Check out every VSDCA North-East club’s ins and outs and finals hopes for 2024-25

It’s here, the VSDCA North-East season kicks off on Saturday and we’ve got every club’s ins and outs and key players. Who takes the crown in 2024-25?

Ultimate VSDCA North-East 2024-25 season preview.

As they say in UFC, it’s time.

We had to wait an extra week but the VSDCA North-East season finally kicks off on Saturday and it should be a cracker.

A rare season where both defending group premiers will face off with Kew and Noble Park headlining a super-competitive competition.

There’s international imports from across the globe, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Jersey, Papua New Guinea and Sri Lanka.

Holten Medallist Sahan Perera leads a strong field of talents that are sure to excite.

Check out every club’s ins and outs and finals hopes here.

New Balwyn captain Adi Narayana. Picture: Andy Brownbill

BALWYN

Captain: Adi Narayana

Coach: Jesse McInnes

Last season: Seventh (8-7)

In: n/a

Out: n/a

Prediction: Incoming coach Jesse McInnes is bullish about the list’s mix of youth and experience, and with the group remaining intact, he’s confident it can take the next step after missing the finals last season. McInnes takes over from long-serving mentor Clinton Kennon, while there’s also been a change of skipper with Adi Narayana taking the reins in the First XI, succeeding Lachie Fitzpatrick. The age demographic of the list excites the new coach. “We all want to be playing finals,” McInnes said. “I’m a big believer of building clubs from within … they’re (the First XI) entering into that window where they’re starting to peak. Former Premier quick Harrison Goad led the wicket-taking last season with 28 at 17.11, while Andrew Gorvin and Dom Greene tipped in 24 apiece. Adi Narayana drove 384 runs at 27.43 while Christian Toppi finished with 300. With the foundations set under Kennon in recent seasons, this could be the Tigers’ time to pounce on a return to finals as they embark on a new era.

BAYSWATER

Captain: Jason Kilby

Coach: Jason Kilby

Last season: 13th (5-9)

In: Rishi Patel (Leicestershire, UK), Freddie Williams (Wimborne, UK), Aaron Daniel (Lysterfield)

Out: Brodie Richardson (Fitzroy Doncaster)

Prediction: Heads turned when Baysie unveiled a recruiting haul headlined by first-class English slugger Rishi Patel last month. The opening batter crosses from Leicestershire for the summer. And the 26-year-old addresses a need for firepower in the top order, bringing 44 first-class matches of experience where he’s plundered five centuries – and this season he’s put away more than 660 runs alongside more than 400 in the T20 Blast. He’s joined by opening bowler and fellow UK name Freddie Williams and local talent and former Premier-grade batter Aaron Daniel. Brodie Richardson has departed for Premier level after opening the batting as a 19-year-old last season, blasting 439 runs at an average of 30 as well as taking 17 wickets as a leg-spinner. With two of the comp’s top talents spearheading batting and bowling this season, improvement on a five-win campaign should be on the horizon. “It’d be fair to say with him (Patel) with the bat and Michael Topp with the ball, we’ve got probably two of the big top-end players in our competition,” coach Jason Kilby said.

Bayswater batter Sachin Halangode. Picture: Valeriu Campan

BOX HILL

Captain: Hayden Rayner

Coach: Chris Box

Last season: 11th (7-8)

In: Ameya Joshi (UK), Tharun Jaganathan, Mohammad Zeeshan (Central Punjab, Pakistan)

Out: Cian Dickinson (Dingley), Nathan Flinn (Fitzroy Doncaster)

Prediction: The glaring omission is UK import Cian Dickinson, whose campaign last time around yielded 469 runs at an average of 31.27 – a whisker outside the South-East group’s top 10, while the spinner also collected 18 wickets at 22.50. Meanwhile, Nathan Flinn has departed for Premier Cricket after putting on 345 runs last season. However, the Mustangs have added some batting power with Ameya Joshi and Tharun Jaganathan said to be handy ins, while Mohammad Zeeshan should add plenty as a right-arm medium-fast bowler, with the 18-year-old bringing high level experience from Pakistan. Captain Hayden Rayner will be looking to build on a strong campaign which took in 437 runs at 29.13 while also collecting 13 wickets. Likewise, Muhammad Saeed, who topped the Mustangs’ First XI bowling with 20 scalps 18.2. Coach Chris Box says his club must build a core group of players in the firsts this season as it eyes consistency and improvement.

