Cricket Southern Bayside: Premier Cricket paceman joins Bonbeach as captain

Bonbeach has secured a Premier Cricket player as captain. He reveals his captaincy style and how he will use his knowledge to help the Sharks.

Callum Dodson has joined Bonbeach. Picture: Facebook

“It was just time.”

Callum Dodson says his four-season stint at Casey South Melbourne was the best thing he’s done in cricket.

But, at 29, he felt it was the right time to return to local cricket.

And Bonbeach was his destination of choice, Dodson signing with the Sharks as first XI captain.

He will succeed Tom Smith, who has stepped down as skipper after seven seasons.

“Absolutely loved every minute of it,” Dodson said of his time at the Swans, where he played under coaches Will Carr and Brian Keogh.

“I have many good mates there, I learnt a lot from the coaching. It was a really good move, I was glad I made it and I look back on it now and I can say I played Premier Cricket and played a fair few first XI games as well.

Callum Dodson lets one go for Casey South Melbourne. Pic: C M Thomas Photography.

“I felt like I achieved enough over the four years.

“I didn’t get to play in those grand finals unfortunately due to injuries but I was still part of it being 12th man for both grand finals.

“I felt like I achieved enough and for me it was just time to go back to local cricket.

“Moving to Bonbeach I think is going to be a good move.”

Dodson intends to be an aggressive captain who will “take the game on” at Bonbeach.

“I’ll definitely back my players in, too,” he said.

“I like communicating with players so I’ll be constantly communicating with players, especially as a bowler, I want to make sure the bowlers stick to their plans and have a plan in place as well.”

Callum Dodson playing for the Swans. Pic: C M Thomas Photography.

Bonbeach president Michael Hogan said Dodson was already liked and respected at the Sharks.

“Cal has always been in the frameworks for us, he played under 17s at the club many years ago,” he said.

“We’ve always kept in contact. We’re pretty excited for him to be joining us. He’s a competitor and he’s really community focused as well so he will be great for our club.”

Smith is set to stay on as a player while champion Dan Mueller has committed to another campaign and is playing indoor cricket over winter to keep his body ticking over.

Englishman Ollie Sutton is keen to return to Bonbeach and the Sharks are in the running to add another overseas player.

English all-rounder George Darwood won’t be returning.