MPCA 2023-24: Dromana, Moorooduc and Mornington add star power in Peninsula division
Star recruits, genuine firepower...the MPCA season is set to be a cracker. Here’s a look at Peninsula clubs, with ins, outs and young guns to watch.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Star recruits, genuine firepower...the MPCA season is set to be a cracker.
Here’s a look at Peninsula clubs, with ins, outs and young guns to watch.
BAXTER
Coach: Mark McCudden
Assistant coach: Simon Dignan
Captain: Todd Quinn
Ins: Cam Dinger (Narre Warren), Josh Dinger (Narre Warren), Luke Dinger (Narre Warren), Daniel Alarcon (Narre Warren)
Out: Daniel Warwick (retired), Yohan Maddege
2023-24 expectations: After the sting of relegation, Baxter will be looking to bounce back in Peninsula. The three Dinger brothers are good inclusions; Cam is a quality leggie, while speedster Josh will bring fire with the new ball. Todd Quinn takes the captaincy reins and will be important with the bat, along with Leigh Stewart and Dananjaya Fernando. Look for Josh Mack to step up with the ball.
Young guns to watch: Cody Irving — 15-year-old all-rounder who has sprouted over the winter and could find himself opening the bowling in the ones. Composed with the bat.
Nick Harvey — Opening bat with a good technique.
Josh Dinger — Bowls with genuine pace, will be in the conversation as the quickest in the comp.
DROMANA
Director of cricket: Bobby Wilson
Coach: Zacc Klan
Captain: Sam Fowler
Ins: Bobby Wilson (Sorrento), Zacc Klan (Baden Powell), Beau Anthony
(Baden Powell)
Out: Jackson Brown (Boneo), Josh Adcock (Boneo)
2023-24 expectations: Some big inclusions will make the Hoppers, who made the semis last season, a force to be reckoned with. Country Week skipper Bobby Wilson and hard-hitting opener Beau Anthony join Kierran Voelkl, Adam Ciavarella, Dale Irving and Sam Fowler in a power-packed batting line-up, while Zacc Klan, Irving and spinner Jye Voelkl form a strong bowling attack. “We should be good on paper but you know what paper is good for,’’ Wilson said. “You’ve got to get the results.’’
Young guns to watch: Chris Vervoorst — Leg spinner, only 21…had a couple of good years and can take the next step.
Aidan Noonan — Bowls seam up, took a four-for in Dromana’s practice game.
MOOROODUC
Coach: Nick Williams
Captain: Ben Williams
Ins: Raymond Curry (Bonds, Ireland), Rashimal Mendis (Blackburn North), Cam Chrystie (Tootgarook), Aidan Logue (Foxlodge UK)
Out: Dewayne Bowden, Ethan Hutchins (UK)
2023-24 expectations: The Ducs have undergone some changes, with Nick Williams taking over as coach and his brother Ben Williams as captain. Some talented recruits will strengthen the side, and all eyes will be on 20-year-old Irish all-rounder Raymond Curry, who is said to be a very exciting player. Last season’s skipper Dewayne Bowden is a big loss.
Young guns to watch: 19-year-old Cooper Huggard — Returns to the club after two seasons with Frankston Peninsula. A promising batter who will bat in the top five and has really developed his game.
Raymond Curry — Was in an extended squad for the Irish U/19s World Cup squad that toured the West Indies in 2022 but missed out. Batting all rounder. Expecting big things.
MORNINGTON
Coach: Rob Parker
Captain: Zac Garnet
In: Matt Foon, Glenn Wood, Hayden Cummings
Out: Tom Panich (achilles injury)
2023-24 expectations: The Bulldogs won seven in a row after Christmas to make the semi-finals last season and if anything they have strengthened their side. Former Test leggie Bryce McGain is back for another campaign, while Wedgwood medallist Matt Foon and paceman Glenn Wood are notable returnees after a season or so away. An interesting inclusion is former Prahran batsman Hayden Cummings, who blasted 40-odd in a practice match and will bolster a strong batting line up, featuring skipper Zac Garnet and Shane Hockey. Last season’s batting average winner Tom Panich won’t play after a football injury. Big Cameron Moon will spearhead the bowling attack.
