VSDCA: Coburg signs Aaron Shellie as captain-coach

Aaron Shellie is back at VSDCA club Coburg as captain-coach after six seasons in the Premier Cricket ranks. And the Burgers couldn’t be happier.

Aaron Shellie is back at Coburg after six seasons at Essendon. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Asked if Coburg had contacted Aaron Shellie about the possibility of returning to the VSDCA club in recent months, president Darren Scott shot back: “We’ve been talking about it for a couple of years”.

Before Christmas, Shellie was unsure about his future in the Premier Cricket ranks.

A few weeks later he expressed interest in taking over as captain-coach at the Burgers.

FORMER IRELAND CAPTAIN TO COACH GREENVALE

THE BIGGEST RECRUITS IN LOCAL FOOTY

THE BEST LOCAL FOOTY GAMES TO WATCH ON SATURDAY

While the finer points of the agreement have not been ratified, Shellie is set to sign on for at least the next two summers.

Shellie has spent the past six campaigns with Essendon, hitting two First XI centuries, including a 130 at No. 6 in the final round of the regular season.

In 2012-13, he established himself as one of the VSDCA’s leading all-rounders as he punched out 471 runs and snared 22 wickets before securing an opportunity at Essendon.

Aaron Shellie goes on the attack for Coburg in 2012.

“It’s a huge bonus on the field and off the field as well,” Scott said.

“We’re just delighted to have him back. He’s a quality player, quality person.

“He brings a hell of a lot to our cricket club.”

Coburg has had a lean run since a long list of player departures at the end of 2016-17 triggered a rebuild.

The Burgers made finals two seasons ago and have claimed just five wins since.

But, encouragingly, they won four games in the most recent campaign under non-playing coach Rick Waters and captain Zac Thorne.

Scott is hopeful the pair will remain involved with the club.

“Aaron’s very keen to have Zac on board as a player,” he said.

“Zac’s a very good player, good clubman and he’s got great experience.

“But when you grab a marquee player like Aaron Shellie, unfortunately we’ve got to look at these things and go with what we need to do.”

Scott is also confident the acquisition of Shellie will assist the Burgers in retaining their players and bolstering their squad.

“By signing Aaron, there will probably be a natural attraction (for recruits),” he said.

“We’ve got a few irons in the fire at the moment. We’ve spoken to quite a few guys, but you don’t know you’ve got them until they sign on the dotted line.

“If we can pick up another couple with Aaron and retain what we’ve got, we’ll be looking forward to playing finals next year.”