Mornington Peninsula CA 2024-25: Ultimate season preview for all 32 clubs
Ahead of the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association season’s opening round, here are 300 ins and outs, 200 key players and analysis of every club across four divisions.
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Ahead of the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association season’s opening round, here are 300 ins and outs, 200 key players and analysis of every club across four divisions.
Here’s a club-by-club assessment of how the teams shape up for Round 1.
PROVINCIAL
BADEN POWELL
Coach: Craig Entwistle
Captain: Rhys Elmi
In: Taylor Harrison (Knox Gardens)
Out: Ben Frith
Key players: Rhys Elmi, Dale Elmi, Luke Long, Jack Gorbert, Travis Kellerman
Snapshot: The Braves, after missing finals last season, move back to Overport 1 oval after it was refurbished. Look for them to contend, with Taylor Harrison back to boost the bowling.
DROMANA
Coach: Zacc Klan
Captain: Sam Fowler
In: Madu Perera (Moorooduc)
Out: Adam Ciavarella (Rye)
Key players: Bobby Wilson, Sam Fowler, Kierran Voelkl, Jye Voelkl, Dale Irving, Beau Anthony
Snapshot: Dominated last season to win the Peninsula flag. With an abundance of talent and match-winners, the step up to Provincial shouldn’t hold any fears.
HEATHERHILL
Coach: a panel of senior players
Captain: Sammy Mullavey/Kristian Miller
In: Sammy Mullavey (Parkdale), Adeel Hussain, Sithum Peiris (Haig Fawkner), James Spencer (Leigh on Sea, UK)
Out: Neil Barfuss (retired), Levi Mcloughlin-Dore (Frankston YCW), Dan Hille (Flinders)
Key players: Kristian Miller, Sammy Mullavey, Jake Theobald, Tyler Neal, Brett Maxwell, Adeel Hussain
Snapshot: After narrowly avoiding relegation, the Hills will be stronger, with premiership stars Sammy Mullavey and Adeel Hussain important inclusions. James Spencer captains his club back in the UK and is said to bowl at a good clip and is a player to watch.
LANGWARRIN
Co-coaches: Trevor Johnston and Jake Prosser
Captain: Ricky Damiano
Ins: Ricky Damiano (Brighton), Andrew Smith (Seaford), Brodie Matthews (Frankston Peninsula), Jack Marget (Knox Gardens)
Out: Jackson Mockett
Key players: Ricky Damiano, Matt Prosser, Jake Prosser, Kylan Mitchell, Trav Campbell, Taylor Smith, Sam Prosser, Andrew Smith, Brodie Matthews
Snapshot: The arrival of VSDCA champion Ricky Damiano (23 Subbies tons) whips up great excitement and interest in the competition. He will take on the bowlers, and skipper the side. Champion all-rounder Matty Prosser is going for a fifth successive Wedgwood Medal.
OLD PENINSULA
Captain-coach: Elias Karageorgiou
Vice-captain and T20 skipper: Tom La Brooy
Out: Matt Stone (Frankston Peninsula), Leo Steenholdt (Frankston Peninsula)
Key players: Justin Grant, Tom La Brooy, John Forrest, Bailey Payze, Dylan O’Malley
Snapshot: The Pirates hope to get a full season out of John Forrest and James La Brooy while exciting youngsters Bailey Payze, Hugh Peacock, Zac Bauer and Will Forrest will play greater roles.
PINES
Coaches: Jamie Jewiss, Billy Humphrey
Captain: Billy Humphrey
Chairman of selectors: Ricky Ramsdale
T20 captain: Connor Jackson
In: Liam Jackson (Baden Powell)
Out: Kane Hawkins, Nick Wilcox (retired)
Key players: Harley Peace-Stirling, Billy Humphrey, Patrick Jackson, Connor Jackson, Nick Christides, Jesse Jewiss
Snapshot: The Piners fell at the final hurdle last season but will be hungry to go one better. Look for talented youngster Jesse Jewiss to have a big season now he’s injury free.
RED HILL
Coach: Neil Robertson
Captain: Glenn Collett
In: Lincoln Toy (Delatite)
Out: Chris Weeks
Key players: Glenn Collett, Simon Dart, Brent Martin, Chris Dew, Riley Shaw, Rhys Hewitt
Snapshot: The reigning premiers are the team to beat, although skipper and gun bat Chris Weeks doesn’t look like playing (sore knees). He will still be around the club helping out. Premiership player Lincoln Toy is a welcome addition.