BRUNSWICK

Captain: Simon Hill

Coach: Geoff Pretty

Last season: Eighth (8-6)

In: Nico Martells (West Coburg), Tom Baker (Glenroy), Ameya Gharat (Preston), Farok Ochimi

Out: Matt Doric (Yarraville Club), Marcus Staples (Northcote), Lewis Bouckley (Carlton), Marcus Jackman (Warrnambool), Jack Moss (time off)

Prediction: Change continues to sweep through AG Gillon Oval with the departures of leading wicket-taker Matt Doric (34 at 15.06), Marcus Staples and Lewis Bouckley, while former Australia Under-19 Marcus Jackman has returned to his hometown of Warrnambool. The inclusion of Ameya Gharat, however, is a coup with the spinner snaring 35 wickets for Preston last season – ranked fifth in the competition. Ben Rowles leads the batting after plundering 518 runs at 39.85 last season, while Dan Houghton returns from the UK to spearhead the attack after returning 20 wickets last season. Critically, skipper Simon Hill is fit and ready for a full season after missing half the 2023-24 campaign. Coach Geoff Pretty conceded there had been change over the winter but was confident the club had some young talent ready to step up. The club’s batting will again be its strength with Gharat to be a dangerous middle overs wicket-taker.

Dan Houghton returns for Brunswick. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Shane Lee in action for Coburg. Picture: Andy Brownbill

COBURG

Captain: Hamza Ali

Coach: Pranish Singh

Last season: 12th (6-9)

In: Hamza Ali (Sunshine United), Cam Harding (Taunton, UK), Sidney Thomson (Sandwich Town, UK), Osian Catlin (Stratford, UK)

Out: Aaron Ayre, Aaron Shellie (both Deer Park), Will Dundon (Essendon), Jacob Carruthers (Hurstbridge), Aksh Singh (Airport West St Christophers)

Prediction: After a difficult 2023-24, it’s likely to get tougher for Coburg after the departures of Aarons Shellie and Ayre. Shellie led the club in runs and wickets last season – 572 at 38.13 and 35 at 13.74 – while Ayre wasn’t far behind with 403 at 44.78. Robbie O’Brien (203 runs) and Will Dundon (25 wicket) were next best. The arrival of former Footscray and Greenvale all-rounder Hamza Ali is a boost and he will lead the club this season. Meanwhile, the Lions’ trio of UK imports look exciting, Harding having played Somerset Second XI and Thomson and Catlin represented Kent and Derbyshire at under-18 level respectively. Coach Pranish Singh said it would be a reset season for the club, hoping to climb the club championship ladder, with a stronger focus on team growth rather than individual performance.

CROYDON

Captain: Jack Conroy

Coach: Jack Conroy

Last season: Ninth (6-7-1)

In: Tom Scriven (Leicestershire, UK)

Out: Mitch Brooker (Ringwood), Jake Marnie (South Australia), Riley Paterson (Wonga Park)

Prediction: A big signing headlines the Cockies’ pre-season in UK import and all-rounder Tom Scriven who crosses from County club Leicestershire. The 25-year-old featured for England in the Under-19 World Cup in 2018 and is just as potent at the crease as he is with ball in hand as a right-arm quick. The club is hopeful he can help offset the loss of some big names, with young gun and leading run-scorer Mitch Brooker (473 at 53.22 last season) off to Premier level with Ringwood while former top-flight bat Jake Marnie (221 runs) has left for South Australia. Fellow top-order bat Riley Paterson has also departed. However, it was a season-best return from former coach Tom McQuinn, who made his first-ever VSDCA Team of the Year following a comp-leading 44 wickets at 10.82. Combined with stalwart Chris Brown who turned out another sizzling campaign with 27 scalps at 16.81, and it again looks a threatening attack. Despite the loss of personnel, expectations remain high. “I think we’re placed in a development stage, but we’re also have an expectation to play good cricket,” McQuinn said. “We played good cricket towards the back end (of last season), and we strung five of the last six together so although we’ve lost some players, we’re still looking to be very competitive.”

