Moonee Valley secures Tony Gleeson as coach, hopes for improved VTCA showing

Moonee Valley has landed its first big addition off the VTCA off-season, securing Tony Gleeson as coach, with the club eyeing key additions to boost its on-field fortunes after a disappointing season.

Tony Gleeson (right) with Moonee Valley captain Jack Newman. Picture: Josie Hayden

Moonee Valley has landed its first big addition off the VTCA off-season, securing Tony Gleeson as coach.

Team manager at Premier Cricket premiers Carlton this season and a flag winner and former coach of Moonee Valley, Gleeson brings a wealth of experience back to Ormond Park.

The Valleys parted ways with Mark Grenville after just six months in the job after winning one game in Division 4.

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Gleeson was asked to take on a part-time role after Christmas, which sparked the return to coaching.

“I did a few sessions towards the end of the season and that refuelled the interest again,” he said.

Moonee Valley finished second-last with three wins, failing to get a batsman or bowler in the Clark Shield top-20 run-getters or wicket-takers.

Tony Gleeson is the new coach at Moonee Valley Cricket Club. Picture: Josie Hayden

A top-order batsman is at the top of Gleeson’s wishlist but he would not look to poach anyone from Carlton.

“I think there was probably only one time in the 80-over games we batted out the full overs,” he said.

“We’ll be looking to strengthen the top order, the last thing you want to do is give the opposition team extra overs.

“I’ll be leaving (Carlton’s) list alone. If there’s players that have been at Carlton and left, I might look at them.

“I’ve got a few people in mind. It is pretty competitive out there.”

Moonee Valley finished the season strongly with wins in two of the final three rounds.

Improved pre-season preparation and in-season training are areas Gleeson believes could help the Valleys next season.

“Rather than a position on the ladder, we need to be more prepared than what they were last season,” he said.

“What we need to do is improve preparation and that comes with training and if I can make that — not more professional — but more interesting and use my knowledge of the game to prepare the boys better I think we can end up with more than the two victories last season.”