MPCA news: Package of recruits, fighting words and whispers

Plenty of Mornington Peninsula cricket news, including the package of recruits set to propel a club into flag contention, a Premier Cricket all-rounder takes a coaching gig, while whispers swirl of a champion batsman’s Provincial switch.

Aidan Wheeler, playing for Prahran, celebrates the wicket of Ringwood’s Jackson Freeman. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The off-season revolving door continues to spin across the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association, with player moves, coaching appointments and whispers.

Here’s the latest:

WHEELER TAKES HELM AT BRAVES

Baden Powell will enter the 2025-26 season with fresh momentum and a new leader, with the appointment of Prahran all-rounder Aidan Wheeler as captain-coach.

“It’s a massive addition,” the Braves declared on social media.

Wheeler brings a wealth of experience, having previously played at Frankston Peninsula and also Derbyshire 2nd XI.

“Aidan is no stranger to Baden Powell, having played for us in the past during Premier Cricket breaks,” the club said.

“Wheels is a tall, fast opening bowler and a solid striker of the ball through the middle order. His skill alone will be a huge asset to our 1st XI.”

The Braves added: “Aidan’s focus is clear: to encourage our players to play positive, aggressive cricket.”

Aidan Wheeler will bring firepower to the Braves. Picture: Andy Brownbill

TRIO TO LIFT CELLAR-DWELLING SKYE

Skye is tipped to rocket into premiership contention in MPCA Sub-District after landing a package of recruits from Langwarrin. Jake Prosser, Trav Campbell and Trevor Johnston join the Kookaburras determined to perform. “Looking forward to my next cricket journey,” Prosser, who will captain Skye, wrote on social media. “Thanks to the people that have supported me throughout the last three months, now to stick it up a few people. Bring it on.” Campbell and Johnston will share the coaching duties at Skye as well as being key players in the Burras’ quest for success. Skye finished on the bottom of Subbies last season, with one win.

Jake Prosser (right) and Skye president Brian Krepp. Picture: Facebook

Travis Campbell in action for Langwarrin. Picture: Andy Brownbill

TIGERS ROAR: BOONIE BACK IN CHARGE

Seaford Tigers have turned to one of their all-time greats to lead their bounce back in 2025-26. David “Boonie” James has been appointed the Tigers’ senior men’s coach. He is no stranger to the role; he’s the club’s longest-serving senior coach as well as being a life member, two-time 1st XI premiership player and dual 1st XI best and fairest winner. “With experience, passion and a strong connection to the club, we look forward to Boonie leading from the front to help push the Tigers forward this season,” the Tigers said.

David "Boonie" James. Picture: Facebook

TIGERS TAP JANSZ FOR BATTING BOOST

Still at Seaford Tigers, and they’ve locked in former Frankston Peninsula coach Keith Jansz as a specialist batting coach. “Keith will work closely with an invitational group of players taking them through an intense, high-level batting program focused on skill development, technique, and mindset and will also be supporting the club throughout the season with specialist batting coaching,” the club said.

BEHIND THE STUMPS TO IN CHARGE

Red Hill has a new coach, appointing premiership wicketkeeper Andy Restein. He takes charge of a talented Hillmen squad including Simon Dart, Glenn Collett and Brent Martin. They are keen to win another flag after playing off in the semi-finals last season.

Udara Ravindu has re-signed at Tyabb. Picture: Valeriu Campan

DYNAMIC DUO LOCKED IN AT YABBIES

Sub-District grand finalists Tyabb has re-signed two of its best players, James Holland-Burch and Udara Ravindu. Holland-Burch, one of the fastest bowlers in the competition, took 34 wickets at 17.2 last season, to go with 209 runs with the bat. “An all-round threat, he’s become one of the most valuable players in the comp — and he’s set to take it by storm,” Tyabb posted on social media. Ravindu is a stylish and damaging batsman who churned out 468 runs at 29.2 last season to win the Jeff Slocombe 1st XI Player of the Year Medal.

SPINNER ON THE MOVE

Still at Tyabb, and left-arm spinner Lachlan Hose, after a dominant 43-wicket summer in the MPCA, is off to Frankston Peninsula where he’ll test his considerable skills at the higher level.

HARNETT STAYS AS FROGS LEAP FORWARD

Good news for Tootgarook with experienced all-rounder Todd Harnett recommitting for season 2025-26. The Frogs have lost some key players, including leading run scorer Travis French, who’s joined Mt Martha. Tootgarook will be led by club champion Matt Whelan and plan to give opportunities to its kids.

WHISPERS:

*Matt Chasemore being linked with a move to Red Hill, to play alongside his good friend Glenn Collett and fellow ex-Premier star Simon Dart.

*Baden Powell’s appointment of Aidan Wheeler to pay big dividends, with a couple of key recruits (one from the DDCA) likely to join him at the Braves.

*Two of the MPCA’s best young players fielding attractive offers from a club in a neighbouring association.