MPCA: Baxter appoints Mark McCudden as coach

Baxter has a new coach and captain as it plots a return to the top of MPCA Provincial in 2022-23. And more changes are ahead.

It’s the Baxter reboot.

After going three seasons without finals action, Baxter has announced key changes in a bid to return to the top of MPCA Provincial.

Former Melbourne paceman Mark McCudden has been appointed coach, stepping up to the role after being chairman of selectors.

Champion batsman Daniel Warwick is back as captain after two seasons without the responsibility.

And several Baxter premiership players are set to return to the club to help out as assistant coaches.

The changes follow the departure of previous captain-coach Sammy Mullavey, who has linked with Parkdale in Cricket Southern Bayside.

Baxter captain Daniel Warwick hoists the 2009-10 MPCA Provincial premiership cup.

Baxter president Steve Harvey said the changes had created an air of excitement at the club, which has won four Provincial flags since 2010.

He said McCudden would put his stamp on the coaching job.

“His enthusiasm is unbelievable,” he said.

“He’s had a fair apprenticeship at Melbourne…he was there for over 10 years so he learnt off good people at Melbourne.

“He’s a guy who develops relationships easily and that’s what I want from a coach.

“And he’s a got a good rapport with a lot of young players down there.

It was a natural fit to be honest.”

Harvey said Warwick, a four-time Baxter premiership skipper, put his hand up to captain again.

“With a young family he couldn’t commit fully for the last few years,” Harvey said.

“He contacted me a few weeks ago and said now that his family is a bit older he’s ready to recommit. That was music to my ears.”

Harvey added: “When he’s got that responsibility he’s a better player and that makes us a better team. It was a no brainer to me. We were stoked.”

Baxter’s talented young all-rounder Will Borthwick is said to be considering a crack at Premier Cricket, possibly with Casey South Melbourne.

Harvey said Baxter was hopeful of snaring another recruit or two.

“We’re still on the look out, we’ve got a couple of points still to play with so we’re still trying to shore up the batting a bit,’’ he said.