Donvale bowler Nick Ascenzo rolls the arm over. Picture: Valeriu Campan

DONVALE

Captain: Jade Bardwell

Coach: Steve Darmody

Last season: 16th (1-14)

In: Ben Shufflebotham (Almondbury Wesleyan, UK), Tony Ura, Liega Siaka, Kabua Morrea (Papua New Guinea), Patrick Rowe (Blackburn)

Out: Thenuka Perera (Dandenong), Christian Smith (Dandenong)

Prediction: The Lions finished at the foot of the table last season in the South-East group claiming just one win, but there’s optimism of improvement this time around. UK recruit Ben Shufflebotham is touted to add plenty with bat and ball as an all-rounder, while Papua New Guinea trio Tony Ura (opening bat), Liega Siaka (middle order) and Kabua Morrea (opening bowler) could shore things up nicely. Patrick Rowe’s inclusion as an opening seam bowler is an added bonus. Donvale vice-president Rohan Thompson says there’s been a heavy investment in youth, with the emerging list showing lots of promise after a solid pre-season as it looks forward to a much-improved campaign on previous years. He says experienced senior players and local talent have complement the line-up, while off-field, a revamped committee has been working feverishly behind the scenes. It’s a blank canvas for the Lions this season with much scope for improvement.

ENDEAVOUR HILLS

Captain: Blaize Bainbridge

Coaching director: Bill Leame

Last season: 15th (2-12)

In: Assad Vala, Sese Bau, Juolin Dotigo (Papua New Guinea)

Out: Hemantha Jayasundera (Oakleigh)

Prediction: The loss of Hemantha Jayasundera will hurt, after the club’s longstanding leading wicket-taker linked with Subbies rival Oakleigh in May – but the Hills have some aces up their sleeve. Papua New Guinea’s Assad Vala, Sese Bau and Juolin Dotigo will arrive from Round 3 and will look to give the club a boost. Vala is captain of the PNG national team, with the 37-year-old left-hander and right-arm offie playing at the level for almost two decades. Bau is prolific left-handed bat with more than 1000 runs to his name at ODI level and should add plenty to the Hills’ order. They’ll also tip in plenty off-field in mentoring roles. Among the positives of a lean season last time was the batting of Bhanuka Samarakkody with a leading 332 runs. With the ball, Jayasundera’s 28 wickets at 20.54 was a clear standout. Similar to Donvale, the only way is up after a lowly finish to last season and without the added pressure of expectation, the Eagles might surprise a few.

Ivanhoe players celebrate a wicket. Picture: Josh Chadwick

IVANHOE

Captain: Henry Tyler

Coach: Henry Tyler

Last season: 14th (3-11)

In: Alex Pannell (Carlton), Rishadh Nagpal (Northcote), Siddharth Bardhwaj (Northcote), Troy Haynes (Plenty Valley), Alvin Simon (Plenty Valley), Stuart Conway (Plenty Valley), Brad Loveluck, Monan Abbas (Lymington, UK)

Out: Mark Donegan (Ringwood), Arjun Dhull (Ringwood)

Prediction: The loss of leading run-scorers Mark Donegan (394 at 32.83) and Arjun Dhull (264) is a blow to the Saints. Finn Cleary’s 190 was next best. However, a busy summer has seen UK import Monan Abbas, Brad Loveluck, Rishabh Nagpal and Alex Pannell should immediately bolster the batting stocks. It’s Ivanhoe’s attack that is expected to do most of the damage this season. Young gun Ed Withington led the club with 28 scalps at 15.04 last season, while Jon Kuch and Henry Tyler claimed 19 apiece. Former captain Troy Haynes returns, while Alvin Simon is another handy addition. After a winless 2022-23, the Saints claimed three wins last season and look set for another jump up the ladder this season. Can they push for top-six?