SORRENTO
Captain-coach: Dimitri Mascarenhas
Ins: Dimitri Mascarenhas (Vermont), Ollie Hanrahan (Prahran), Jedd Falck (returning after a year off), Ryder Crawley (Moorabbin), Josh Niklaus (Blackburn South), Campbell Robertson (Mt Martha), Logan Robertson (Mt Martha)
Outs: Seb Gotch, Luke Kranzbuhler (Frankston Peninsula), Will Jewell (Rosebud), Charlie Wigg (Rye)
Key players: Jake Wood, Ollie Hanrahan, James Rulach, Matthew Rulach, Corey Harris, Mitch Bench, Jedd Falck
Snapshot: Former England international Dimitri Mascarenhas takes charge of a Sharks side that made the semi-finals last season. Nick Jamieson (ex-Glen Iris) is one to watch, while Caey South Melbourne fast bowler Nathan Lambden will be Sorrento’s marquee player in the T20s.
ROUND 1:
Saturday, October 5 (One-day match, 12.30pm): Old Peninsula v Heatherhill, Red Hill v Pines, Dromana v Sorrento, Baden Powell v Langwarrin.
PENINSULA
LONG ISLAND
Coach: Stuart Swift
Captain: Aiden McKenna
Ins: Harry Van Raay (Old Peninsula), Zac Wilson (returning), Sam Holland-Burch (Tyabb)
Out: Anthony Bissett
Key players: Aiden McKenna, Zac Wilson, Sam Holland-Burch, Michael Burke, Tom Boxell, Tom Matson, Matt Shimell
Snapshot: Expect the Islanders to bounce back hard after the sting of relegation. Their side looks strong, with Country Week opener Aiden McKenna leading the way. All-rounder Sam Holland-Burch, also a Country Week player, is an excellent addition.
MOOROODUC
Coach: Nick Williams
Director of coaching: Rob Hearn
Captain: Ben Williams
Ins: Rob Hearn (Tyabb), Ben Millar (Seaford Tigers), Ewan Wilson (Northern Ireland), Joel Brand (Hastings), Ned Matthews (Mornington), Billy Arnott (Mornington), Lucas Peterson (Hastings)
Out: Madu Perera (Dromana), Reece Cordeux (Nyora), Thusith Udayanga
Key players: Ben Williams, Ray Curry, Michael Whincup, Cooper Huggard, Rob Hearn, Ben Millar, Ewan Wilson
Snapshot: The Ducs have lost 750 runs from their top-order with Madu Perera and Thusith Udayanga moving on. But former Ireland under-19 rep Ewan Wilson is an excellent addition, joining countryman Ray Curry, while Rob Hearn, Ben Williams and recruit Ben Millar will look to churn out big scores.
MORNINGTON
Coach: Brendan Walsh
Captain: Zac Garnet
Vice-captain: Cameron Moon
Ins: Brendan Walsh (Lysterfield), Tom Panich (returning from season off)
Out: Ned Matthews (Moorooduc), Billy Arnott (Moorooduc)
Key players: Brendan Walsh, Zac Garnet, Shane Hockey, Bryce McGain, Mitch Goddard, Zac Garnet, Cameron Moon, Hayden Cummings
Snapshot: The Bulldogs have retained their First XI, and strengthened. Ringwood triple premiership all-rounder Brendan Walsh has joined as playing-coach. He cracked a half century at No. 4 in a praccy match against Dromana last week. Charlie Parker is back, as is Tom Panich. Record numbers at pre-season training has Mornington in strong shape.
MT ELIZA
Coach: Marc Uccello
Captain: Nick Baron
In: Imesh Jayasekara (Upper Beaconsfield), Nick Strickland (back from knee injury)
Out: Lahiru Opatha (Plenty Valley)
Key players: Josh Goudge, Tom Baron, Imesh Jayasekara, Jean-Luc Talbot, Ravinda Kodithuwakku, Sam Glenn
Snapshot: The Mounties, grand finalists last season, have lost their leading run scorer Lahiru Opatha. New coach Marc Uccello has brought positive energy, while Nick Baron returns as captain after recovering from a knee reco. Big things are expected from Upper Beaconsfield recruit Imesh Jayasekara, who made 557 runs including two centuries last season.
