VSDCA: Malvern’s Will Beattie won the Anthony Gale Medal

Malvern young gun, and recently crowned Subbies Gale Medallist, Will Beattie recognised his improvement in a single shot. He speaks through his summer, the Roosters and his future.

Will Beattie took home the coveted Gale Medal.

There was a specific moment Malvern young gun Will Beattie felt settled as an opening batter.

After taking his chance as the Roosters’ nightwatchman, Beattie noticed improvement in his game when he was able to do something that had previously eluded him.

“I remember as a kid I was able to play the pull shot but I had never really been able to hit in front of the wicket,” Beattie said.

“I found, after working on it over the off-season, I was able to drive the ball through the covers a bit better which is something that as a junior I had never done.

“It was pretty awesome to see … I think it was just confidence in myself and backing myself in.”

Will Beattie (right) took home the coveted Gale Medal.

The left-hander finished the 2023-24 season with 494 runs at 35.29 and was named the Anthony Gale Medallist as the VSDCA’s best under-21 player.

“There’s so many great cricketers out there under the age of 21, so I am super chuffed to be recognised as that player,” he said.

There was talk Beattie would advance from Subbies to Premier Cricket after this season but he has decided to remain a Rooster for another year.

He said last summer was a blast and “can’t wait to do it again”.

“A couple of years ago we weren’t winning games and I wasn’t enjoying myself as much,” he said.

“There wasn’t much of a young group, only a couple others under the age of 21, but this year we had a lot of young fellas playing.

“Training would always be a lot more enjoyable, the whole environment and vibe of the group was completely different – I enjoyed my cricket so much.”

Beattie on the drive. Picture: George Sal

Premier Cricket will still come, just once he feels he is more equipped to make the jump.

“Certainly down the road I can see myself going up to Premier Cricket or a standard similar to that,” he said.

“As long as I am enjoying myself, that’s the most important thing, I don’t want to go too early – I have seen so many blokes my age just burn out in the threes and fours.

“I am looking to hanging around Subbies, get the experience playing in a high-level competition and then possibly in the future go up and be prepared.”