Michael Hill named Essendon Cricket Club captain, replacing Clint McKay
After turning down a return to Melbourne, Michael Hill has been named Essendon Cricket Club captain for 2019-20, with coach Mitch Johnstone excited by his leadership abilities.
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Essendon coach Mitch Johnstone has praised Michael Hill’s leadership ability and cricket IQ as the star batsman prepares to captain the Premier Cricket outfit this summer.
The former Victoria and Tasmania batsman will take over as skipper at the Bombers following the retirement of former Australia paceman Clint McKay.
Hill knocked back a return to Melbourne in May to ink a “long-term deal” at Windy Hill.
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“He’s outstanding tactically, his ability to read a game is very impressive,” Johnstone said of Hill.
“Hilly’s a big personality, so the group will play with a bit of character and a bit of spunk.
“Clint had a really impressive year last year with his leadership and instilling a strong culture and Hilly will continue that work.”
Hill assumes the captaincy after an outstanding season which delivered 738 runs at 61.5.
In his three seasons at Essendon, Hill has played 45 First XI matches and produced 1853 runs.
He captained an Australia team featuring Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Stoinis and James Pattinson at the 2008 under-19 World Cup.
The middle-order batsman made his Sheffield Shield debut for Victoria against WA in 2010 and also has Big Bash League experience with Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes.
McKay called time on his decorated career earlier this month after 157 Premier Cricket First XI matches in the red and black.
The Bombers have had a relatively quiet off-season.
Aaron Shellie has returned to VSDCA outfit Coburg, while Isaac Conway departed for rival club Camberwell Magpies.
Queenslander Stephen Shaw has arrived at Windy Hill and will provide all-rounder depth.
“Stephen played at Sunshine Coast. He’s a mature-age player, left-arm swing bowler and hard-hitting lower-order batsman,” Johnstone said.
“He’s relocated to Melbourne for work and he’s lobbed up on our doorstep and made a really good impression at training.
“He’ll be in and around the mark for First XI cricket and is looking to establish him at the club.”
Essendon will be hoping to replicate last season’s performance when it claimed a maiden club championship and reached the preliminary final.
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