KEW

Captain: David Wildsmith

Coach: Seb Contos

Last season: 3rd (10-4, premier)

In: Patrick Grieschbar (UK), Oscar Wilton (Bath University, UK), Will Henson (Lindum, UK)

Out: Liam Powell (time off)

Prediction: Kew found plenty of talents in a stunning run to the North-West group premiership last season. The likes of Jack Carroll (316 runs, 47 wickets), Jack Stewart (366 runs) and Ross Suri (21 wickets) stepped up to fill some big holes and played key roles in the flag. The return of Sam Pearce (563 runs, 45 wickets) was a game-changer, while David Wildsmith had arguably a career-best season as captain with 686 runs at 57.17. Pearce and Wildsmith were both named in the VSDCA Team of the Year. Kew is looking for another batch of players to step up from the Second XI this season, with coach Seb Contos highlighting the likes of Eddie Hogg, Lachlan Cunningham and Luke Adams. Two UK imports and a Englishman turned Kew local headline the club’s off-season arrivals and all three are expected to make an impact at the top of the batting order. The chase for back-to-back flags is on.

Mt Waverley bowler Jake Rigby. Picture: Valeriu Campan

MT WAVERLEY

Captain: Hareen Silva

Last season: Sixth (10-4, semi-final)

In: Tom Rex (Warwickshire, UK), Madan Basavaraj, Tejas Angadi

Out: Akshay Ballal (Mt Clear), Angus Roach (Fitzroy Doncaster),

Prediction: It was a semi-final berth for the club last season – and it hits the new campaign with the core group mostly intact but there are a pair of big outs. Leading batter Akshay Ballal has taken on the coaching role at Ballarat-based club Mt Clear, following a campaign yielding 745 runs at 49.67 – ranked second in the South-East group last season. Meanwhile, Angus Roach was snared by Premier Cricket outfit Fitzroy Doncaster after batting most of last season at No.3, plundering 424 runs at 30 including a maiden ton against Moorabbin. He also claimed eight wickets. There’s been a push to replace some of the outgoing runs, with UK import Madan Basavaraj set to feature in the top-order, while the bowling attack has received a nice lift with the inclusions of medium-pacer Tom Rex and leg-spinner Tejas Angadi. Captain Hareen Silva is confident his group can build on last season’s finals showing. “We’re pretty confident that we can do one or two better than we did last year after we got beaten in the semi-final – we’ve been training hard, so we’re looking forward to a big summer,” he said.

NOBLE PARK

Captain: Janaka Liyanabadalge

Coach: Matthew Crozier

Last season: Third (11-4, premiers)

In: Yehan Ranasinghe (Sri Lanka), Pawan Edirisinghe (Sri Lanka)

Out: Jaspreet Singh (Frankston Peninsula), Koli Weerasekara (retired)

Prediction: The South-East champions hit the new season with a similar side, spearheaded by Sahan Perera. The Sri Lankan enjoyed another standout campaign – earning Team of the Year honours before clinching the Val Holten Medal as the Subbies’ best-and-fairest – with a leading 816 runs at an average of 48 alongside 39 wickets at 17.15. The Bulls have lost middle-order bat Jaspreet Singh to Premier Cricket and wicketkeeper Koli Weerasekera, who has called time. But with the inclusions of 20-year-old Yehan Ranasinghe – handy with bat and ball – and 27-year-old Pawan Edirisinghe, it looks as though the reigning premier has topped up well. Edirisinghe brings Sri Lankan first-class experience as a keeper. Captain Janaka Liyanabadalge rounded out the South-East group’s top-five run-scorers last season with 626 at 39.13 while he also put on 33 wickets in a potent bowling attack which again looks to be flush with options, boasting three spinners. The Bulls look like they’ll be tough to beat again this season.

Plenty Valley captain Simon Black. Picture: Hamish Blair

PLENTY VALLEY

Captain: Simon Black

Coach: Mihiraj Jayasekara

Last season: 13th (4-10)

In: Mihiraj Jayasekara, Sunil Dhamala (Nepal), Kishor Mahato (Nepal), Rashmika Opatija (Mt Eliza), Nimesh Bhagya (Footscray United), Abbas Rashid (Dandenong West), Basim Khan (West Ivanhoe United), Chen Wickramasinghe (Cranbourne Eagles), Chris Milne (Rosanna), Musaddiq Ali Hamza (Greenvale Kangaroos), Insith Perera (Queensland), Ben Mullavey (Coburg), Chaudhary Khan (Taylors Lakes)

Out: Troy Haynes (Ivanhoe), Luke Powell (UK), Liam Mallia (time off)

Prediction: There’s been a huge influx of players over the off-season, giving the Bats some much-needed depth as it looks to move back up the ladder. The arrival of Rashmika Opatija arrives Mornington Peninsula outfit Mt Eliza after 586 runs and 15 wickets, while Nepalese internationals Sunil Dhamala and Kishor Mahato will also strengthen the line-up. Talismanic skipper Simon Black led the club in runs and wickets last season – 377 and 24. The likes of Alex Cole, Javid Bolim, Josh Hempel and Tanmay Arora will be asked to take another step forward in their output this season if Plenty Valley is to challenge for a top-six finish.

