All the key information ahead of the 2023-24 Vic Premier Cricket season
From every club’s list changes to the big predictions, here’s everything you need to know about the new Victorian Premier Cricket season.
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The start of another Victorian Premier Cricket is season is finally here.
Can anyone stop Melbourne from achieving back-to-back premierships or will a bolter emerge from the pack?
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the new season.
CAMBERWELL MAGPIES
Captain: Shorye Chopra
Coach: David Alleyne
Last season: 15th
In: Shorye Chopra (Kingston Hawthorn), Shantanu Bhaiya (Albury), Artharv Deshpande (Casey-South-Melbourne), Coby Edmonstone (WA Premier Cricket), Alex Ridley (Wellington, NZ), Tim Scott (Geelong), Will Troy (Kew), Henry Walsh (Wellington, NZ), Harrison Ward (Sussex, UK via Croydon, Subbies)
Out: Andrew Fekete (Malvern), Ben Rowles (Brunswick)
Prediction: Just three wins told the tale of the Magpies’ campaign last season – who’ve since topped up with significant batting power led by former Hawk, Shorye Chopra – and a string of handy recruits. Chopra, 26, has carved out 116 top-flight matches at Premier level, with the right-hander putting up 505 runs last season. Coach Alleyne has said his injection could complement the likes of Liam Fitzpatrick and the emerging group. Fitzpatrick enjoyed a breakout campaign with a career-best 707 runs at an average of 44.2 and could be primed for another big one. They’ve also bolstered their bowling stocks, led by former Wellington List A all-rounder Alex Ridley while Kew’s Will Troy looks a handy addition following plenty of scalps last season. And with the emerging stocks another year older, there’s no reason why the Magpies can’t climb the ladder.
Finish: 9-14
CARLTON
Captain-coach: Evan Gulbis
Last season: Runners-up
Ins: Michael Archer (Greenvale Kangaroos)
Outs: Lachlan McKenna, Matt Culvenor (both retired)
Prediction: Carlton will be in the mix again this year with its extensive depth simply too strong to suggest otherwise. The addition of Michael Archer eases the workload of Eddy O’Sullivan and Tom Smyth while the early-season form of Mackenzie Harvey on the Gold Coast is extremely promising. Amid a dynasty, the Blues have managed to develop young players on the go. Expect it to happen again with Connor Rutland and Jai Lemire to have strong opportunity, particularly with the bat.
Finish: Top four
CASEY SOUTH MELBOURNE
Captain: Luke Shelton
Coach: Will Carr
Last season: 13th
Ins: Yash Pednekar (Richmond),
Outs: Atharv Deshpande (Camberwell Magpies)
Prediction: The Swans will have times where they’re full strength and times where they call upon their depth, with Ashley Chandrasinghe, Ruwantha Kellepotha and Harrish Kannan all expected to play higher honours. A slice of luck will come into it for Will Carr’s men, as the side’s they face without those three stars may determine their eventual finish. With Pednekar and Chandrasinghe being similar types at the top of the order, the rest of Casey South Melbourne’s order between one-day and two-day cricket may be different. Pednekar didn’t play in the practice match last Friday against Footscray, but Chandrasinghe did. The Swans posted over 300 and bowled the Scray out well short. If it’s anything to go by, the Swannies will be back near the eight again this summer.
Finish: 6-10
DANDENONG
Captain: Brett Forsyth
Coach: Tom Donnell
Last season: 16th
Ins: Ollie Jenkins (Camberwell Magpies), Noah Hurley (Carlton), Vishwa Ramkumar (Ringwood), James Hayes (England)
Outs: Jarryd Cameron (Ringwood), Braden Taeuber (Tasmania), Angus Newman (St Kilda), Sahan Perera (Noble Park)
Prediction: Improvement will be on the radar for the Panthers under new-coach Tom Donnell. They’ve added to their bowling depth and feel it’ll give their batters more reward for effort. While they’ll be green, Donnell won’t gift First XI caps, he will make the baby Panthers earn selection.
Finish: Bottom four
ESSENDON
Captain: James Seymour
Coach: Ben Fletcher
Last season: Ninth
Ins: Nick McGuane (Greenvale), Connor Hayes (Greenvale), Nick Markovski (Greenvale), Noah Panaia (Greenvale), Aiden Zammit (Greenvale), Aiden Salvado (Yarraville), Abhishek Jain (Kingston Hawthorn), Stephen Mihelakos-James (Footscray), Muhammad Abdul Rafay (Footscray)
Outs: Michael Hill (Yarraville Club), Isaac Willett (Prahran), Liam Bowe (retired), Daniel Deasy (Footscray United)
Prediction: Late coaching change aside, Essendon looks well prepared to make a return to Premier Cricket finals in 2023-24. The Bombers have lost some key experience with Michael Hill and Liam Bowe retiring from the top flight but have picked up a number of players in the Greenvale Kangaroos exodus that will bolster the First and Second XI depth. McGuane and Hayes should come straight into the Firsts. The return of Peter Siddle to Victoria looks to benefit Essendon, which will see Tom O’Donnell and Cam McClure more often. The only question is the battling, the loss of Isaac Willett will only put more pressure on run-machine James Seymour and Liam Molloy to succeed at the top of the order.
