How Dandenong champion Tom Donnell plans to tackle the top job in 2023-24

New Dandenong coach Tom Donnell said his side’s improvement hinges on their ability to find the balance between new and old. Here’s what else he said.

Developing future stars while simultaneously creating a “winning experience” is at the top of Tom Donnell’s agenda when he takes the reins of Dandenong next summer.

After a season that saw the club divided by direction, Donnell is hoping to find the perfect mix between rewarding performance and providing opportunity.

“My main objective is to look after what we have got and get those guys better,” Donnell said.

“We had a good side in the twos – they played finals – so I think it’s time to get that group pushing through.

“Hopefully a mixture of both, to be honest, you still play to win and want to put your best team out on the park to win each game.

“But I think you can do that by playing young guys as well, I think it’s important to play those young guys but give them a winning culture and winning experience.

“I don’t think it’s beneficial to play young guys that aren’t ready if we’re sort of getting thrashed each week, I don’t think that’s beneficial for anyone.

“We want to try and win more games, get more development into the young guys and just enjoy it a bit more.”

Tom Donnell batting for Dandenong. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Panthers have welcomed back former senior coach Ross Woodall to back Donnell as his senior assistant coach.

“I know everyone is excited to have him back, I am really looking forward to working with him,” Donnell said.

“We all had a really good relationship with him when he was coaching so we’re looking forward to getting that going.”

Peter Siddle playing for Dandenong. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

2017-18 John Scholes Medallist Peter Siddle has named Dandenong as his home club upon his return to Victoria, however Donnell said he doesn’t expect the 38-year-old to play.

“He’s not going to play any club cricket, he doesn’t need to, he’s done enough for us,” he said.

“But hopefully we can get him down to a few training sessions and apparently he’s keen to get into the coaching side of things.

“Hopefully he can take a few sessions and help a few of our younger players out.”

Dandenong has re-signed all but two players that regularly featured the First and Second XI.

Donnell himself doesn’t expect to play, backing guys like Andrey Fernando and Josh Slater to take another step.