MPCA: Matt Prosser appointed head coach of Langwarrin

A leading Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association club has appointed a passionate and loyal favourite son as head coach.

Langwarrin leg-spinner Matt Prosser makes a move in last season’s MPCA Provincial semi-final. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Matt Prosser loves taking wickets and scoring runs.

But his passion for coaching cricketers trumps both — he genuinely thrives on helping others be better.

This is why he regards his appointment as Langwarrin head coach so highly.

“I’ve always had a passion for it, I’ve done the juniors for four or five years,” he said.

“I think I’ve had my good and bad traits over the years but I think I’ve learnt a lot the last 12 to 18 months and, yeah, I felt I was ready for it.

“The passion is the thing for me — the passion for the club, the passion for helping others and giving back...it means a lot.”

Matt Prosser sends one down for Langwarrin. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Prosser, 26, is Langwarrin through and through.

He’s risen through the ranks at Lloyd Park from juniors to become one of the MPCA’s leading all-rounders.

He took 41 wickets with his leg-spinners in MPCA Provincial last season, leading to an invitation from Frankston Peninsula to play in its Premier Cricket First XI side.

Prosser accepted, and held his own in two games at the end of the season. The Heat wanted him back, but he chose Langwarrin.

“That was tough,” Prosser said.

Matt Prosser.

“I know my dad and a couple of people wanted me to go and test myself at the higher level.

“The few weeks I was at Frankston I couldn’t be happier how they went about it.

“The way they worked with me, they were unreal, so welcoming, I couldn’t have been happier, but it was just that I love Langy that much.

“Last year playing cricket there and stepping up with some coaching stuff and leadership stuff, it was the happiest I’ve ever been off the field as well, if that makes sense.

“The place just brings out the best in me I think.

“I’m the best version of myself at Langy, I think, and that’s what it came down to.”

Langwarrin is one of the biggest clubs in the MPCA, often with 50 or 60 players at training.

Prosser, who is known for his meticulous planning and organising, said he intends to tap into the club’s “resources” to ensure training runs smoothly in 2021-22.

“If you look at how many past coaches are around and senior heads, there are a lot of resources I can use,” he said.

“I won’t be shy to ask others to chip in and help here and there.”

Travis Campbell will continue as Langwarrin First XI captain, with Prosser to be vice-captain.

Langy premiership coach Tim Harper will play the role of mentor to the club’s coaches and captains.

Langwarrin has recruited well, gaining champion batsman Chris Brittain and Frankston YCW all rounder Stuart Plunkett.

Langy has lost Jayde Herrick (retired), Tom Hussey (Tooradin), Riley Davie (Somerville) and Andrew Smith (Seaford).