The 150+ young cricketers shaping cricket across the state in country cricket
From fledging stars of the future to those who have had extraordinary starts to the season, country cricket is producing some talented youngsters right now. We list the best and rank the top 10.
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Just like in footy, when it comes to cricket, country Victoria continues to produce quality players not only in local competitions but at Premier Cricket and state level.
From Victoria Country representatives to state contracted players, the country areas continue to excel.
But who are the young guns playing well this season or have put runs and wickets on the board in recent times to get the attention of selectors.
This list will hopefully provide all the answers.
We’ve looked around the state to find the young guns impressing not only in local competitions but also at Premier Cricket and state level.
There’s more than 170 names.
We’ve also ranked the best young guns in country Victoria right now who look to be genuine stars of the future.
Check out the list below with the top 10 after it.
Harvey Abraham, Lucknow (Bairnsdale)
Has played a few A-grade games for Lucknow and impressed, making contributions with the bat.
Luke Adam, Queenscliff (Bellarine)
Has taken eight wickets at an average of 18.5 in A1 this year for Queenscliff — sixth in the aggregate after six rounds. In the Rockets squad last summer, Adam took 15 wickets at 17.6 last summer in the under-17s competition, while hitting 374 runs at an average of 41 per innings.
Liam Allen, Lakes Entrance (Bairnsdale)
A part of the Gippsland Pride under-21 VCCL side. Allen is a top order batsmen who is averaging 43 in A-grade in Bairnsdale.
Fergus Allender, Geelong City (Geelong)
An excellent left arm bowler from Geelong City who bowls the quickest of the bunch, his coach says. After winning the under-17s bowling average award in 2023-24 with Barwon Heads, Allender is now taking wickets with City’s second grade in GCA2.
Darcy Aitken, East Ballarat (Ballarat)
Played for Victoria Country’s under-17 team last season and is currently part of the Central Highlands VCCL team, making a half-century earlier this season. A talented batter who is currently playing for East Ballarat after joining them during the off-season. He has scored 49 runs.
Jake Anderson, West Bairnsdale (Bairnsdale)
Impressed with the bat last season, making a 50 early in the season, to establish himself as a key A-grade player for his team.
Joel Anderson, Koo Wee Rup (Casey Cardinia)
The all-rounder is a consistent wicket taker with his accurate medium pace. Handy with the bat and a good fielder.
Will Ashton, St Kilda (Premier Cricket)
The former Wodonga Cricket Club cricketer recently made 44 for St Kilda in the 3rds in Premier Cricket. It’s his first season of playing Premier Cricket.
Zane Attard, VRI/Delacombe (Ballarat)
Plays for Geelong in Premier Cricket and will represent Victoria Country in under-19 this season. Attard is a specialist off-spin bowler and also played for Victoria Country’s under-17 team last season. This year, he’s taken seven wickets for Geelong’s second XI.
Hugh Behrens, Bendigo United (Bendigo)
Has similar traits to his father Heath who is the highest leading run scorer ever in Bendigo’s top competition. A left hand batsmen who knows how to play. Behrens will play for Victoria Country in the under-17 national carnival.
Liam Biddiscombe, Geelong (Premier Cricket)
A handy batter who can also cause damage with the ball with his spin. This season he’s been playing for Geelong’s 3rd XI in Premier Cricket while also playing for Geelong Grammar in the APS. He’s averaging almost 30 with the bat in all formats. Biddiscombe’s form was rewarded with selection in to he Victoria Country under-17 team.
Hamish Braden, Mornington (Mornington Peninsula)
The all-rounder has been selected in the under-17 Victoria Country team this season. Braden is currently playing for Prahran in Premier Cricket, in under-18s and 4ths.
Charlie Boulton, Nyah District (Swan Hill)
One of the top openers in the Swan Hill competition. The left hander has scored 116 runs in four games as an opener. Boulton is also handy with the ball and has taken six wickets this season.
Jack Bull, Lucknow (Bairnsdale)
Is the vice-captain of the Gippsland Pride under-18 team in the VCCL. Has also played a couple of A-grade games, making 20 in his most recent match.
Max Bunworth, Laharum (Horsham)
An all-rounder who is in good form this season in A-grade cricket. The 17-year-old recently made his first 50 in the Horsham competition and also took four wickets in the game. Bunworth has seven wickets for the year.
Flynn Bush, Nagambie (Shepparton)
Already playing A-grade despite playing under-14 cricket. Last season he won the batting average in the under-14 competition and on debut in A-grade he made 18 off 78 balls. A talent for the future.
Thomas Byers, Avenel (Seymour)
A leg spinner who can turn the ball both ways. Byers has played a couple of B-grade games, while playing under-16, and impressed with bat and ball. He’s in the top five of leading wicket takers in under-16.
Jake Callow, Shepparton Youth (Shepparton)
A Northern Rivers VCCL under 21 player. The opener in A-grade has scored 136 runs this season. Is also a handy wicketkeeper.
Dezi Carter, Horsham Saints (Horsham)
Had an incredible season last year. Carter not only led the scoring in under-16 in the Horsham competition but also excelled in A-grade. The talented teenager scored two half centuries and had two other scores over 35.