Young guns to watch: Tom Storr — Opening bowler with a bright future, although a broken wrist will sideline him early in the season.
Jamie Clemie — Quality batsman who has had a taste of first XI, has a good technique to go with sweet timing.
MT ELIZA
Coach: Nick Baron
Captain: Sam Glenn
In: Josh Goudge (back from injury), Jean-Luc Talbot (South Africa)
2023-24 expectations: The Mounties will be without two of their best players, coach Nick Baron and Nick Strickland — both recovering from knee reconstructive surgery. Classy young batsman Josh Goudge returns from an ACL injury and will bat at No. 3, while good things are expected from South African import Jean-Luc Talbot, who is a keeper batsman. Tim Strickland will play the entire season while star all-rounders Ravindu Kodithuwakku and Rashmika Opatha will be crucial as the Mounties look to play finals after narrowly missing out last season. Tom Baron will lead the bowling, along with Anthony Cleary.
Young guns to watch: Jack Vaughan — tall opening bowler who gets bounce off a good length.
Ollie McGinley — a talented all-rounder who had a taste of first XI last season.
ROSEBUD
Co-coaches: Nick Jewell and Patrick Nagel
Captain: Patrick Nagel
In: Kieran Hanley
2023-24 expectations: The Sharks won the District flag last season and have the players to succeed in the higher grade. The returning Kieran Hanley bolsters the top order alongside Liam Collett, who hit 483 runs in their premiership season. Kane Donald, all-rounder Jarrod Hicks and Patty Nagel are other keys. Ash Mills, so crucial last season with his batting cameos, is unsure if he’ll play but Jewell is “working on him’’. Nathan O’Sullivan is away early in the season but will play when he returns. “Stepping up a level we’re going to have to get better, no doubt,’’ Jewell said.
Young guns to watch: Cian Workman — Tall left-arm bowler who swings it both ways.
SEAFORD TIGERS
Coach: Jack Birthisel
Captain: Brayden Roscoe
In: Jack Birthisel
Out: Mackenzie Gardner (HSD), Luke Kranzbuhler (Sorrento), Liam Cox (Frankston Peninsula)
2023-24 expectations: The Tigers, after playing off in last season’s grand final, lose three of their best players, but gain a playing-coach in former Baden Powell and Frankston Peninsula batsman Jack Birthisel, who returns to cricket after several years out following a knee injury and has quickly impressed with his communication and leadership. Last season’s vice-captain Brayden Roscoe steps up to the captaincy role and will do so from behind the stumps. Leg-spinner Mark Carroll, so impressive with 39 wickets last season, will be a key again.
Young guns to watch: Benny Miller — Teenage top order bat with all the shots and importantly the patience to make an impact.
Will Sorati — An off spinning all-rounder who mixed club cricket with school cricket at Peninsula Grammar last season.
SOMERVILLE
Coach: Jason Nagel
Captain: Kiefer Peries
Ins: Kiefer Peries (Frankston Peninsula), Jacob Evans (Eildon Park), Jake Pollard (Eildon Park), Justin Allsopp (returned)
Outs: Brad McDonald, Leigh Lowry, Aaron Kaddatz (Nyora), Jarryd Lymer (Flinders)
2023-24 expectations: Coach Jason Nagel says the Eagles are “a bit of an unknown’’ after a number of changes. Former Frankston Peninsula batsman Kiefer Peries has joined the club and will captain; he brings the experience of over 100 games with the Heat, including a handful of First XI appearances. Papua New Guinea World Cup batsman Charles Amini will play some early games and all-rounder Justin Allsopp is back.
Young guns to watch: Caleb Debnam — The 18-year-old bowls a heavy ball.
Taj Duggan — Neat wicketkeeper making nice progress.
‘Something needs to be done’: Fed-up sporting club’s plea after ‘suspicious’ fire
A suburban sporting club in Melbourne’s outer east says enough is enough after it was hit with a “suspicious” blaze less than a month out from finals.
‘In a lot of trouble’: Gators survival tale after 1000 days homeless
Fountain Gate secretary Justin Smith prefers not to think about what may have lay ahead for his club had its turf ground not reopened this season. Inside the battle for survival.