Bacchus Marsh to chase first Ballarat Cricket Association premiership

Hot on the heels of his brother Sam lighting up the MCG for Richmond, another member of the Lalor family is chasing some glory of his own this weekend. Here’s how he can do it.

Will and Sam Lalor playing for their Coates Talent League sides. Picture: Supplied.

Sam Lalor lit up the MCG on his AFL debut but now he’s hoping it’s his older brother’s chance to create his own history.

Will is set to play for Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Cricket Association Division 1 grand final from Saturday as the Lalor family’s home club chases its first premiership in the competition.

The Round 1 AFL Rising Star was a talented dual-sports athlete as a kid, playing First XI cricket for Bacchus in the 2022-23 summer, before footy became his focus.

Now his attention is on Will, who returned to the club after a stint in Premier Cricket with Northcote, and his former teammates who take on Wendouree.

Will said his brother would be eagerly keeping an eye on the four-day contest.

“He’s been getting around all the cricket boys, watching a lot of games,” he said.

“He checks in a lot. He’s planning on (coming), one of the Sundays. He definitely mentioned he wanted to watch a day at least.

“He watches a lot on Frogbox and messages me.”

Sam Lalor impressed in his first AFL match for Richmond last Thursday. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Will said there’s a lot of banter between the two but also plenty of support.

He was there for Sam’s stunning debut against Carlton.

“I was level two behind the goals right where Seth Campbell did the backflip,” Will said.

“It was the best night of my life to be honest, maybe two Sunday’s time (with Bacchus Marsh) might top it.

“Sam loves every part of the AFL life. The professionalism and trying to get better all the time.

“But he’s humble and remembers where he came from.”

Will has had a strong season back, scoring more than 500 runs while averaging more than 37.

He’s also bowled late in the season to provide valuable support.

Will Lalor celebrates a century for Bacchus Marsh. Picture: Belinda Wakefield.

Lalor knows the strong season will mean nothing if the Bulls can’t win the final game.

“I think we are peaking at the right time, it’s the perfect time to do it,” he said.

“Wendouree’s opening bowlers are the best opening combination in the comp. Our middle (batting) order is strong, so hopefully we see them off.

“If we respect them and bat the full 80 overs both innings that will be key. But our bowlers have shown all year no matter what we make as a batting unit we can defend anything.

“We bowled the best team out for 97. If it doesn’t work with the bat our bowlers are there to back us up.”

Will hopes he’s one of the batters to perform.

“I’m in a bit of a slump at the moment, this week is the time to get out of it,” he said.

The grand finals starts on Saturday at 1pm.