Linc Chila, Mirboo North (Latrobe Valley)
Not even 15 and is already impressing in A-grade, recently making 32 from 92 balls in a match against Traralgon West. A player for the future.
Albie Clark, Paynesville (Bairnsdale)
Has plenty of potential and is part of the under-18 Gippsland Cricket League side.
Ben Clarke, Western Park (Warragul)
An international doing well. Clarke is a 19-year-old left arm spinner, who has played Worcestershire 2nd XI. He has taken seven wickets this season.
James Close, Pakenham (Casey Cardinia)
An opener bowler who has had a strong season for Pakenham. Has taken seven wickets this season at an average of 18.71.
Koby Coffey, Highton (Geelong)
An excellent keeper, the Highton product has plenty of determination and is a sound opening bat with huge potential. Currently playing GCA1 third grade with a top score of 23 this summer against St Peter’s.
Logan Collins, Romsey (Gisborne)
Represented Victoria in under-15 school sports and is about to play for Victoria Country in the under-17 national titles. A fast bowler who can also bat, he’s been destructive for Assumption in the APS, taking seven wickets in three matches.
Alex Cook, Laanecoorie Dunolly (Maryborough)
Averages more than 50 with the bat this season and made a century in the first game of the season. One of the best batsmen in the league.
Xavier Cooknell, Irrewarra (Colac)
The 16-year-old will represent Greenvale Kangaroos in the upcoming Dowling Shield. A left hand batter who has scored 34 runs in three Division 1 matches for Irrewarra.
Ewan Congues, Nathalia (Murray Valley)
A talented young batsmen in the Murray Valley competition. Has scored 87 runs this season in A-grade.
Taj Corben, Lucknow (Bairnsdale)
Is one of the two captains of the Gippsland Cricket under-18 team and has also represented the Gippsland Power in under-18 in the VCCL. Corben has also played A-grade this season for Lucknow.
Xavier Coutts, Derrinallum (Grenville)
A talented 18-year-old in the competition. Recently scored 76 runs in a senior game in the Grenville competition.
Zavier Davidson, Karramomus (Shepparton)
An Essendon under-18 player in Premier Cricket who has also represented Northern Rivers this season in under-18 in the VCCL. Has also scored 49 runs in A-grade in the Shepparton competition.
Hamish Darroch, Birregurra (Colac)
Already playing a handful of A-grade matches even though he is 16-years-old. Darroch also plays for Alvie in under-17 cricket.
Caleb Debnam, Somerville (Mornington Peninsula)
The 18-year-old opens the bowling for Somerville’s First XI and has been the Eagles’ best bowler this season, leading the attack with 12 wickets at 13.
Xavier Dew, Thomson (Geelong)
The Year 11 student has been taking the new rock for Thomson in GCA3 first grade for the past few seasons. The son of GCA stalwart and over 50s national representative Grant, Dew comes from good stock and is a very confident player. Dew took 18 wickets at 16.2 in first grade last year – 14th overall – as the Tigers qualified for the grand final against Bell Park. Can also do it with the bat, compiling 281 runs last summer in the under-17s at an average of 56.
Lewis Dichiera, Nichols Point (Sunraysia)
One of the rising stars in the competition. Made 37 in his only batting appearance in the 1st Division this season.
Jobe Dickinson, West Wimmera (Horsham)
Scored his first century last season in A-grade and has continued to play in the top competition in Horsham this season at 16.
Joshua Driscoll, Mildura West (Sunraysia)
Played for Victoria earlier this year in the under-15 school sports national titles. He was also the vice-captain of the team. This season, he’s played for Mallee Murray in the VCCL, scoring a 50 during the competition. For Mildura West, he’s also impressed, scoring more than 30 runs and taking six wickets.
Logan Dunkley, Lindenow South/ Glenaladale (Bairnsdale)
A talented off-spinner who took his first 10 wicket haul for the match in A-grade. He took seven wickets in one inning and added three in the second dig. He’s also made valuable runs with the ball, when needed.
Henry Edwards, Carlton (Premier Cricket)
A leg-spinner from Bendigo United. Edwards is part of this year’s Victoria Country under-19 cricket team. He also plays for Carlton in Premier Cricket.
Josh Edwards, Frankston YCW (Mornington Peninsula)
Dynamic right-handed opening batsman who gets his runs quickly and consistently. Blasted 109 off 62 balls in a T20 match last season and represented the Mornington Peninsula at Country Week.
Clancy Ellett, Beechworth Wanderers (Wangaratta)
A rising star in the Wangaratta competition. The opener has scored 73 runs this season and has also scored a half century.
Tyler Evans, Tooradin (Casey Cardinia)
Evans’ ability with bat and ball has shone this season, particularly when he made 65 for South East Sharks in an under-21 VCCL match and took 5-74 in Tooradin’s fFrst XI against Devon Meadows. Bowls fast and accurately.
Samuel Farmer, Mildura Settlers (Sunraysia)
Has impressed in the couple of 1st Division matches he’s played this season. Farmer has taken four wickets.
