Aberfeldie to play entire season away from home due to redevelopment

VTCA Senior Division newcomer Aberfeldie has had an extra challenge thrown at it, having to play the entire season away as its home ground is redeveloped but skipper Craig Sheedy says bring it on.

Craig Sheedy in action for Aberfeldie.

Aberfeldie won’t have use of Clifton Park this VTCA season but new captain Craig Sheedy doesn’t believe it will have a major impact on the club’s season.

The oval, which is also used by the Aberfeldie Football Club, is being redeveloped over the summer and means the cricket club will play an entire season of away games.

It’s a tough initiation to the Senior Division after Abers claimed the Division 1 West title and promotion last season.

“We knew a while ago that was going to be the case,” Sheedy said.

“Playing away we expect to play on some decent wickets with teams looking to take advantage of their extra home game.

Craig Sheedy takes over the Aberfeldie captaincy.

Kieren Gray remains as Aberfeldie coach. Picture: Kylie Else

“You’ve just got to turn up and do your thing. It’s a little bit of a disadvantage but what can you do.

“It’s the year of the unknown and if we can just worry about what we’re doing and take advantage of that we’ll do alright.”

Aberfeldie will begin its maiden Senior Division campaign at Sunshine United on Saturday before a trip to perennial power Yarraville Club.

Sheedy was pleased with how the club was shaping up and was confident it could make an impact.

“Training has been really good considering all the protocols and things you have to go through,” he said.

“We’ve brought in Tallan, he’s obviously a really good player and brings some experience as well.

Tallan Wright in action Footscray. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Going up a division is always a challenge but we’re looking forward to it and being all one-day cricket at least you know what to expect.

Sheedy, in his third season at the club, takes the captaincy reins from star spinner Sohan Boralessa. Kieran Gray remains as coach.

The veteran all-rounder is the club’s third captain in as many seasons but brings unparalleled experience having previously skipped VSDCA club Williamstown for a decade and Carlton at Premier Cricket level.

The 2018-19 Howarth Shield best-and-fairest winner said he was looking forward to the challenge.

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“I’ve gotten to know the boys over the last two seasons, what they can and can’t do, so I thought it was a good opportunity to captain a great club,” he said.

“Kieran has captained before and Sohan did it last year and we will bounce off each other a bit.

“I might do things a bit differently here and there because of the way I think about the game but we’ll run things by each other.

“Being one-day cricket, things can be going your way and then go pear-shaped really quickly, so getting a few different ideas will be handy.”