Damien Fleming returns to Casey South Melbourne in coaching capacity
One of the Swans’ many Test cricketers, Damien Fleming has signed on as high performance consultant for the 2020-21 season.
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Damien Fleming made his debut for South Melbourne in 1986-87, a lean pace bowler from Springvale South with the ability to swing the ball prodigiously.
He rose quickly, and all the way to Test cricket, joining the Swans’ long and distinguished register of Australian representatives.
Fleming has always maintained his ties with the club, grateful to it for giving him his start in Premier Cricket.
Now he’s back in an official capacity with the Swans, signing on as high performance consultant for 2020-21.
It’s a lofty title but in essence he’ll be working with the Casey South Melbourne bowlers, who will also be able to turn to former Victorian paceman Will Carr, an assistant to head coach Brian Keogh.
Fleming supported the club’s move to Casey Fields in Cranbourne and in the years since has lent his name to the Swans’ academy program and stayed in contact with officials.
He also had a hand in recruiting English star Luke Wells.
“I’m delighted to be back involved at Casey South Melbourne in what are exciting times for the club,’’ Fleming, who played 20 Test matches, said.
“Having played for the Bloods for 17 summers I’m very passionate about getting stuck into my role and helping the next generation of CSM cricketers.
“I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with all players and coaches, and passing on all the knowledge I’ve learnt playing in successful Australian and Victorian cricket teams as we strive for success across all our teams.”
President Shaun Petrie said: “Damien has always been very generous with his time in the past. He has regularly appeared at club functions in guest speaking roles and he’s always been available at training sessions with our own Damian Fleming Academy (our junior development program).
“This latest signing formalises an agreement that will see Fleming officially appointed as a high performance consultant where he’ll be spending considerably more time addressing the senior playing group, conducting small group training sessions with our established and promising quicks, and an ongoing commitment to our Damian Fleming Academy.’’
He added: “We’re so lucky to have ‘Flem’ involved. He’s a very generous guy, this just shows the passion he has for CSMCC and the development of young promising talent. Imagine being a young up and comer at our club and getting to talk cricket, tactics, and keys to success with someone of the calibre of Damien Fleming. He’s not just a famous name, he’s an extraordinarily good cricket coach. Flem also knows what’s required to get selected for Victoria. He’ll be an amazing resource for the club and our players”.
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Keogh said Fleming was a “legend’’ of the club and a leader in coaching.
“He will be a great mentor and sounding board for our young leaders along with all of our coaches,’’ Keogh said. “Flem is great fun to be around and will add enormously to our club in lots of different areas.”
In between his national and state commitments Fleming played 104 matches for the Swans, snaring 224 wickets at 17.85, with a best of 8-65.