PRESTON

Captain: Vaib Deshpande

Coach: Amit Chaudhary

Last season: 7th (9-6)

In: Hammad Shah (Longford, Tasmania), Swapnil Salvi (India), Liam Ingram (Fitzroy Doncaster)

Out: Ameya Gharat (Brunswick), Darcy Hunter

Prediction: The Bullants missed out on a finals berth by a whisker last season and will be determined to make up for that miss this time. Gun paceman Marcus Murphy is back full-time in a major boost, while the additions of Hammad Shah, Swapnil Salvi and Liam Ingram look good on paper. New coach Amit Chaudhary said the club was quietly confident of success, having built its depth to compete across multiple XIs but the “litmus test would come on the field”. Ameya Gharat’s defection to Brunswick is a blow after he led the club’s attack with 35 wickets at 15.69 last season. Skipper Kyle Walsh (21), Shakeel Ahmad and Mahesh Kodamullage will look to step up. Vaib Deshpande takes on the captaincy this season after topping the club’s run-scoring charts with 520 at 47.27, Ahmed (427) and Greg Maratos (298) will be key supporters.

Jevon Kett in action for St Bernard’s and Dennis Maratos behind the stumps for Preston. Picture: Josh Chadwick

ST BERNARD’S

Captain: Daniel O’Connell

Coach: Luke Davis

Last season: First (12-3, semi-final)

In: Nathan Johnson (Yarraville Club), Josh Lawrenson (Jersey),

Out: Kyle Adams (West Coburg), Tristan Kassis (Torquay), Rory Collins (time off), Aaron Smillie (Carlton)

Prediction: It was a disappointing finish last season, bowing out in straight sets, but it is a strong platform to build on. The Snowdogs will be without leading wicket-taker and captain-coach Kyle Adams and top-liners Rory Collins and Aaron Smillie this season but welcome gun VTCA paceman Nathan Johnson and Jersey international Josh Lawrenson, fresh off a five ODIs in Kenya. The all-rounder blasted 93 and took 3-45 in his last match against Denmark. St Bernard’s will also be looking for the likes of Tom Winchester, Conor Browne, Blake Manassa and Michael Collinson to step up from the Seconds. Any club will the talent of leading run-scorer Nish Perera (530), Jevon Kett (507 runs), Chris Spinella and new coach Luke Davis (30 wickets) is a finals and premiership threat.

STRATHMORE

Captain: Chris Williams

Coach: Chris Williams

Last season: 16th (1-13)

In: Chris Williams (Essendon), Darcy Cotter (Essendon), Tom Stevenson (time off), Harshan Yogendra (Royal Park Brunswick), Beau Carey (Royal Park Brunswick), Janaka Siriwadana (Greenvale Kangaroos), Will Lee (Royal Park Brunswick)

Out: Omar Phillips (Essendon), Justin Bramble, Kennth Pennyfeather

Prediction: The only way is up for the Mores and the arrival of premiership hero Chris Williams is a massive tick for the future of the club. Returning from Premier club Essendon, Williams said this season was about “regrouping as club, creating a stronger connection, lifting standards and laying the foundations for the next two or three seasons”. However, expect the club to be far more competitive this season. A strong winter has seen the likes of Williams, Darcy Cotter and Janaka Siriwadana strengthen the playing group, while Strathmore’s young players will also get plenty of opportunities to sample Subbies cricket. Leading run-scorer Omar Phillips (349 runs) and wicket-taker Ken Pennyfeather (14) have departed, creating a blank canvas. Luke Bassi (300 runs and 11 wicket) was otherwise best in both categories and will again be a key pillar in the XI.