Finish: 9-14
FITZROY DONCASTER
Captain: Ejaaz Alavi
Coach: Matt Bremner
Last season: 10th
In: Darcy Bell (Greenvale) Zac Elliott (Clarence, Tasmania), Sean McNicholl (Greenvale), Fletcha Middleton (Hampshire, UK), Matt Whittaker (Montrose), Matt Bremner
Out: -
Prediction: There’s no mistaking the expectations for incoming coach Matt Bremner, who says the host of recruits should have the Lions in the finals hunt after finishing 10th with a 7-1-7 record last season. Batsman Zac Elliott returns after three years in the Tasmanian Premier comp with Clarence, joining paceman Sean McNicholl and left-armer Darcy Bell (both Greenvale). Former Camberwell Magpie Matt Whittaker returns to Premier level after a captain-coaching stint with Montrose in the RDCA, taking 18 wickets at 22.89 last season – including a best of 5-79. He’ll serve as a senior playing-assistant. Bremner featured in Fitzroy Doncaster’s First XI flag in 2015-16 and takes over from coaching-great Mick O’Sullivan – and could also see some top-flight cricket should the need arise. Let’s also not forget the likes of Liam Banthorpe, Noah Korkolis and Jack Rudd who each sailed past 400 runs last season. The addition of UK import Fletcha Middleton only bolsters the top-order, with the 21-year-old Hampshire star bringing List A experience. “With what we’ve brought in, in terms of Zac, myself, McNicholl, Darcy Bell and some other recruits, we should be pushing top-eight at the bare minimum,” Bremner told this masthead.
Finish: 5-8
FOOTSCRAY
Captain: Travis Dean
Coach: Dale McDonald
Last season: Sixth
Ins: Arjun Nair (Fairfield-Liverpool, NSW), Mick Hay (Druids), Jacob Pawlowicz (Greenvale), Bradman Constable (Greenvale), Jermaine Levy (Bentleigh), Daniel Ranioli (Sunshine United)
Outs: Dean Russ (Deer Park), Daniel Sartori (Deer Park), Tim Hughes (St Francis de Sales), Stephen Mihelakos-James (Essendon), Angus Price (Essendon), Muhammad Abdul Rafay (Essendon), Jake Reed (retired)
Prediction: The Bulldogs are coming off a straight sets exit last season. The home-and-away was excellent, finishing second with 10 wins, before running into Melbourne and St Kilda. It’s seen a summer of rejuvenation at Merv Hughes Oval. Superstars Dean Russ, Daniel Sartori and Jake Reed have all retired from the top flight and it’s now over to Footscray’s next generation, led by the likes of Dylan Brasher, Mitch Jamieson, Josh Pace and Max Birthisel. The club has also recruited strategically with the addition of NSW and Big Bash spinner Arjun Nair and Barbadian quick Jermaine Levy. Brasher and Umair Butt both made Team of the Year last season so don’t expect too much drop off.
Finish: 5-8
FRANKSTON PENINSULA
Captain: James Nanopoulos
Coach: Paul Boraston
Last season: 12th
Ins: Ben Sexton (Prahran), Ned Hurley (Carlton), Liam Cox (Seaford Tigers), Tommy Turnock (Casey South Melbourne), Aidan Lenehan (Heatherhill), Ben Walker (Delacombe Park), Sam Gove (Flinders), Mikis Vemis (Mt Martha)
Outs: Praveen Dalanka (Greenvale Kangaroos), Brendan Morris (Mordialloc)
Prediction: Former Test man Jon Holland will play every game — a massive boost for the Heat. He, Brodie Symons and skipper James Nanopoulos will lead a strong bowling attack, but Frankston’s challenge will be to score more runs. Victorian country XI all-rounder Aidan Lenehan is a good addition, as are several up-and-comers from the local Mornington Peninsula competition. Look out for young gun Tom Murphy, who’s in U17 Vic emerging squad, to make his way.