Sam Field, Flinders (Mornington Peninsula)
The 15-year-old is a bright star on the rise. Has all the shots: drives, cuts, pulls — and it was all on display in a fine 89 for Flinders’ first XI in November. Has played state under-age cricket.
Jarrod Foster, Alvie (Colac)
One of the leading bowlers in A-grade in the Colac league this season. The 18-year-old has taken seven wickets in three games at an average of nine.
Rico Fourie, Lucknow (Bairnsdale)
A South African international who has done well in the competition. Is the leading run scorer for Lucknow with 151 runs at an average of 37.
Darcy Freeman, Tooradin (Casey Cardinia)
The under-16 eligible batter has a big appetite for runs; scoring a string of half centuries last season and raising his bat already this campaign.
Ashton Frost, Melbourne (Premier Cricket)
A part of this year’s Victoria Country under-19 team. A left hand batter and bowler who comes from Old Students in Shepparton. A player for the future.
Dillon Furze, Merbein (Sunraysia)
The all-rounder has been one of the best for Merbein this season. He’s taken five wickets in 1st Division and also contributed with the bat.
Matt Garland, Yarram (Sale-Maffra)
Played for Gippsland’s under-21 team in the VCCL. The batter has been one of the top order batsmen for Yarram this season in A-grade.
Sam Giles, Lethbridge (Geelong)
The harder the contest, the harder the Lethbridge all-rounder goes, and boasts genuine pace. Currently playing GCA4 first grade with the Rosellas, Giles has posted a series of starts this summer while chipping in with three wickets at an average of 30 apiece. Has chipped in with a 2-7 against Teesdale to start the season in second grade then took 3-10 against Gippsland Pride for the Rockets.
Sam Gove, Frankston Peninsula (Premier Cricket)
A talented batsmen who has already played first XI cricket for Frankston Peninsula in Premier Cricket. Gove has also represented Mornington Peninsula in Country Week.
Luke Grady, Casey South Melbourne (Premier Cricket)
Returned to cricket this season after 12 months out with an ACL injury. Recently he scored 58 for Casey South Melbourne 3rds and played his junior cricket at Wodonga Cricket Club.
Ben Grant, Beaufort (Maryborough)
Currently plays A-grade for Beaufort in Maryborough and under-17s in the Ballarat competition. He also represented Central Highlands in representative cricket last season.
Xavier Grant, Eaglehawk (Bendigo)
An opening batsmen who has been prolific in scoring in the Bendigo competition. Earlier this season he smashed 177 in an under-18 game. Grant will be part of Victoria Country’s under-17 squad for the upcoming national championships.
Ben Greenwood, Shepparton Youth (Shepparton)
An English import from Reading who has impressed this season. He’s taken nine wickets in A-grade in Shepparton.
James Grohman, Wodonga Bulldogs (Albury Wodonga)
The leading wicket taker this season in 1st grade in the Albury Wodonga competition. Grohman has taken 14 wickets including three four wicket hauls.
Cohen Hall, South Barwon (Geelong)
A fearless opening bat, Hall has been a consistent contributor for South Barwon at GCA1 second grade level, with a highest score of 83 against St Peter’s.
Currently averaging 63 with the bat at that level.
Hunter Hall, Lavington (Albury Wodonga)
The leading run scorer in 1st grade with 296 runs at an average of 74. Hall was part of the NSW Country team which won the national under-17 title last year in Ballarat.
William Halton, Casey South Melbourne (Premier Cricket)
Another wicketkeeper/batsman from country cricket doing well. Halton can score big and bat for a long time. He also plays for Devon Meadows in the Casey Cardinia league and was part of the emerging squad for Victoria Country this year.
Emile Haratbar, Pine Lodge (Shepparton)
Has scored 155 runs this season in A-grade as part of Pine Lodge’s top order. On two occasions he has scored 49 runs.
Jarvis Harvey, Carlton (Premier Cricket)
The cousin of current South Australian opener Mackenzie Harvey. Harvey is a Wonthaggi Cricket Club player who has been playing Premier Cricket. After initially playing for Dandenong, he’s now joined Carlton and played 3rds cricket for them. Predominantly a bowler, Harvey can also bat, when needed, just like his cousin.
Jack Harwood, Ballarat Redan (Ballarat)
The son of former Australian player and Victorian Shane Harwood. He played in Victoria Country’s under-19 team last season and has played three matches this year for Ballarat Redan in 1st Division.
Miles Hemann-Petersen, East Albury (Albury Wodonga)
The captain of the team who is also in good form with the bat. Has made two half centuries including a 60 against St Patrick’s.
Taj Hill, Mildura West (Sunraysia)
A Mallee Murray representative player who is playing 1st Division for Mildura West. The middle order batsmen has scored more than 50 runs in the competition in the handful of matches he’s played.
Jackson Hoffmann, Laharum (Horsham)
A fast bowler on the rise. Recently took his first five wicket haul and also represented Horsham last year in country week in under-17.
