Essendon-Maribrynong Park appoint new coach, welcome back legend
Premier Cricket champions Essendon-Maribyrnong Park have appointed a new coach for 2020-21 and welcomed back a legend of Australian cricket in a new leadership and culture role.
Local Sport
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Self-confessed “cricket nuffie” George Shaw has taken the coaching reins at Essendon-Maribrynong Park ahead of the new Premier Cricket season.
Shaw takes over from Neil Gray who led the Bombers to the treble last season, claiming the one-day and T20 crowns as well as the club championship.
An experienced coach and administrator, Shaw is Yarraville’s junior co-ordinator, Footscray men’s talent identification director and involved in the Western Spirit development program.
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While this will be his first time coaching women’s cricket, Shaw was excited to join such a successful club.
“It’s an outstanding club, the longest lasting ladies club in the world, which they’re very proud of,” he said.
“The committee works very hard, they’re well supported and they’ve got a rich history of Australia players, Victoria players and obviously emerging players on top of that.”
“I think it’s a wonderful challenge to try and support the club to be as strong as they are now.”
Shaw isn’t the only new addition to the Bombers’ off-field staff.
EMP and Australia cricket legend Mel Jones is set to take on the Head of Leadership and Culture role.
“What a person to have around the club, the experience she’ll be able to provide will be brilliant,” Shaw said.
“Bringing a wealth of culture, she’ll look after and support the young girls that are coming into the club this year.
“She’ll have a significant role at the club this year and I don’t think you could find a better person for the role in Australia to be fair.”
Rob Ward has also been added as chairman of selectors.
The Bombers’ list is the envy of Premier Cricket with current Australia stars Molly Strano and Georgia Wareham, Victoria squad members Makinley Blows and Elyse Villani as well as Chloe Rafferty and Briana Binch.
Shaw was looking forward to getting started but denied there was any pressure to continue the club’s success.
“Obviously there’s the Australia girls, girls in the Victoria squad and emerging players then on top of that the club’s overall strength – they won the club championship, which I hold dearly,” he said.
“There’s no pressure at all, not from my point of view.
“The club had a wonderful season last year … but it’s just perceived pressure.
“It’s not always about winning, we’re also trying to do the right thing about the kids coming through.”
The Premier Cricket 2020-21 fixture is still to be finalised with Victoria’s pandemic lockdown yet to be lifted, which could push Round 1 back.