Finish: 6-10
GEELONG
Captain: TBC
Coach: Nick Speak
Last season: 14th
Ins: Eammon Vines (returning), Aaron Beard (Essex)
Outs: Brody Couch (Northcote), Tom O’Connell (South Australia), Dom McGlinchey (retired)
Prediction: Opportunity awaits the young Cats, particularly with the ball, after the departures of some key players. Eamonn Vines returning steadies the ship with the bat and he will certainly enjoy batting on his home track during two-day cricket.
Finish: 10-14
GREENVALE KANGAROOS
Captain: Justin Galleoti
Coach: Sunny Fernando
Last season: 18th
Ins: Justin Galleoti (Clarence, Tas), Damith Perera (Sri Lanka), Praveen Dalanka (Frankston Peninsula), Kalhan Sineth (Elsternwick), Odil Perera (Donvale), Lachlan Roughley (UTS North Sydney)
Outs: Josh Trembeath (St Kilda), Sean McNicholl (Fitzroy Doncaster), Darcy Bell (Fitzroy Doncaster), Connor Hayes (Essendon), Nick McGuane (Essendon), Aiden Zammit (Essendon), Nick Markovski (Essendon), Noah Panaia (Essendon), Bradman Constable (Footscray), Jacob Pawlowicz (Footscray), Michael Archer (Carlton)
Prediction: To say it was a tumultuous summer at Greenvale would be a bit of an understatement. The club removed coach Damian Shanahan and in the process lost the majority of its First XI. Sunny Fernando and Ash Cavigan have come in and are looking to rebuild the club from the ground up. The arrival of Justin Galleoti as skipper, Sri Lankan First Class bat Damith Perera and several other experienced players is a decent start. The Kangaroos will look to invest in their youth this season, which likely means wins will be few and far between but its hoped it will be beneficial in the long run.
Finish: 15-18
KINGSTON HAWTHORN
Captain: Josh Manning
Coach: Colin Siller
Last season: 17th
Ins: Josh Manning (St Kilda), Maheesha Gamage (Casey-South Melbourne), Jay Singh (Casey-South Melbourne)
Outs: Shorye Chopra (Camberwell Magpies), Rahul Rajeshbabu (Casey-South Melbourne), Oliver Hanrahan (Prahran)
Prediction: The Hawks have a new coach and skipper, with Scotsman Colin Siller and St Kilda batsman Josh Manning taking those roles respectively. Manning brings 148 matches of first XI experience and will provide stability and strong leadership. Matt Vorbach returns from a knee injury and will boost the middle order, while Vic under-19 paceman Tyler Pearson is bowling a yard or two quicker. The Hawks have also added many of last season’s runner-up talented Dowling Shield side, boosting depth. Kingston Hawthorn will be competitive.
Finish: 12-16
MELBOURNE
Captain: Blake Thomson
Coach: Ben Vague
Last season: premier
Ins: David Moody (Western Australia), Oliver Gunning (Prahran)
Out: Kieran Elliott (Tasmania)
Prediction: The reigning premiers are bursting with talent, with the likes of Australian under-19 spinner Harkirat Bajwa, Xander Buxton, Zane Keighran, Darcy Munro and Wilson McGillivray set to play key roles this season. WA recruit David Moody brings 38 games of first-class experience and has already endeared himself to his new teammates with his professionalism. New vice-captain Jack Harper is hitting the ball sweetly in pre-season. Coach Ben Vague says the Demons are “even hungrier’’ this season.
Finish: 1-4
MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY
Coach: Dan Hutton
Captain: Fergus McKenna
Last season: 11th
In: Dhruv Redhu (Camberwell Magpies), George Lavelle (UK), Zack Gadsby (UK)
Out: Fawad Ahmed (Hoppers Crossing)
Prediction: Another season of experience is going to prove to be a world of difference for the Students in the upcoming season. “We narrowly missed finals last year, so it would be nice to pick up a couple of more wins to have an impact on the make-up of finals this season,” coach Dan Hutton said. Ahmed’s departure means there a big hole to fill in the club’s bowling stocks while Simon Mackin will miss at least the first half of the season through injury. If a number of the younger brigade can take a big step forward, there’s no reason Melbourne Uni can’t break into the top-eight this season.
Finish: 9-14
NORTHCOTE
Captain: Josh Sundberg
Coach: Warren Pereara
Last season: Seventh
Ins: Brodie Couch (Geelong), Sam Harbinson (University of Tasmania, Tas), Michael Rogneda (Plenty Valley)
Outs: Nick Biscontin (Heidelberg), Max O’Sullivan (retired)
Prediction: The Dragons scrapped into finals last season and ran into a fired-up St Kilda in the elimination final. Expect Northcote to be among the top-eight contenders again this season and could push for top-four if it can fix up its post-Christmas struggles. There’s no doubt the club is well stocked for bowlers with the arrival of Victoria paceman Brodie Couch and return of Sam Harbinson. It will likely be the batting that decides its fate. Mark Phelan, Josh Sundberg and Jack Lalor are known quantities. If the likes of Jaga Koduru, Tearan Gleeson and Elliot Brandon-Jones can take their game to another level the Dragons will be tough to beat.