Will Holland, Geelong City (Geelong)
Another leggie, Holland is a good middle order batter and a team-focused contributor. Holland was picked in Geelong Cricket Club’s Finch Squad back in 2022 for talented youngsters. Made an unbeaten half ton in fourths last month against Torquay, while taking 2-11 in the same game.
Fraser Holt, Colac (Colac)
The left hand opener is almost averaging 30 with the bat. He moved to the competition this year after playing in Geelong last season.
Lachlan Hose, Tyabb (Mornington Peninsula)
Left-arm off spinner who has flight and drift, spins it and has great control … and he rarely bowls a loose delivery. A clever bowler who sets the batsman up and is patient and can bowl long economic spells. Took 49 wickets last season.
Hugh Hyde, Cobram (Murray Valley)
Averages more than 38 with the bat and has been one of the best this season. Hyde is also a valuable club player, not only does he coach a team, but he was named as best club person last season.
Harry Hyland, Barwon Heads (Bellarine)
Currently batting number three in Barwon Heads’ A1 team, Hyland is also a talented footballer with the Seagulls.
Hyland top scored with 61 not out in Round 5 against Queenscliff, and is averaging 39 with the blade so far.
Riley Illingworth, Portarlington (Bellarine)
Currently batting number three for the Demons in A2, young Illingworth has taken after his talented father Stephen, compiling 139 runs at an average of 46.
Illingworth is expected to play in the Dowling Shield this summer before the family moves to Tasmania in the new year.
Max Jackson, Colts Phelans (Maryborough)
Has played a handful of A-grade games this season and also impressed in reserves, making 95 recently. Has also taken a couple of A-grade wickets as well.
Walter Jackson, Euroa (Shepparton)
The opener has been one of the leading run scorers this season in A-grade in Shepparton. Jackson has scored 108 runs.
Charlie James, Allansford-Panmure (Warrnambool Moyne)
A fast bowler who has been selected for the Victoria Country under-17 team. James has played Premier Cricket in Warrnambool Moyne and has impressed, taking three wickets in one game. He is also part of Footscray’s Premier Cricket team.
Rani Jamieson, City United (Colac)
One of the stars of the Colac District competition. Last year he won the CDCA Aaron Finch award as the best under-19 player. He also made the team of the year for A-grade. This season, he has made 37 runs at the top of the order.
Will Jarvis, Birregurra (Colac)
Recently took 8-22 in a B-grade match which showed his talent. The 18-year-old has already played A-grade and should be playing more this season if he continues his form.
Riley Jobson, Nichols Point (Sunraysia)
Averages more than 50 with the bat this season in Sunraysia 1st division and is third on the run scorers list. Last year he fell short of his maiden century in the 1st division.
Mitchell Johnson, Lucknow (Bairnsdale)
Not related to the Australian fast bowler, but he is a fast bowler in A-grade. He is also a handy batter, making 89 runs in A-grade this year. Johnson will represent Dandenong at the upcoming Dowling Shield.
Harry Jones, St Kilda (Premier Cricket)
Selected for this year’s Victoria Country under-19 team. Capable with the bat, Jones is a left arm quick bowler from Wangaratta. He has played for Rovers United Bruck but is currently playing for St Kilda in Premier Cricket. Has played four second XI games this season.
Jobe Kennedy, St Kilda (Premier Cricket)
Recently made 51 in the St Kilda 3rd in Premier Cricket. The batter is a former Yarrawonga/Mulwala Cricket Club player and has been part of Victoria’s emerging talent squads.
Beau Kiel, Mildura Settlers (Sunraysia)
The teenager currently opens for Mildura Settlers and has started to find form in recent weeks. Kiel also represented the Mallee Murray in the VCCL this season. The cricketer is also a handy footballer, kicking 47 goals in the under-18 Sunraysia competition.
Lincoln Koliba, Brown Hill (Ballarat)
Has been selected for Victoria Country under-19 this season after playing in under-17 last year. He made 100 against Victoria Metro. Koliba is currently Premier Cricket for Geelong and is playing in second grade.
Ed Kreutzburger, St Patrick’s (Albury Wodonga)
An opener who is also a wicketkeeper. He will do both roles for Victoria Country in under-17 at the nationals this year. Kreutzburger is also playing for Melbourne University in under-18 Premier Cricket.
Sam Lalor, Northcote (Premier Cricket)
If Lalor wasn’t the number one draft pick in the AFL, heading to Richmond, he’d be one of the best prospects in cricket. Has already played Premier Cricket for Northcote and represented Victoria Country at the under-17 nationals.
Jay Lavis, Corowa (Albury Wodonga)
Has represented Riverina this season in representative cricket as well as playing A-grade for Corowa. Last year he was named in New South Wales Country’s under-17 national team pathway squad.
Pat Lavis, Corowa (Albury Wodonga)
A rising star in the competition. Made his first half century in A-grade last year.
Oscar Lambourn, Old Students (Shepparton)
Another strong batsmen who has played for Northern Rivers this season in under-18 in the VCCL. He has scored 99 runs in A-grade in Shepparton this season.
Lachlan Laursen, Koondrook-Barham (Swan Hill)
An aggressive top order batsman. Has scored more than 60 runs in A-grade this season.
