VTCA: Yarraville Club signs Trent Lawford from Fitzroy Doncaster

It might only be May, but Yarraville Club has locked in what is likely to be the biggest signing of the off-season after missing VTCA finals in 2018-19.

Trent Lawford celebrates one of his many wickets for Fitzroy Doncaster.

You wouldn’t blame Yarraville Club’s VTCA Senior Division rivals for issuing a Mayday call.

It might only be May, but the Clubbers have locked in what is likely to be the biggest signing of the off-season after missing finals in 2018-19.

Trent Lawford, who can destroy opposition batting line-ups and cause myriad headaches for bowlers, has put pen to paper with the powerhouse club in a significant coup.

The Ryder Medal winner has spent the past four seasons with Fitzroy Doncaster, establishing himself as an undisputed gun in Victoria’s pre-eminent cricket competition.

Since arriving before the 2015-16 summer, Lawford has taken 193 wickets and hit 1339 runs to lead Fitzroy Doncaster to two premierships and a grand final appearance.

He was crowned the Premier Cricket’s best player in 2017-18.

Trent Lawford claimed the Ryder Medal in 2017-18. Picture: Getty Images

Yarraville Club president Gillian Powell said the Clubbers’ history of success, the benefit of playing locally and the facilities at Hansen Reserve proved attractive to Lawford, who lives in West Footscray.

“We couldn’t believe our good fortune to secure him,” Powell said.

“A lot of people were obviously really interested in him and we didn’t think we’d be able to necessarily secure him at one stage.

“We were lucky to have some good connections with him. James Damjanovski, who plays in our ones, had known Trent for many years…so we had that off-field connection that they were good friends.

“I suppose Trent got to know a little bit about our club via that.”

Lawford will take over the captaincy from Andy Cullen, who has stepped aside because of work and family commitments.

Powell said he had expressed interest in a leadership role and it was a “no-brainer” to let him take charge of the First XI.

“Andy had actually talked about stepping down well before the end of the season,” she said.

“He lives in Kyneton and works in Geelong, so getting to training two nights a week was becoming a really big effort.

“(Lawford) is a really smart, intelligent cricketer. He understands how to play our version of cricket I think.”

Trent Lawford in full flight. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Lawford had stints with Wyndhamvale, Deer Park, Werribee Centrals and Hoppers Crossing and spent time in South Australia before joining Fitzroy Doncaster.

The burly 31-year-old bashed 265 off 187 balls, including 28 sixes, for Adelaide in South Australia’s grade competition in 2014.

“He’s obviously got that great explosive ability on the field…but more than that he’s just got that great personality that people warm to,” Powell said.

“He came to our presentation night and just fitted in like he’d been at the club for years.

“For us that’s the No.1 thing…we’re looking for people who fit the club profile.”

Yarraville Club has claimed eight of the past 11 Senior Division flags and narrowly avoided relegation this year after finishing sixth.

Star batsman and former coach Justin Baker has crossed to Buckley Park, while ever-consistent all-rounder Konrad Kurta is set to return to New Zealand.

Powell said the club was in a transition phase and opportunities were available for young players to replace the veterans.