ROSEBUD
Coach: Geoff Glaum
Assistant coach: AJ King
Captain: Patrick Nagel
In: Geoff Glaum (Rye), Will Jewell (Sorrento), Sean Barry (returning), Sean Garner (Boneo), Liam Peirce (Boneo)
Key players: Patrick Nagel, Jarrod Hicks, Sam Jones, Liam Collett, Kane Donald, Will Jewell, Sean Garner, James Egan
Snapshot: Semi-finalists last season, the Sharks look like being a leading contender again. Geoff Glaum has returned home to coach, while Patrick Nagel will lead a well balanced and now-experienced ones side.
SEAFORD
Coach: Zac Staggard
Captain: Matt Herbert
In: nil
Out: Andrew Smith (Langwarrin), Sam Frawley (coaching Mackie), Jaxon Cumming (Seaford Tigers), Scott Manders (family duties)
Key players: Jacob Foxwell, Aaron Bardwell, Dil Pageni, Matt Herbert, Ryan McQueen, Zac Staggard
Snapshot: Seaford has lost its two best bowlers Andrew Smith and Sam Frawley (57 wickets between them) from its premiership side. Ben Wilson, Matt Herbert and Zac Staggard are candidates to take the new ball, along with homegrown teenage talents Bailey Hoysted and Mitch Bowles. Experienced campaigners Dil Pageni and Ryan McQueen are tipped for strong seasons.
SEAFORD TIGERS
Coach: Jack Birthisel
Captain: Dave James
Out: Brayden Roscoe (Warragul), Ben Millar (Moorooduc)
Key players: Luke Chevalier, Dave James, Jack Brooking, Mark Carroll, Aaron Mountney
Snapshot: The Tigers have lost their two leading run scorers from last season, Brayden Roscoe and Ben Millar, but it presents opportunities to homegrown talent. Dave James takes on the captaincy after two years off.
SOMERVILLE
Coach: Jason Nagel
Captain: Kiefer Peries
In: Isaac Harrison (UK), Brad McDonald (returning)
Out: Nick Mann (Frankston Peninsula), Matt Davie (McKinnon), Ryan McNamara, Cameron Sharpe, Jack Kennedy
Key players: Kiefer Peries, Brad McDonald, Jack Barbour, Jake Pollard, Luke Rowe
Snapshot: Eagles skipper Kiefer Peries made 633 runs last season to top the competition run charts and the batting will be boosted further by the return of Brad McDonald. Somerville’s bowling, though, has lost some sting with Ryan McNamara, Cameron Sharpe and Jack Kennedy signalling their intentions to not play.
Round 1, Saturday: Moorooduc v Somerville, Mornington v Long Island, Seaford v Rosebud, Mt Eliza v Seaford.
DISTRICT
BALNARRING
Captain-coach: Luke Hewitt
Ins: Ben King (French Island), Josh Peet (Boneo), Tom Peet (Boneo)
Out: nil
Key players: Luke Hewitt, Ben King, Charlie Robinson-Cay, Mark Walles, Jake Hewitt, Jackson Hannah, Justin Brown
Snapshot: The Saints look set to be a leading contender, with Ben King (owner of the MPCA highest ever score, 321no), returning to boost the batting and bowling ranks. The Peet brothers from Boneo are also key arrivals. Luke Hewitt peeled off three centuries last season and will lead from the front.
BAXTER
Coach: Simon Dignan
Captain: Todd Quinn
Ins: Priyantha Kumara (Blackburn South), Tom Carlyle (Officer), Mitch Rossborough (AYC Harlequins), Hayden Brittain (Langwarrin), Matthew Wright (UK recruit, played at Golden Square last season), Chamika Sattambi (returns from Darley)
Out: Cam Dinger (Carrum Downs), Josh Dinger (Carrum Downs)
Key players: Todd Quinn, Leigh Stewart, Priyantha Kumara, Chamika Sattambi, Simon Dignan
Snapshot: After successive wooden spoons, Baxter is looking to rebuild. MPCA champion Simon Dignan has taken over as coach and will look to instill a winning culture. Leading players Dana Fernando and Mandadige Fernando look unlikely to play.
BONEO
Head coach: Caolan O’Connor
Technical coach: David McClean
Captain: Jack Beale
Ins: Cam Peirce (Tootgarook), Jack Dowling (Tootgarook), Anthony Bos (Tootgarook), Saden Abeygunawardana
Outs: Josh Peet (Balnarring), Tom Peet (Boneo), Sean Garner (Rosebud)
Key players: Samson Storey, Dilasri Lokubandara, Jack Beale, Chris Jobling, Cam Williams, Caolan O’Connor, Jarvis Andersen, Ryan Jellie
Snapshot: After winning its second-ever First XI flag last season, Boneo steps into District division. Caolan O’Connor takes over as coach and the Pandas have retained key players, including leading batsmen Samson Storey and Dilasri Lokubandara.
