VTCA: The must watch young guns of season 2023-24

Talented youngsters continue to make their way through the ranks of Victorian Turf Cricket Association clubs. Here’s some of the rising stars to look out for this season.

The talent coming through the ranks at Victorian Turf Cricket Association clubs is continuing to grow.

Players under the age of 23 are starting to make their mark as the next wave of superstars come through.

Here are the young guns to keep an eye on this season.

Copper Albers, Moonee Ponds

A very mature bowler with composure beyond his years. The 16-year-old is among the competition’s brightest prospects.

Tom Answerth, Doutta Stars

Officially moves into the senior ranks this year. A batting all rounder, Answerth has grown over the off-season. Has a deadly arm in the field and already moved some of the older fellas out of the slips and found himself at home in first slip at the ripe age of 16 last season.

Harry Baillie, Burnside Springs United

Had a tremendous first season on turf last year with the gloves. This season he will step up the ranks into the First XI and play an integral role as a keeper-batsmen.

Zac Bateman, Moonee Ponds

The all-rounder is quickly developing into a fine player. He won the club’s batting and bowling awards last season.

Tom Beecham, Keilor Park

Expected to take a big step forwards First XI cricket this season after promising displays in the Seconds last campaign.

Cotter is a star on the rise at Keilor Park.

Zach Cotter, Keilor Park

Still playing under-16s cricket last summer, Cotter looms as an exciting talent if given the opportunity in Division 2.

Oliver Davidson, Grand United

Arrives at the club as full Scotland international. Expected to play a key role as an all-rounder.

Daniel Deasy, Footscray United

A new player at the club this season after spending time with Essendon. Another all-rounder who bowls spin.

Pat Didham, Moonee Ponds

The 21-year-old opening batsman made the Division 4 Team of the Year last season. A fine young leader of the club. He is the son of famous jockey, John.

Ben Doll, Grand United

A homegrown junior who has won two First XI premierships at Grand United CC at the age of 21. An opening bowler and hard hitting middle order batsman.

Reeve Evitts, Keilor

The teenager arrives from the UK with a big reputation with bat and ball. Made his debut for Worcestershire last season.

Keilor star Matthew Gaskett. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Matt Gaskett, Keilor

Took home the Senior Division Paxino Medal last season after finishing with 34 wickets at 12.82. The left-arm spinner will play a key role for his side again.

Oscar Hodgetts, Burnside Springs United

Hodgetts was challenged with being a top four batsman in his first full season of senior men’s cricket last campaign. He showed glimpses of why he is a highly regarded batsmen at the club, and now with a full season under his belt, he could him step up another level this season.

Kane Holden, Grand United

Holden is a homegrown talented all-rounder, who took out a clean sweep of the WRJCA Champion Player awards last season. He returns to the senior ranks after being one of the leading players at just 16 in Division 5 for Sunshine YCW.

Kyle Holden, Grand United

Played a big role in the club’s First XI premiership last season as a top order batsman. Will look to take another step this year. Keilor

Josh Kelly, Burnside Springs United

Kelly is an emerging fast swing bowler who has risen through the club’s junior and senior ranks. He has worked extremely hard over the past three seasons to break his way into the First XI and last season showed that he will be a tremendous talent.

Ryan Lockie, Grand United

Arrives at the club from Deer Park after playing in last season’s Senior Division grand final. Adds depth to the Gorilla’s batting stocks.

Jackson Martin, Yarraville Club

The young leggie is among the state’s most promising prospects. Despite his age, he is quickly becoming a seasoned veteran at the level.

Kobi Maynard, St Francis De Sales

The 15-year-old is a top order batsman and right arm medium bowler. Claimed the club’s Second XI batting average last season with 240 runs, including a 62 to finish the year. He is also extremely consistent with the ball, claiming 12 wickets in 12 matches in the 2s. Will be pushing for a First XI debut this year to play with his Dad.

Aidan McConnell, Doutta Stars

An emerging fast bowler who has been in and around the senior ranks for several years. Also adds plenty with the bat in the lower order.

Lucas McKinnon of St Francis de Sales. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Lucas McKinnon, St Francis De Sales

A top order batsman and left arm orthodox bowler. The 18-year-old had a breakout season last year for the First XI, scoring 259 runs and taking 13 wickets. Broke his finger and missed out on a finals campaign last season.

Daniel Melican, Footscray United

Set to captain the club this season. Melican adds value as a spinner and middle order batsman. He is also his club’s vice-president.

Ryan Metz, Keilor

The developing fast bowler had a strong impact for Keilor last week and is expected to go to another level.

Sam Waine, Footscray United

Expected to be in and around the First XI throughout the season, Waine also plays a key role off the field.

Luke Whitchurch in action for Pascoe Vale Hadfield.

Luke Whitchurch, Pascoe Vale Hadfield

Despite being just 19, this will be Whitchurch’s second season as the club’s vice-captain. He made his First XI debut at 15. The top order batman has won plaudits across the club for his leadership ability.

Will Wright, Aberfeldie

An Aberfeldie junior product, Wright burst onto the scene in the 2021-22 season, making a significant impact as a right arm pace bowler. This year he’s expected to play a key role in the First XI bowling attack, supporting spearhead Jack Sheppard and captain/coach Tal Wright as Abers push for their first Senior Division premiership.

Nick Xavier, Deer Park

At just 15, Deer Park is excited by the young bowler’s prospects of potentially playing First XI cricket this summer.