VSDCA: St Bernard’s appoints premiership VTCA coach Nigel Freebairn as new mentor

NEW coach Nigel Freebairn says “a bit more consistency” can help St Bernard’s achieve a maiden Sub-District Cricket finals berth in his first season in charge.

St Bernard’s batsman Chris Spinella strikes a drive during the club’s 2017-18 campaign. Picture: Mark Dadswell.

NEW coach Nigel Freebairn says “a bit more consistency” can help St Bernard’s achieve a maiden Sub-District Cricket finals berth in his first season in charge.

Freebairn, who coached Keilor to a Turf Cricket premiership and has led the Snowdogs under-14 and under-16 sides, was announced as Chris Davis’ replacement on Thursday.

A former player with Druids and Keilor, Freebairn said the opportunity to lead St Bernard’s had “lit the fire again” after several seasons coaching junior cricket.

“A couple of unexpected losses last year potentially cost them a finals berth,” Freebairn said.

“I think we have got a good, strong, solid base. If we were to reduce the poor games and be more consistent throughout, that might be the extra couple of games we are looking for to play finals.

“But that said, next year is a new season. It’s important to get a good, positive start to the year.

“What I am hoping to get into the side ... is just a bit more match awareness, a bit more consistency and hopefully I can add a bit to improve the professionalism around the place.”

President Brendan Davey said Freebairn had been “jumping out of his seat” since first discussing the coaching role.

“It was probably one of the shortest committee meetings I have had to hold. We were all in agreeance that he was the one that we wanted,” Davey said.

The Snowdogs expect to retain each member of their First XI squad, which finished ninth in the North-West group and missed finals by six points.

“St Bernard’s is relatively new to the subbies in the last two years, so still a lot of growth,” Freebairn said.

“We would like to take the professionalism of the club up a notch, perhaps in line with some of the better Sub-District sides.”

The 46-year-old’s knowledge of the Snowdogs’ young players was a key reason the club offered him the role.

“We will certainly be open to the idea of promoting younger players if their performances warrant it,” he said.

Paceman Arosh Janoda was the club’s leading votegetter in Friday’s Val Holten Medal count, finishing equal third on 14 votes.