CARRUM
Coach: Bart Hudgson
Captain: Shaun Foster
Ins: Corey Hand (returning), Max LeFevre, Sam Ridgway
Out: nil
Key players: Liam Hulett, Jake D’Atri, Shaun Foster, Josh Dent, Riley Johnston, Corey Foster, Gus Kennedy, Billy Thomson, Dylan Ridgway
Snapshot: After losing to eventual premiers Seaford in a semi-final last season, the Lions will be hungry for success. Shaun Foster takes ovr as captain, while former club junior Max LeFevre is back from Queensland to take the wicketkeeping gloves in the ones. More depth.
CARRUM DOWNS
Coach: Jum Quarmby
Assistant coach: Michael O’Driscoll
Captain: Gordon Waterfall
Ins: Cam Dinger (Baxter), Josh Dinger (Baxter), Anthony Salomon (Noble Park)
Out: nil
Key players: Gordon Waterfall, Rob Johnston, Cam Dinger, Josh Dinger, Brad Lockhart, James Quarmby, James Abbotts, Jordan Watters, Ryan Lynch
Snapshot: Leading batsman Gordon Waterfall takes over as captain and he will lead a strong side desperate to win an elusive flag after going close in recent seasons. Rob Johnston will look to replicate his superb ‘23-24 campaign (466 runs and 17 wickets), while Jum Quarmby showed his class with an unbeaten century in the semi-final last season.
CRIB POINT
Captain-coach: Blake Hogan-Keogh
Ins: Jake Mialitsis (Tyabb), Jack Knight (Seaford)
Out: Neil Clark, Blaze Rosinski (WA)
Key players: Blake Hogan-Keogh, Matt Blake, Spencer Wilton, Angus Cripps, Brad Davidson, Andrew Sharp
Snapshot: The pain of grand final defeat will spur on the Magpies, who will again rely on two-time Betts medallist Matt Blake (494 runs and 41 wickets last season) and Blake Hogan-Keogh (668 runs).
FLINDERS
Captain-coach: Liam Wolters
In: Dan Hille (Heatherhill), Josh Gawthrope (Southern Districts, NT)
Out: Mac Henderson (Dromana)
Key players: Liam Wolters, Jack Field, Tom Pengelly, Mason Mail, Sam Field, Luke Reynolds, Jarryd Lymer
Snapshot: Liam Wolters will lead a Sharks side capable of mixing it with the leading sides. Opening bat Jack Field will play the first four games and then go overseas, while Matt Gale is likely to play “half the games’’.
MAIN RIDGE
Coach: Jason Albress
Captain: Scott Murray
In: Praveen Fernando (Footscray United)
Out: Ryan Harrison (Mt Martha), Charlie Nunn (staying in UK), Harry Nunn (staying in UK)
Key players: Praveen Fernando, Scott Murray, Sam McWilliams, Jacob McWilliams, James Abbott, Sam Lyons
Snapshot: Jason Albress, after guiding Boneo to a premiership, returns to the Cougars as coach. Sri Lankan first-class batsman Praveen Fernando is an exciting addition; at 29, he’s a hard-hitting left-hander who will relish the small boundaries at Ditterich Reserve. Tommy Finn is to undergo knee surgery and will be sidelined. Ex-St Kilda keeper Scott Murray will skipper the Cougars, with Jacob McWilliams vice-captain.
ROUND 1, Saturday, October 5: Carrum Downs v Carrum, Balnarring v Flinders, Boneo v Baxter, Main Ridge v Crib Point.
SUB-DISTRICT
BALLAM PARK
Coach: Luke Mulder
Captain: Will Borthwick
Ins: Pubudu Edirisinghe (Skye), Gerard Selvam (Coomoora), Jason Hannah (Frankston YCW), Tom Carey (Whitchurch Heath, Wales)
Out: nil
Key players: Will Borthwick, Pubudu Edirisinghe, Zach Clements, Ezra Hughes, Tom Carey
Snapshot: Look for the Knights to improve under the coaching of Luke Mulder. Skipper Will Borthwick, gun recruit Pubudu Edirisinghe and overseas all-rounder Tom Carey are ones to watch.
