Premier Cricket 2018-19: New Camberwell Magpies captain Andrew Fekete outlines plans for the club
ANDREW Fekete is back at Camberwell and desperate to take the Magpies back up the Premier Cricket ranks.
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ANDREW Fekete is back at Camberwell and desperate to take the Magpies back up the Premier Cricket ranks.
The former Tasmanian quick was unveiled as Camberwell’s new skipper for 2018-19 on the eve of Round 1 after returning to the Sports Ground over the winter, replacing Tom Russ in the role.
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But the 33-year-old’s captaincy debut has been put on hold after receiving a Victorian call-up.
Fekete played in the JLT Cup semi-final against Western Australia and took 2-20 from an economical six overs in the 50-over final against Tasmania.
His efforts also won him a call-up for the opening round of the Sheffield Shield fixture against Western Australia.
“When I moved back to Melbourne I was 50-50 as to if I would try play on at state level,” Fekete said.
“I thought, ‘you’re a long time retired’ and speaking to the coaches at Victoria it sounded like there was a bit of opportunity maybe with the ball, more so in Shield cricket to play some games.
“I don’t know how much longer I want to play state cricket for.
“We’ll get to the end of the season and see how I’m travelling and weight it all up, but I’m enjoying being in the Victorian set up at the moment.”
Fekete featured in 33 first-class games for Tasmania across his six seasons, returning 113 wickets at an average of 30.
His best season came in 2014-15 when he claimed 37 scalps — the most of any bowler in the Shield that summer — to put him on the cusp of receiving a baggy green.
Fekete was a bolter in the Australian squad for the tour of Bangladesh in 2015, only for the series to be cancelled over security threats.
He played in last season’s domestic four-day final, which Queensland won by nine wickets to be crowned champions.
Fekete said playing alongside the likes of Australian great Ricky Ponting and fellow Test cricketers George Bailey, Ben Hilfenhaus, Xavier Doherty, Alex Doolan and current captain Tim Paine on the Apple Isle provided invaluable experiences.
“Fond memories,” Fekete said when reflecting on his time at the Tigers.
“My first year down there … it just had this aura about the place. Tassie won the Shield in my first season there.
“There was a few tough years. We didn’t win a lot of games of cricket and the last 18 months, two years there was a bit of changeover in the management and coaching staff.
“There were some tough times but the opportunities I got … we did have a bit of success towards the back end of last season, which was great to be a part of. Loved my time down there.”
Russ stepped down from the captaincy post after one season, opening the door for Fekete to take the reins this summer.
With Tasmanian Brad Loveluck replacing Brendan Drew as coach, there is a vibrancy around Camberwell.
The additions of English wicketkeeper batsman Lewis McManus, promising top-order batsman Oli Gunning and leg-spinning all-rounder James Rosewarne should also put the Magpies in contention for a return to finals.
“The next step now is to not only make finals but to start winning some finals in the firsts and throughout the rest of the grades,” he said.
“We feel we’ve got a list now that can challenge for a top four, top six finish and hopefully do a bit of damage in finals.”
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