MPCA cricket rumours, player moves ahead of the 2025-26 season

The Mornington Peninsula cricket season has just finished but the signings, whispers and player moves are in full swing. Keep up to date with all the behind-the-scenes goings on.

The buzz of player movements and signings has begun in the MPCA’s off-season. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

With the cricket season wrapped up, the buzz of player movements and signings takes centre stage.

Here are the latest whispers and strategic shifts as teams gear up for next season:

HAVE BAT WILL TRAVEL

While most cricketers have packed away their kit bags for the winter, the action continues for some local stars, including:

*Mornington premiership captain Cameron Moon is playing up in Darwin.

*Long Island all-rounder Harry Van Raay has signed as an overseas amateur at Broadbottom Cricket Club in the Derbyshire and Cheshire Cricket League in the UK.

*Heat batsman Ryan Hammel is already in Darwin gearing up for an impactful season with Southern Districts.

*Frankston Peninsula captain Jai Elcock will showcase his prowess in the Yorkshire Premier League.

Pat Jackson had an outstanding season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

PAT PICKED

Pat Jackson is having some sort of run. The Pines premiership star represented Victoria at the National Indigenous Cricket Championship in Mackay last week — and performed so well that he was named in the team of the tournament. In one match, Jackson delivered a remarkable spell, taking 4-2 off two overs. It came hot on the heels of his superb finals performances for Pines, including making 55 and taking 4-33 in the Piners’ grand final win over Red Hill, following his 3-58 off 26 overs in the semi-final. Many rate Pat Jackson as the best player in the MPCA.

NEW COACH FOR DP

Delacombe Park has appointed Seaford premiership player Zac Staggard as senior coach.

“After meeting with Zac and hearing his passion for coaching, we’re confident he’ll be the perfect fit to lead our club into the future,’’ the Parkers, who just missed finals in Sub District, said in a statement. Staggard is a former Croydon all-rounder who joined Seaford in 2022-23, playing and coaching in the Tigers premiership success.

STAR COACH MPCA BOUND?

One of local cricket’s most successful playing-coaches Mark Cooper could be headed back to the MPCA. The left-hander is being mentioned as a possible candidate to help resurrect Baxter, which has dropped down to Sub-District ranks following a string of relegations. It’s only a rumour at this stage but if anyone can get Baxter bubbling again it’s Cooper, who has won 10 premierships in the past two decades — the latest at Cardinia last month.

Mornington show off their premiership flag. Picture: Facebook

HOT DOGS

Mornington was on fire as it swept to a rousing MPCA Peninsula division grand final victory. And, we’re told, the Bulldogs’ premiership celebrations were also on fire — literally. Flames from a backyard firepit at a player’s house got a bit out of control, requiring a visit from the local fire brigade.

PACEMAN JOINS SAINTS

A terrific signing for Balnarring amid its District premiership celebrations.

The Saints have secured Somerville paceman Ryan McNamara, who won the Peninsula division bowling award in 2023-24, when he captured 31 wickets at an average of 12, including a best of 7-30. Last season he nabbed 18 wickets across nine games, with a best of 6-56.

“Ryan was drawn to our strong culture on and off the field,” Balnarring said.

“He is super keen to link up with the group and get to work.”

WHISPERS

Our Southern Snout has been busy sniffing out the latest cricket rumours, and here’s what he’s blurted out:

*Dan Warwick potentially to Dromana.

*Adeel Hussain to Seaford.

*Dan Kelly from Long Island to Somerville.

*Patrick Nagel reappointed as Rosebud captain in the first of several key appointments at the Sharks.

*Pines going all out to lure Pirates dynamo Dylan O’Malley. Known for his explosive performances, O’Malley could be the game-changer the premiership-winning Piners are looking for.

*Considerable interest in Langwarrin trio Jake Prosser, Travis Campbell and Trevor Johnston, with a northern MPCA club particularly keen on acquiring their services, recognizing the trio’s potential to make a significant impact.