Joe Lovel, Laanecoorie Dunolly (Maryborough)
Has represented the Central Highlands representative side in recent years and has been playing A-grade in the Maryborough competition for the past few years as a teenager. This year he’s taken a couple of wickets and made 30 runs.
Kepler Lukies, Katamatite (Murray Valley)
The top order batsman is one of the best in the competition, averaging more than 40 and recently smashing 107 from 99 balls against Finley. Lukies has also represented Northern Rivers in the VCCL under-18 competition this season.
Oscar Lyons, Lavington Panthers (Albury Wodonga)
Made a century recently for the Panthers in 1st grade. Also represented Riverina at the country championships this season.
Cody Mannix, Tooradin (Casey Cardinia)
Mannix has impressed as a right-arm spinner, coming to notice with a match-winning spell of 5-19 off 8 overs against Clyde this season.
Colby Marr, Nichols Point (Sunraysia)
The 15-year-old has played 1st Division the past two seasons while also representing the Mallee Murray in the VCCL. The left hander averages almost 30 with the bat in under-16.
Jordy Mathews, Centrals (Latrobe Valley)
Despite only making 50 runs in A-grade, Mathews has impressed elsewhere. He made 61 recently for Latrobe Valley in representative cricket against Warragul.
Luke McCann, Richmond (Premier Cricket)
Helped Richmond last year to win the Dowling Shield and has played for their 3rd XI this year in Premier Cricket. The opening bowler will play for Victoria Country under-17 in the upcoming nationals. His junior club is Beaconsfield Cricket Club.
Jack McConachy, Meerlieu (Bairnsdale)
Made an impressive 40 in A-grade this season and has also taken four wickets.
Charlie McGuane, Irrewarra (Colac)
Made the Colac District team of the year two season ago. McGuane, who can bat and is a fast bowler, has scored 66 runs this year and taken three wickets.
Bohden McKnight, Wandella (Swan Hill)
Has been a key player for Wandella for the past couple of years. The all-rounder helped the team to win the under-16 premiership in 2022 before becoming a vital part of the A-grade team.
Owen McLoed-Agland, Trafalgar (Warragul)
A bowling all-rounder who has worked his way to Division 1 in the past 12 months. He also plays in the Gippsland Pride under-21 team.
Hamish Melville, Tallarook (Seymour)
A solid all-rounder who has plenty of potential for the future. Melville has made a couple of appearances for the senior team this season and has also represented his region in different age groups in country week.
Archie Millar, Colac (Colac)
He might be just 16 but Millar has now been playing Division 1 for the past two season. The left hander made his high score of 41 last season.
Logan Millar, Colts Cricket (Horsham)
Made two centuries last year in A-grade. Millar is also a handy bowler, taking key wickets in the Horsham competition.
Luke Miller, Homers (Horsham)
Impressed with both bat and ball in the competition as a teenager. Has scored one 50, opening the batting, and also taken 10 wickets this season.
Kylan Mitchell, Langwarrin (Mornington Peninsula)
The leg-spinner took 15 wickets in Langwarrin’s firsts last season as well as being a standout performer with bat and ball in the MPCA under-18 side. He flights his leggies, has variations and excellent control.
Jordan Monahan, Queenscliff (Bellarine)
Another Queenscliff bowler with talent in last year’s Rockets squad. A talented footballer, Monahan took 13 wickets at 10.4 in the under-17s last summer with his outswing and can also be relied upon to make runs in the middle order.
Hit 458 runs at 50 last summer in the under-17s.
Declan Mugavin, Geelong City (Geelong)
The youngster bowls steady leg spin and tosses them up. He’s Geelong City’s under-17 vice-captain of last year has been plying his trade in the Sharks’ second grade this season, picking up 2-26 against Geelong West. He also snared 4-25 from 12 overs against Leopold last summer in the twos and also hit 403 runs at an average of 80 in the under-17s last year with the bat.
Darcy Murnane, Irrewarra (Colac)
The 18-year-old has worked his way to being an opener for the team through his impressive performances over the past 18 months. Has made a high score of 31 this season.
Toby Naughton, Bridgewater (Upper Loddon)
Took an impressive 4/29 recently and has been one of the best for Bridgewater this season.
Declan Newbound, Karramomus (Shepparton)
The top order batsman has been one of the best for his club this season. He has scored 131 runs including three scores over 35.
Sam O’Brien, Old Students (Shepparton)
Last season he made 100 for Northern Rivers in the VCCL and he also added 78 this season in the under-18 competition. A handy batter who has also scored 91 runs in A-grade in the Shepparton.
Christian Papi, Avenel (Seymour)
Won the bowling award last year for Avenel and was impressive in A-grade for them, taking 12 wickets. This season he’s continued his form. He’s described as a natural swing bowler who just keeps improving in pace. He will also represent Seymour District in rep cricket later this season in under-17.
Kyle Parrott, Melbourne (Premier Cricket)
A top-order batsman from the Mornington Peninsula who knows how to score big. Parrott has played a in Melbourne’s firsts and seconds in Premier Cricket and will also represent Victoria Country in under-19.
