Deer Park signs star Premier Cricket pair for 2023-24 VTCA season

Rising VTCA power Deer Park has pulled off an extraordinary double signing, securing the services of two Premier Cricket stars for 2023-24.

Rising VTCA power Deer Park has pulled off an incredible double recruiting coup.

The Lions have secured the services of Footscray pair Dean Russ and Daniel Sartori for the 2023-24 Senior Division season.

After reaching the grand final this season in its maiden top flight campaign, it’s a spectacular signing.

“We’re rapt that were able to sign them both, we’re probably one of the few clubs that were able to accommodate both of them, wanting to play together in the same team,” Deer Park coach Mick Andriadis said.

“Russy has played T20s for us before so our president Steve (Krstevski) and Dean had a relationship.

Dean Russ in action for Footscray. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Daniel Sartori in action for Footscray.

“Once they became available we were on the prowl trying to secure them and a lot of the credit has to go to SK, he’s done a massive job to get them over the line.”

Russ and Sartori called time on their decorated Premier Cricket careers this season having been two of the finest batsmen in the competition for the past decade.

Russ is the 10th leading all-time run-scorer in Premier history with 9506 runs to his name.

The wicketkeeper turned star all-rounder accumulated 17 district hundreds and 54 half-centuries, 102 wickets and 304 catches with the Bulldogs.

He won a maiden Ryder Medal in 2021-22, played his 300th First XI match this season, captained Footscray to the 2013-14 premiership and represented Victoria.

“I talked to Dan the other day as well and just from our brief conversation it felt like I’d known him forever, he’s just a great guy.”

Hashan Wanasekara was the second leading run-scorer in the Senior Division home-and-away season with 484 runs and finished with 544 at an average of 38.86.

Ricky Suvada, Angelo Emmanuel and Fawad Malook also ranked in the top 30.

Russ also took 15 wickets this season and will bolster an attack that saw Suvada lead the way with 27 scalps, while Emmanuel and Malook were also prolific.

VTCA: LATEST PLAYER, COACHING MOVES FOR 2023-24

LEADER: GET YOUR LOCAL CRICKET NEWS HERE

VSDCA: WICKS INSTALL LEADING LOCAL CRICKET COACH

Sartori, meanwhile, finished with 6908 runs, 10 tons and 35 50s. He hit 5008 runs for Richmond before crossing to Merv Hughes Oval and adding another 1800.

The pair will significantly strength a Deer Park batting line-up that scored the most runs in Senior Division this season.

“Our ground has a really good wicket, you can make a lot of runs there,” Andriadis said.

“There’ll be some big scores, weather permitting, if we get those hot, sunny days, you’re going to be chasing leather.

“Dean’s a good bloke, we’re rapt to have him and he comes with obviously a wealth of experience.

“He’s fit and hungry still and I’m looking forward to working with him.