Casey South Melbourne disappointed to lose young batsman

Having given Aaron Fernando his start in Premier Cricket, the Swans are disappointed he has joined regional rival Dandenong.

Aaron Fernando batting for Casey South Melbourne last season. Pic: Chris Thomas

Casey South Melbourne has taken a blow with promising young batsman Aaron Fernando leaving the Premier club.

The right-hander, introduced to the First XI last season, has crossed to region rival Dandenong.

He had previously played for Monash Tigers.

CSM president Shaun Petrie released a statement this morning saying he was disappointed Fernando had decided to leave.

The Swans had presented him with the Ossie Wright Shield for 2019-20 as their most improved player.

“He is a good young guy with some talent and we genuinely thought he had a good career ahead of him at CSMCC,’’ Petrie said.

“Aaron came to the club two seasons ago after two seasons with Monash Tigers. In his first year with us he performed well in the thirds. After a good pre-season in (2019-20) he started in the seconds and made a nice 70 in Round 1. He was immediately promoted to the firsts and made 36.

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“Unfortunately for Aaron, Luke Wells arrived for Round 3 and took his spot. Aaron went on to play in our Super Slam series and later he was again promoted to the firsts so we’re very comfortable that he was given every opportunity to develop.

“Cricket at this level is a tough gig. Selection doesn’t always go your way and we are not in the habit of making promises.’’

He added: “We wish Aaron all the best in his endeavours to reach the goals he has set for himself. He is very welcome back to the club if anything changes in the future.’’

The Swans had already lost fast bowler Josh Dowling, who won the bowling award last season and has joined Narre South, and fellow paceman Jordan Hammond, who has returned to Hallam Kalora Park.

Josh Dowling has joined Narre South.

And champion English batsman Luke Wells won’t be returning for a third season.

But the Swans say they are excited about the talent coming through.

“Our Damien Fleming Academy was really ramped up last season, led by Mat Pearson and his crew of very capable coaches,’’ Petrie said.

“We are investing even more time and resources into the DFA this season and beyond. This is providing a sustainable list of very talented and determined young cricketers and we feel on field success is very achievable in the short-term.’’

In some good news, teenage spinner Isaiah Jassal has joined new assistant coach Will Carr in making the move from Berwick.

Jassal turned heads last season when he took 6-4 in a Dandenong association T20 match against Narre South.