Max Parrott, Melbourne (Premier Cricket)
The keeper-batsman made 16 runs recently for Victoria Country in a hitout against Victoria Metro in under-17s. He will represent Victoria Country at the upcoming under-17 nationals after impressive performances with Melbourne’s thirds.
Nicholas Pastras, Upper Beaconsfield (Casey Cardinia)
A busy cricketer with bat and ball, he hits the ball hard and bowls at a good pace — and is a gun in the field. Played at Melbourne in Dowling Shield and is making his way in senior ranks.
Corey Paull, Grovedale (Geelong)
One of two keepers in the Barwon Rockets squad, Paull is also a natural leader and has been opening the batting for Grovedale in GCA1 first grade, producing a series of starts in 2024-25 so far. Known as “CP”, Paull recently made 34 against Newtown & Chilwell and is a good mover behind the pegs.
Gibson Perry, Homers (Horsham)
A Western Waves representative player. Has also scored almost 50 runs and taken a couple of wickets for Homers in A-grade.
Xavier Power, Bridgewater (Upper Loddon)
A young bowler who is impressing in seniors and juniors for Bridgewater. Power has taken four wickets in a handful of seniors games this season.
Will Prebble, Beechworth Wanderers (Wangaratta)
A talented batter who has played a couple of games in A-grade as a 16-year-old. This year he has scored 49 runs.
Jett Price, Colac (Colac)
A right arm off-spinner who played for Barwon in the VCCL this season in under-21. At club level, he has taken a couple of wickets in the T20 and one day competitions in A-grade.
Akshay Ramkumar, Casey South Melbourne (Premier Cricket)
An off-spinner who once took 8-0 in a game. Has been selected in Victoria Country’s under-17 team this season and plays for Casey South Melbourne in the Premier Cricket. This year he’s played a couple of games in 3rds.
Brodie Reaper, Melbourne (Premier Cricket)
A left handed batter from Bendigo Cricket Club. Last season he made three centuries, including one for Melbourne’s under-18 team in Premier Cricket. Has been named in the Victoria Country under-19 team this season.
Abhilasha Ridrigo, East Ballarat (Ballarat)
A young star on the rise. Played in the last two 1st division premierships in Ballarat with East Ballarat and also represented Victoria Country in under-17. He made almost 200 runs last season. Expect him to play Premier Cricket next year.
Jez Rigoni, Camberwell (Premier Cricket)
A part of Cricket Victoria’s emerging pathways program. A talented all-rounder who dominated in APS last season. He made more than 700 runs and took more than 30 wickets.
Gavin Roulston, Western Park (Warragul)
A 19-year-old batting all rounder who played for Ireland at the World Cup earlier this year, scoring 82 against New Zealand. In the Warragul competition he has scored more than 60 runs and taken three wickets.
Lucas Ruddell, Colac (Colac)
Has represented Barwon in the VCCL in under-18 this season and made 44 in one game. The 16-year-old has also played A-grade for Colac, making 36 runs.
Matt Rulach, Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula)
The right-hander has all the shots and he plays them with power and panache. Rulach announced himself with a superb 103 against Long Island in Provincial Firsts last season and bats at No. 3 for Sorrento.
Lachlan Russell, Geelong Grammar (APS)
The batter has been selected for the Victoria Country under-17 team after strong performances in APS for Geelong Grammar and for Sydney University in grade cricket in Sydney.
Louis Sabbagh-Holt, Kyabram (Shepparton)
The English player has impressed for Kyabram this season. The left arm spinner has taken seven wickets in A-grade.
Kane Scott, Prahran (Premier Cricket)
A keeper-batsmen who comes from the Wodonga Raiders and is playing for Prahran in Premier Cricket. This season he’s played four games in the second XI and is also part of the Victoria Country under-19 team.
Oscar Scott-Waters, Prahran (Premier Cricket)
The Mount Eliza cricket has recently been making runs for fun with Peninsula in APS cricket. He recently made 128 and has also 71 in another match. Scott-Waters is a talented cricket who has recently been selected to play for Victoria Country in under-17 at the upcoming nationals.
Jordy Shields, Moe (Latrobe Valley)
One of the standouts in the competition. The leg spinner, still a teenager, is second in wickets with 12 at an average of 14.5.
Bailey Simpson, Katandra (Shepparton)
The all-rounder has contributed with both bat and ball in A-grade this season. Simpson has scored 96 runs and taken six wickets.
Liam Simpson, Tooradin (Casey Cardinia)
A hard-hitting right-hand bat, Simpson also bowls handy medium pace. He’s shown his clean striking ability with a couple of strong displays for Tooradin this season, including 39 off 29 balls in a T20.
Ollie Simpson, Meerlieu (Bairnsdale)
Is a player of the Gippsland Cricket league side in under-18. He has also represented Gippsland Power in under-16 previously. Simpson has also played well in A-grade this year, scoring 51 runs and taking six wickets.
Jaskabeer Singh, Dandenong (Premier Cricket)
A talented batter with a bright future. Last year, Singh made two centuries in under-18 for Dandenong and a 97 in 3rds. This year, in 2nds, he’s made an 84. Singh is part of Victoria Country’s under-19 squad.
