Greenvale Kangaroos stung by departures of promising Premier Cricket talents Jordan Buckingham and Ryan Stingel

GREENVALE Kangaroos coach Matthew Love concedes the Premier Cricket battler needs to “build a culture” which encourages player retention after the loss of two of the club’s most promising talents.

Batsman Ryan Stingel has left Greenvale Kangaroos to join Essendon. Picture: Arj Giese.

GREENVALE Kangaroos coach Matthew Love concedes the Premier Cricket battler needs to “build a culture” which encourages player retention after the loss of two of the club’s most promising talents.

Batsman Ryan Stingel, who made a First XI century in his second game last season, has crossed to Essendon, while emerging paceman Jordan Buckingham has joined Footscray.

The Roos have struggled to keep some of their best players at Greenvale Reserve in recent years, with James Lidgett (Essendon), Aaron Smillie (Carlton) and Adam Amin (Monash Tigers) among those who have crossed to rival clubs.

Love expressed disappointment other teams would “target a club that has been struggling”, but added he understood the often ruthless nature of recruiting.

“What’s disappointing is clubs targeting a club that has been struggling for the last five years,” Love said.

“Targeting our homegrown and young players that are coming through. That’s probably the most disappointing aspect of that.

“But we have got to address that and do our best to maintain the current crop and build a culture that makes them want to stay.”

Jordan Buckingham (centre) celebrates a wicket last summer. Picture: Hamish Blair.

Love said it would be difficult to place restrictions on recruiting from one club.

“It’s a tough one because everyone is looking to improve their list, and I am well aware of that, as we are as well,” he said.

Greenvale expects most of its First XI squad will recommit for 2018-19, with captain Kyle Adams one of the first players to welcome Love to his new role.

“Kyle and the other more senior players, the attitude and feeling is really one of excitement and in one way, they are just sick of losing,” Love said.

“The attitude is great and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

The Roos finished bottom of the First XI ladder last season, winning only two games.

Greenvale expects to unveil its first recruits in the next two weeks and has targeted players in their mid-20s to bolster its leadership.

Love, who has arrived from Sub-District Cricket club Yarraville, will have support from assistant coaches Andrew McCammond, Chris Marantelli, Ray Bright and Jeff Calloway in his first summer at the helm.