DELACOMBE PARK
Coach: Ash Walker
Captain: Daniel Streker
Ins: nil
Out: Andrew Stapleton (overseas), Nick Hammel (interstate), Dylan Gray (Frankston Peninsula)
Key players: Jonny Guthrie, Daniel Streker, Max Sherry, Joel Malcolm, Mark McDonald
Snapshot: After being relegated last season, the Parkers have lost several key players. Also, gun all-rounder Flynn Walker is sidelined until Christmas after breaking his arm playing footy, while Max Sherry has a bunch of weddings in the first half of the season. But the club’s twos won the premiership last season and some of those players will step up to the ones, including talented all-rounder Mark McDonald.
FRANKSTON YCW
Coach: Simon Draycott
Assistant coaches: Dan Salvato and Dean Henwood
Captain: Jack Greenwood
Ins: Dean Henwood (Cardinia), Dan Salvato (Cardinia), Levi McLoughlin-Dore (Heatherhill)
Out: nil
Key players: Justin Little, Kaedyn Hodgson, Josh Edwards, Ben Williams, Simon Draycott, Jack Greenwood, Jack Santon, Dean Henwood
Snapshot: The Stonecats have the talent to go far this season. Former Country Week spinner Levi McLoughlin-Dore has returned. Genuine contenders.
MT MARTHA
Coach: Rob Birnie
Captain: Ryan Harrison
Ins: Rob Birnie (Long Island), Ryan Harrison (Main Ridge), Harry Mount (UK), Jono Coyne (returning)
Out: Thomas Walker (UK), Evan Williams (UK), Elliot Lord (North Cairns)
Key players: Ryan Harrison, Matt Pollock, Charlie Caldecott, Harry Mount, Maxim McKenzie
Snapshot: Last season’s runners-up have had a solid preparation with healthy numbers throughout pre-season. The Reds have lost some key players but with a new coach and captain and a young squad they can push for high honours.
RYE
Captain/Coach: Adam Ciavarella
Vice-captains: Jack Harris and Calder McKenzie
Ins: Adam Ciavarella (Dromana), Charlie Wigg (Sorrento), Madawa Perera & Sash Gunathunga (Skye)
Out: nil
Key players: Nathan Hunt, Jacob Long, Calder McKenzie, Ravi Palleguruge, Charlie Wigg, Jack Harris, Sash Gunathunga
Snapshot: The Demons are set to make a charge towards the finals after adding young paceman Charlie Wigg and wicket-taking Sash Gunathunga. Nathan Hunt blasted four centuries and almost 700 runs last season and will be the big wicket rivals will be chasing.
SKYE
Coach: Jason Baluch
Captain: Anthony Craddock
Ins. Anthony Craddock (Pearcedale), Pat Beckham (Pearcedale)
Out: Shabaaz Alam, Pubudu Edirisinghe (Ballam Park), Sashika Gunathunga (Rye), Farhan Hussain
Key players: Dave Dervan, Anthony Craddock, Patrick Beckham, Nick Phillips.
Snapshot: Skye contested the finals last season but has lost several leading players since. The return of Anthony Craddock and Pat Beckham will help, though.
TOOTGAROOK
Coach: Danny Heylbut
Captain: Evin Parslow
Ins: Danny Heylbut (Rosebud), Dieter Heylbut (Rosebud), Wayde Heylbut (Rosebud)
Out: Anthony Bos (Boneo), Cam Peirce (Boneo)
Key players: Matthew Whelan, Travis French, Evin Parslow, Scott Sterling, Dieter Heylbut
Snapshot: The Frogs have a new coach and captain — and if they can win those close contests this season they can give the top four a nudge.
TYABB
Captain-coach: Justin Bridgeman
Ins: Udara Ravindu (Bulleen), Ryan Regan (Hastings), George Read (UK), Jayden Regan (Hastings), Tyler Regan (Hastings)
Out: Sam Holland-Burch (Long Island), Alex Thornhill, Rob Hearn (Moorooduc), Jake Mialitsis (Crib Point), Malith Chathuranga, Josh Guinea (Merinda Park)
Key players: Lachlan Hose, George Read, Udara Ravindu, James Holland-Burch, Jarrod White, Ryan Regan
Snapshot: The Yabbies will rely on gun spinner Lachlan Hose, who took 49 wickets at 9.9 last season. Good things are also expected from overseas player Gerge Read.
ROUND 1, Saturday, October 5: Rye v Mt Martha, Skye v Delacombe Park, Frankston YCW v Ballam Park, Tyabb v Tootgarook.
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