Premier Cricket 2018-19: Greenvale Kangaroos face key off-season calls in effort to climb ladder

Greenvale Kangaroos face a crucial off-season of decision-making as the club strives to begin its rise up the Premier Cricket ranks.

Sunam Gautam drives during Greenvale’s loss to Footscray. Picture: Josie Hayden

Greenvale Kangaroos face a crucial off-season of decision-making as the club strives to begin its rise up the Premier Cricket ranks.

The Roos were destined for another bottom-four finish heading into the last weekend of the campaign, but have reason for optimism after making several breakthroughs in Matthew Love’s first summer as coach.

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“What we have been able to produce on and off the field has been a massive improvement,” Love said.

“Hearing from the committee members and guys that have been there for a few years, they’ve really said there’s (been) a lot of improvement.

“Not just the wins on the board, but the attendance at training.

“Even guys sticking around for meals on Thursday nights, selection nights, things like that.

“The numbers have been a big improvement and the general atmosphere around the club.”

Nepalese all-rounder Sunam Gautam has emerged as a genuine matchwinner, Humza Ali has shown promise with the ball and the club regularly pushed more-fancied teams in an encouraging sign for its future.

Humza Ali has shown potential with the ball. Picture: Hamish Blair

Andrew Umeed plays a deft cut for Greenvale on Saturday. Picture: Josie Hayden

Love was full of praise for spin-bowling all-rounder Gautam, who will be in contention for Team of the Year honours after a summer yielded 29 wickets and 447 runs.

“He’s been absolutely outstanding, and it’s not just his batting and bowling,” Love said.

“His ground fielding and movement around the field has been really important as well.

“Being able to throw him into positions where the ball is going a lot and he can make an impact there as well.

“He should be very satisfied with the season he has had and a lot of other guys have shown glimpses.

“Their ability is up to the standard. They have just got to work on more consistency.”

The Roos made several key off-field appointments ahead of 2018-19, adding Peter Di Venuto as director of cricket and Trent Johnston as director of coaching.

The club will now turn its attention to bolstering its playing stocks as it looks to translate its potential into greater success.

“After seeing what we have got, it’s easier to target what we need,” Love said.

“Peter has seen a lot of the guys up close as well. (We can) strategically plan and look for guys we want to develop to push the club forward.”

Love topscored with 85 but Greenvale was dismissed for 197 on Saturday in reply to Footscray’s 362.

The Roos finished 17th with a 3-2-11 record after the last-round defeat.