitment.

“My generation, you weren’t allowed to miss for a wedding. You just didn’t miss.”

Thomas said the Roos’ last premiership was the most special, after the club lost stars Ned Cooper and Dale Kerr and he was recovering from an oesophagus operation.

“I got pretty crook,” he said.

“Last year’s (premiership) was one of the best ones I’ve been involved in,

“We were nowhere at Christmas time.”

Originally published as Bryan Thomas to help guide both Anglesea and Corio cricket clubs this summer