Jordan Seers, Pakenham (Casey Cardinia)
The leggie has already nabbed 11 wickets at 10 this season including 4-29 against Clyde when he dismissed former Test opener Michael Vandort. Tosses them up, has good control and spins it sharply.
Joshua Slater, Mortlake (Warrnambool Moyne)
The talented teenager has impressed for the Western Waves and his clubside to be selected for the under-17 Victoria Country team for the nationals. Capable of batting and bowling, Slater’s performances in particular with the ball, with his pace, has attracted plenty of attention. Slater also plays for Geelong in Premier Cricket.
Angus Smith, Merbein (Sunraysia)
Was named in last year’s Sunraysia team of the year and is an all-rounder on the rise. The off-spinner has taken eight wickets and scored a half century this season.
Seth Smith, Lindenow South/Glenaladale (Bairnsdale)
Is tied as the leading wicket taker in A-grade. The all-rounder has 18 wickets at an average of 7.56. He has also scored 34 runs.
Shaun Smith, Corowa (Albury Wodonga)
Joined Corowa this year from Gundagai and is a talented batter for the future. Smith has made a half century for Corowa and also made 86 for Riverina in a representative colts game. The batter is also a New South Wales Country rep player.
Jaidon Snyman, Alexandra (Seymour)
Developed into one of the best wicket keepers in the Seymour senior competition. Snyman is also quite handy with the bat, opening the batting for Alexandra in seniors and B-grade. Snyman, who is keen to learn, will play in the under-17 Seymour District representative team later this season.
Murphy Stephens, Barooga (Murray Valley)
Averages more than 40 with the bat and made a half-century earlier this season. A talented cricketer who is still playing under-16 and also represented Southern Riverina in different age groups.
Jack Stewart, Wodonga Raiders (Albury Wodonga)
Been in good form recently. The top-order batsman has scored two half centuries to be one of the leading run scorers in the Albury Wodonga 1st grade competition.
Samuel Stewart, West Bairnsdale (Bairnsdale)
The best run scorer in A-grade in Bairnsdale of those aged under 21. He has 220 runs at an average of 40.
Matteo Surace, Barwon Heads (Bellarine)
Also playing in Barwon Heads’ A1 team with Hyland (above), top order batter Surace has a highest score of 51 this year for the Seagulls.
Surace also made an unbeaten 100 against Highton in the under-17s last round.
Liam Sutton, Tocumwal (Murray Valley)
Was selected recently to play in the Bradman Cup. One of the leading bowlers in the A-grade competition despite being a teenager still. He’s taken seven wickets this season.
James Thewlis, Camberwell/St Kilda (Premier Cricket)
The Wangaratta Magpie is part of Victoria Country’s under-19 squad. Thewlis is not only a good batsman but he bowls off-spin as well. He’s played a couple of games for St Kilda and Camberwell in Premier Cricket in recent seasons.
Billy Thomson, Carrum (Mornington Peninsula)
The teenage all-rounder has got stronger and bowls right-arm spin, and bats well through the middle-order, happy to either drop anchor or hit the ball hard.
Max Thompson, Nyah District (Swan Hill)
A teenage sensation who has impressed this year. Thompson represented Victoria in the under-15 school sport nationals and was also part of the Mallee Murray Suns last season. In A-grade, in Swan Hill, he is the fourth leading run scorer and has also taken four wickets with the ball.
Will Trower, Waaia (Shepparton)
A talented bowler. Currently in the top-10 in wickets taken this year in A-grade in Shepparton. Trower has taken 14 including one five-wicket haul. He also represented Northern Rivers in under-18 in the VCCL.
Braxton Tucker, Seymour (Seymour)
At just 11-years-old, Tucker is one player for the future. He played his first senior cricket this season, taking wickets with his accuracy. He will represent Seymour District in rep cricket later this year.
Ned Uren, Derrinallum (Grenville)
A talented all-rounder in the competition. The 20-year-old is in the top three in wickets and top-10 in runs. Has taken 13 wickets this season in the competition.
Edison Waghorn, Yea (Seymour)
Plays for three clubs, Yea, Euroa (Shepparton) and Preston (JG Craig Shield) and is a talented spinner. Waghorn is also handy with the bat, making big scores in country week, when representing Seymour. This season he has made 63 runs in A-grade for Yea and taken seven wickets, which makes him the joint leader in bowling.
Tighe Warburton, South Portland (Hamilton)
Made the Hamilton District team of the year last year and is currently part of the Western Waves VCCL team. Has made more than 100 runs in A-grade and also played for Port Fairy in the under-17 Warrnambool Moyne competition.
Angus Webb, Greenvale Kangaroos (Premier Cricket)
Recently made his first ever century in 1st XI Premier Cricket with 105 for the Greenvale Kangaroos. Been an impressive player in the competition. Webb is a former player in the Wangaratta competition, playing for the Wangaratta Magpies.
Max Welsh, Stratford (Sale-Maffra)
A superstar in the Sale Maffra competition. The opener has already made two half centuries and is one of the leading run scorers in the competition.
