Get to know every player in Footscray’s Dowling Shield squad

With the new Dowling Shield tournament just around the corner, get to know the players set to represent Footscray this season.

Jackson Martin in action for his local club, Yarraville Club. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Footscray have certainly reaped the rewards of the return of the Dowling Shield.

The Bulldogs have had several youngsters graduate to its XIs from the tournament and become key contributors.

This season, the club will look to continue its strong form in the newly created under-18s in the Dowling’s under-16 format.

Ballarat rising star Murphy Skinner will captain the Bulldogs, while Williamstown Colts’ Santhosh Ramireddy is his vice-captain.

Footscray coach George Shaw takes us through the players set to take the field this season.

MURPHY SKINNER (Wendouree) (C)

Very good all-rounder, can bat, can bowl. Really smart cricketer with good cricket sense. His general mindset is really good.

SANTHOSH RAMIREDDY (Williamstown Colts/Footscray) (VC)

Already playing in Footscray’s Thirds and making good runs. He’s been opening the batting and going along nicely. Good young fella, who trains almost every day.

RIYAN BHASIN (Sunshine Heights)

A top-order bat and more than handy leg-spinner. Has been involved in rep cricket for several years with previous YPL experience.

ZACH COTTER (Keilor Park)

Strong lad, hits the ball really nicely. Good balance and good technique. Also a fast-medium bowler with an impressive action.

CHARLIE ECKEL (Wendouree)

Really good pace. Genuine fast-medium. We like what he does and the way he goes about it.

TOM ENGLER (Altona)

Tall lad, top-order bat and off-spin bowler, which will come in handy during the carnival. He’s got to be a good 6’ plus.

LUKE GILHAM (Williamstown)

Genuine all-rounder. Bowls with genuine pace and would be a top-four bat. He’s coming along nicely playing in Williamstown’s Firsts. Got a really good cricket brain.

CHARLIE JAMES (Warrnambool)

Left-hand bat and left-arm bowler. We liked what he did in the trials, moved the ball around a little bit and being a leftie is a real bonus.

JACKSON MARTIN (Yarraville Club)

Left-arm off-spin bowler and bowls it really well. Obviously been playing in the Firsts for a while now and in the (VTCA) rep team again. Just getting better and better with his age and his batting has improved out of sight.

RYDER O’BRIEN (Darley)

Left-hand bat, really good hands. Stands up nice and tall and I just think he’s going to have a strong carnival. Bowls a consistent length and line. From good stock.

WILL PIZARO (Rupertswood)

Nice tall lad, left-arm bowler who hits good spots. Once he grows into his size he’s going to be very difficult to face.

JAMES STEWART (Spotswood)

Genuine all-rounder. Nice balance and nice hands with the bat and a medium-paced bowler who moves it both ways. We couldn’t not pick him after the trials.

SAM WOOD (Williamstown)

Our wicketkeeper, his batting his improving. Got good technique with his keeping and we’ve had him up at Footscray a few times to work with Dylan Kight, getting him some extras with the seniors.