Finish: 4-8
PRAHRAN
Captain:
Coaches: Julien Wiener and Michael Cove
Last season: 8th
In: Oliver Hanrahan (Kingston Hawthorn), Isaac Willett (Essendon), Oliver Willett (Essendon)
Out: Lachie Bangs (Ringwood), Ben Sexton (Frankston Peninsula), Oliver Gunning (Melbourne)
Prediction: With the departures of Bangs and Sexton, there will be an opportunity for a number of opportunities within the Prahran First XI. Heading into the new season, they remain somewhat of an unknown with a number of youngsters expected to earn their shot in the top grade this season. Under new coaches, they will be determined to climb up the ladder.
Finish: 8th-12th
RICHMOND
Captain: Mitch Perry, Sam Mills (co-captains)
Coach: Shannon Young
Last season: Fourth
In: Rhys Healy (Ginninderra CC, Cricket ACT)
Out: Yash Pednekar (Casey-South Melbourne), Dom Matarazzo (retired), Jake Fraser-McGurk (SA), Jordan Hesline (St Kilda)
Prediction: A quiet off-season of recruiting for the Tigers, who are backing in youth as they look to build on another finals campaign last year. They’ve farewelled one of the comp’s most exciting young prodigies (Pednekar) to rival Casey-South Melbourne, skipper Matarazzo has retired and Fraser-McGurk has linked with the South Australian Redbacks. But they’ve welcomed Rhys Healy – a top-order bat from Canberra-based club Ginninderra, who topped the Cricket ACT Premier-grade men’s run-scoring last season with 689. He’ll go some way to filling the void left by Pednekar and Fraser McGurk. Stepping into the co-captaincy is Sam Mills, who says there’s no ceiling on what his group can achieve this year with the finals in its sights. “I think we’ve done well the last couple of years, making a prelim and a semi-final … we’re hoping to improve year-on-year,” Mills said. “We’ve still got a lot of young talent on the list and we’re hoping to see improvement in the players we’ve got … Reiley Mark, Shobit Singh, Max Parker are all really good, young players.”
Finish: 5-8
RINGWOOD
Captain: David King
Coach: Sean Flynn
Last season: Fifth
In: Lachie Bangs (Prahran)
Out: Arjun Dhull (Ivanhoe), David Delaney (Ireland), Darius D’Silva (Perth)
Prediction: Headlining the Rams’ off-season has been the arrival of one of Premier Cricket’s most exciting all-rounders, Lachie Bangs, in a huge lift to the batting order. They know of the premiership star’s batting power all too well, blasting off with seven sixes on his way to 103 off 100 balls against Ringwood in the 2020-21 campaign.The left-hander has enjoyed returns of 394 and 369 in his past two campaigns and last season helped the True Blues put the Rams to the sword with 63 in Round 15. “We’ve certainly seen it first-hand,” Ringwood captain David King said of Bangs’ ability. “I think he’s going to be an excellent addition for us.” Bangs joins a First XI which has been mostly retained, while a long line of emerging talents could also be vying for spots in the top-flight – boasting eight in emerging player program squads. Meanwhile, opening batsman Tom Rogers and paceman Matt Fotia could be a double-bonus whenever available, after each earning a Victorian contract. But with a mix of youth and experience, Ringwood finished last season with a rush on the way to a preliminary final berth and could again cause its rivals plenty of headaches.
Finish: 1-4
ST KILDA
Captain: Adam Crosthwaite
Coach: Glenn Lalor
Last season: Preliminary finalist
Ins: Tommy Jackson (Tea Tree Gully), Angus Newman (Dandenong), Josh Trembearth (Greenvale Kangaroos), Jordan Hesline (Richmond), Jet Liebke (Northern Suburbs QLD), Mitch Sciberras (Eastern Suburbs NSW), Jack Munnings (East Sandringham).
Outs: Josh Manning (Kingston Hawthorn), Ben Davies (local cricket)
Prediction: With the additions to what was already there, St Kilda should have expectations no shorter than to play in the grand final. The Saints are the deepest club in the competition, and it’s time to show it at the top. Ed Newman is a player to watch, with the Saints internally very confident he remains capable of playing state cricket.
Finish: 1-4
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