Essendon makes strong start to Premier Cricket off-season adding pair of talents
Essendon has made two early off-season signings, securing a top-order batter from St Kilda and a Coburg quick for the 2024-25 Premier Cricket season.
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Essendon has kicked off its Premier Cricket off-season with a pair of signings.
The Bombers have secured St Kilda opening bat Josh Trembearth and paceman Will Dundon from Coburg – both are former Greenvale Kangaroos.
The pair bolster a line-up under redevelopment.
Trembearth, who captained Greenvale in 2022-23, moved to the Saints this season and finished with 208 runs at 22.36 in 10 matches.
Dundon snared 25 wickets, second most for the Lions, at an average of 23.92.
Essendon coach Ben Fletcher was excited to add the pair to the mix at Windy Hill.
“I’d heard through Nick McGuane that the travel was a bit challenging for Josh, getting to CitiPower (Junction Oval),” Fletcher said.
“We had a chat face-to-face and we think he’s a good fit for us at his age, with our young list, and he’s got a bit of experience.
“He’s highly engaged, pumped to come on board, and we’re pretty excited to have someone with experience add to our list.
“Will had contacts through Nick as well and was keen to come back to Premier.
“The Aarons (Shellie and Ayre) helped I’d dare say but he’s got connections through other past players so one thing led to another and he’s super keen.”
Trembearth will likely lead a new-look Essendon top-order.
Aiden Salvado (312 runs) had a solid first season, stepping up from VSDCA, while Liam Molloy (277) is an established leader.
Dundon, meanwhile, adds a reliable wicket-taking option in support of old Greenvale teammate McGuane (27 wickets) and state contracted quick Cam McClure (23).
Nick Markovski (388 runs) and Henry Robertson (23 wickets) will likely see more First XI opportunities after impressing in the Seconds.
Meanwhile, Essendon has also secured two of the most exciting young prospects in the region.
Jackson Martin (Yarraville Club) and Simrth Gill (Werribee), both just 15 years old, have come on board.
Martin captured 19 wickets this season with Clubbers, was a part of Footscray’s Dowling Shield squad this season and has been a member of the VTCA’s inter-league team the past two seasons.
Gill, who captained Essendon’s Dowling Shield team, made his VSDCA First XI debut for the Tigers this season, scored a Second XI century and finished with 293 runs across three grades.
“We’re super excited Jackson chose us, he’s a real talent,” Fletcher said.
“We’ve got to manage him being so young but if he’s good enough to perform, we certainly won’t put a handbrake on him.
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“Simrth captained our Dowling team as a bottom-ager and debuted for Werribee as a 15-year-old.
“He’s decided to come to Premier next season with us, so we’re focused on some really talented young players and getting them into the club now.”
The Bombers have also bolstered their coaching ranks under Fletcher.
Former First XI star and Victoria paceman Louis Cameron has returned to Windy Hill as a bowling coach.
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