Matthew Whelan, Berrigan (Murray Valley)
A left arm swing bowler who recently took a five-for against Finley. Has taken eight wickets this season to be one of the leading wicket takers.
Nathan Whitford, Collegians (Premier Cricket)
The fast bowler has moved to Premier Cricket this season to play for Dandenong in first XI. He has played a few matches and has also taken his first wicket for the season. Whitford last year represented Victoria Country in under-17.
Xavier Wishart, Camberwell (Premier Cricket)
A quick fast bowler from Cohuna. Wishart can also bat, making more than 100 runs for Nondies Cohuna in A-grade. The teenager will also represent Victoria Country in under-19 at the upcoming nationals and has played Premier Cricket for Camberwell.
Kaiden Withers, Belvoir (Albury Wodonga)
The opener has scored almost 100 runs for the season including a 68 in a one dayer.
Max Woodall, Mirboo North (Latrobe Valley)
Was last year’s young cricketer of the year in the Latrobe Valley. Is handy with both bat and ball and made 37 in one A-grade match this season.
Ashton Wright, Rosedale-Kilmany (Sale-Maffra)
The batter has impressed this season in A-grade while also representing Gippsland in under-18 in the VCCL. He averages 32.5 with the bat and also made 49 for the Pride against Barwon.
Jack Young, Torquay (Geelong)
A big lad, headstrong with a desire to succeed, and always seen proudly in club gear, Young is a top order bat currently playing in the Tigers’ GCA2 second grade team.
Has put his name up for higher honours after successive scores of 79 and 82 against Geelong West and Murgheboluc respectively in the lower grades.
The top 10
1. Ollie Peake, Geelong (Premier Cricket)
On track to be a genuine star of Australian cricket. Peake played a vital role in Australia’s success at the recent under-19 World Cup, which saw the team make the final. Recently he made 100 in both a test and one dayer against India in India. This season he’s made 31 and 71 for Geelong’s first XI in Premier Cricket and is one of best young batters in the country.
2. Liam Blackford, Geelong (Premier Cricket)
The third best Victorian wicketkeeper and is part of the state team. The 20-year-old has played a couple of second XI matches this season for Victoria, scoring 37 and 29 in separate games. Has also played Premier Cricket for Geelong.
3. Austin Anlezark, Boisdale-Briagolong (Premier Cricket)
A left arm bowler who has risen up the ranks in the previous few months to earn a rookie contract with Victoria. The teenager took 6/27 earlier this year for Victoria’s under-19 team against New South Wales to show his talent. His raw speed and swing bamboozled the opposition. Anlezark has also represented Australia and will be looking to impress this season for Richmond in Premier Cricket and whenever he can play for Victoria’s second XI.
4. Harkirat Bajwa, Melbourne (Premier Cricket)
The 20-year-old has played for Australia in the past two under-19 World Cup’s and is one of the state’s best young prospects in spin. Bajwa has played a couple of matches for Melbourne in Premier Cricket this season, taking six wickets for the season.
5. Harry Hoekstra, Leongatha (Premier Cricket)
Currently in the under-19 Australian cricket team and recently toured India. A left arm pace bowler who has risen up the ranks to play with Casey South Melbourne in Premier Cricket. He’s taken a couple of wickets for Casey South Melbourne in first XI and is also part of the Victoria Country under-19 team for this year.
6. Archie Lalor, Bacchus Marsh (Ballarat/Premier Cricket)
The brother of Sam Lalor, who went number one in the AFL draft last Wednesday night. Unlucky to miss the under-19 Australian World Cup squad, just missing the cut. Lalor is a tall fast bowler who is expected to get better over the next couple of years. Is currently playing Premier Cricket for Northcote and is part of the Victoria Country under-19 team for second year in a row.
7. Xander Buxton, Melbourne (Premier Cricket)
The wicketkeeper just missed the main squad for the under-19 World Cup, being named as a reserve. Buxton impressed last year in first XI Premier Cricket but hasn’t played a game yet this season.
8. Noah Hurley, Dandenong (Premier Cricket)
One of the best bowlers in Premier Cricket. Last season he took 25 wickets and has already started this season in similar form. He also represented Victoria’s 2nd XI against South Australia and could be considered for more games this season. He played his junior cricket at Collegians in the Sale-Maffra competition.
9. Jobe Fraser, Yarrawonga Mulwala (Wangaratta)
A member of the under-19 Victoria Country emerging team. Fraser not only has played for Yarrawonga Mulwala but competes for Caulfield in APS and Camberwell in Premier Cricket. Earlier this season he scored 130 against Haileybury in the APS competition. A talented left handed batsmen who can also bowl spin very well.
10. Lucas Cavigan, Essendon (Premier Cricket)
An attacking batsman who will play in under-19 again for Victoria Country after competing for the team last season at the nationals. Cavigan is an ex-Beechworth Wanderers player who has also played for Gisborne and Wallan in recent years.
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Albury Wodonga sale and auction results, week ending February 16
There were 18 properties sold in Albury Wodonga last week, with 57 new listings in the region. See the latest auction and sales results.