MPCA clubs make key signings ahead of 2021-22 season

Cricket clearances are about to open in the MPCA. We take a look at the key signings and appointments as clubs get set for a sizzling summer.

McKenzie Gardner, batting for Frankston Peninsula, is a key addition for Seaford Tigers.

Cricket clearances open on Sunday and new Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association general manager Jason Nagel is expecting a flood of applications.

Sorrento, Long Island, Rosebud and Carrum Downs hoisted First XI premierships last season, and they’ll all be hard to beat again in 2021-22.

But the challenges will come thick and fast.

Success-hungry rivals have been working hard behind the scenes to close the gap.

In Provincial, Old Peninsula have had a change of captain, with champion all-rounder Justin Grant to lead the powerful Pirates.

Langwarrin has undergone plenty of changes since losing to eventual premiers Sorrento in a semi-final last season.

Star all-rounder Matt Prosser has taken over as Kangas coach and they’ve recruited strongly, headlined by Gloucestershire batsman Ian Cockbain and Baxter champ Chris Brittain.

There could be more than 1000 runs between that pair.

Mordialloc's Dylan Campbell has joined Langwarrin. Picture: Brendan Francis.

Former Mordialloc skipper Dylan Campbell is another gun recruit for Langy, joining his brother, Travis.

Match-winning all-rounder Stuart Plunkett is another Langy addition, although word is an injured shoulder may sideline him early in the season.

Last season’s grand finalists Baden Powell have a new coach, with star opening bowler Zacc Klan taking on the top job.

Mt Eliza, after underperforming last season, has a new coach — former Melbourne and Coomoora player Trevor Lovitt. Lovitt also has a strong football background, including stints as senior assistant at Noble Park and Frankston VFL and as senior coach at Mulgrave and the USA national AFL team in 2006-07.

In more good news for the Mounties, premiership players Chris McDonough and Tim Strickland will lend a hand as senior assistant coaches.

Red Hill beat a raft of MPCA clubs to the prized signature of Frankston Peninsula all-rounder Chris Dew. He will significantly strengthen the Hillmen batting.

Just weeks after winning the MPCA Peninsula grand final in March, Long Island was making key signings.

First, they locked in former Dandenong keeper-batsman Josh Dowling as playing-coach, with Rob Birnie his assistant.

The Islanders also signed Ferntree Gully Country Week paceman Jurgen Andersen and former Richmond Premier Cricket quickie Matt Shimell.

It all means Long Island will be well-equipped to make a run at the finals in Provincial.

Mornington champion Anthony Gapes will skipper the Bulldogs.

In Peninsula, a big signing for Seaford Tigers, with Mackenzie Gardner returning home after spending three years at Frankston Peninsula.

The talented keeper-batsman played all 17 games in Frankston’s 1st XI last season.

After being relegated for the first time in its history, Mornington has undergone key changes, with champion Anthony Gapes taking over as club captain and Rob Parker as senior coach.

Pines has had a change of coach, with former Frankston Peninsula and Victorian Under-19 fast bowler Jackson Mockett taking the reins.

The Piners have also appointed Brett “Bart” Hudgson as director of coaching.

Somerville has added Langwarrin premiership batsman Riley Davie, a quality left-hander and gun fielder.

Off the field, the Eagles have had a change of presidency with the great Peter Alp stepping down after 10 years and replaced by Adrian Ridout.

Heatherhill signed Baxter duo Adeel Hussain and Joe Rule. Hussain will take on the role of bowling coach while Rule will be vice-captain.

Ryan and Taylor Harrison will add talent and experience to Main Ridge.

Main Ridge, after the sting of relegation, has been busy plotting its fight back.

The Cougars appointed the great Gareth Wyatt as coach and signed Baden Powell brothers Taylor and Ryan Harrison.

Taylor, a premiership player against Main Ridge in 2018-19, will give the bowling attack a steely edge, while Ryan will add plenty with his leg spinners and adept batting.

In District, some big additions for Dromana, none bigger than Jack Fowler returning as senior coach after stints in Premier Cricket with Kingston Hawthorn and Dandenong.

The Hoppers have also added quality Mornington paceman Rueben Higgins and talented all-rounder Waide Symes from Crib Point.

Crib Point has handed the coaching reins to loyal club man Adam Keulen.

A big season is ahead for Seaford, which will return to its home base at Miles Reserve, whichhas undergone an eye-popping refurbishment. Seaford has also landed an excellent recruit in Langwarrin fast bowling all-rounder Andrew Smith. Matty Herbert will captain Seaford.