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Luke D'AnelloLeader sports reporter

Luke D’Anello has been a sports editor/reporter at Leader Community News since 2011. He specialises in local football and cricket.

@LukeDAnello

Luke D'Anello

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Local Footy

Jake McKenzie, captain Jack Purton-Smith and coach Marc Bullen hoist the silverware after Deer Park defeated Altona in the WRFL Division 1 grand final. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Will seven-time premiership winner coach on in 2021?

Marc Bullen stepped aside at Deer Park earlier this year after establishing himself as one of the leading coaches in local football. But could he be calling the shots at another club next season?

Local Footy

North Footscray celebrates its WRFL Division 3 premiership triumph. Picture: Kristen Alebakis

Coaching role open at North Footscray

Western Region Football League club North Footscray is advertising its senior coaching role for 2021. Here’s why.

South East

The biggest recruits of the VSDCA off-season

A Test player and gun Sri Lankan first-class batsman headline our list of major off-season signings in the VSDCA. As clubs wait for the first ball to be sent down, we’ve wrapped up the biggest moves.

Local Footy

Westmeadows star Robbie Castello in action in the EDFL. Picture: Jamie Morey

Castello’s warning for rival EDFL clubs

Former VFL player Robbie Castello claimed the EDFL Division 1 league medal in 2019 after a standout season, but at 34 years old he is not content as he casts an eye to next year.

Local Sport

Tess Flintoff of the Stars celebrates after taking the wicket of Thunder's Rachael Haynes caught by Erin Osborne of the Stars during the WBBL cricket match between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars at Bankstown Oval, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

Cricket Vic names female ‘emerging performance’ squad

Melbourne Renegades newcomer Ella Hayward, Melbourne Stars recruit Georgia Gall and senior state squad players Tess Flintoff and Lucy Cripps highlight Victoria’s newest group of Under 19 prospects. See the full metro and country lists.

North West

Feb 8 2020Premier Cricket: Ringwood v Footscray.Footscray bowler Max Birthisel 16 years old in his first game.Picture: Stuart Milligan

Birthisel bowls his way into squad of top prospects

After starting last season in Footscray’s Fourth XI, teenager Max Birthisel has continued his rapid rise by earning a spot in a Cricket Victoria under-19 squad alongside state players.

Local Footy

EDFL grand final Keilor v Aberfeldie. Action shots. Picture: Jamie Morey

Club-by-club guide to EDFL Premier Division’s off-season

It’s been a long off-season for Essendon District Football League clubs, but there’s no shortage of news. Here’s the latest on what’s happening in the competition’s top division — for every club.

Local Footy

Coburg Districts star Tom Lucin in action in the EDFL. Picture: Jamie Morey

Gleeson’s plan to lift Coburg Districts

Coburg Districts are yet to claim a senior premiership in the EDFL, but coach and former VFL player Tom Gleeson has set some lofty expectations long term.

Local Footy

Caroline Springs WRFL coach Brodie Holland. Picture: Supplied

Ex-AFL player Holland makes call on coaching tenure

Brodie Holland opens up on his future at Caroline Springs, explains why the club is poised to become a “threat” in the WRFL and how two ex-Collingwood teammates have helped him develop his coaching.

North

Grant McInerney (right) of Bayule reacts after bowling out Aaron Amos of Lalor stars during the DVCA grand final at Garvey oval, Bundoora, Melbourne, Saturday, March 14, 2020. DVCA grand final: Banyule v Lalor Stars. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING

How two-day fixtures could work in 2020-21

With most cricket competitions set to be filled with one-day matches amid the coronavirus crisis, one local association is considering longer-form games. Here’s how it could happen.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/luke-danello/page/36