MPCA news: triple signings, new captains and big money rumours

Plenty of MPCA news around, including a club’s triple signing, new captain appointments and whispers of big bucks being thrown around by a cashed-up club.

The MPCA news keeps coming in the off-season.

The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association off-season is in full swing, with signings, appointments and crucial meetings.

Here’s the latest:

TRIPLE SIGNING FOR MT MARTHA

Mt Martha has made a significant statement for the 2025-26 season with three key signings. Travis French, Tootgarook’s third-highest run scorer, joins as a seasoned opener and mentor. Anthony Coe, also from Tootgarook, adds depth to the squad. Completing the trio is UK import Duncan Brown, an aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman with ECB Premier League experience. Blending local talent with international experience, the Reds are set to climb the ladder after finishing second last.

TOOTGAROOK ‘TRANSPARENCY’

Over 30 people attended Tootgarook’s extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday night. Newly appointed coach Matt Whelan described it as “positive’’, focusing on financial transparency. The club revealed its financial position, with some players owed money now taking pay cuts or waiving debts. Several junior parents offered to help out on the committee, while Whelan said he was hopeful of retaining key players, including Scott Sterling. “A couple haven’t signed anywhere, so we are having a chat to them over the weekend,’’ he said. “Last night was more about open transparency for the rest of the club just to know what’s going on because there were a lot of questions and rumours going around.’’ Tootgarook’s AGM is scheduled for June 25.

EX-PRESIDENT LANDS AT FROG POND

A surprise and very welcome attendee at Tootgarook’s meeting was a former president of a cricket club towards the city. He’s just moved into the local area and, out of the blue, put his hand up to be involved at the Frogs, on the committee. Very positive indeed.

Tom McDermott (right) with Pines coach Jamie Jewiss. Picture: Pines CC

‘THE WIZ’ BOLSTERS PINERS

A terrific pick-up for Pines, securing Glen Iris wicketkeeper-batsman Tom “The Wiz” McDermott. He’s the perfect replacement for premiership gloveman Rikki Anstiss, who’s retired. McDermott played in a football premiership at Pines; now he’s aiming to play in one at the cricket club. With over 6000 runs at Glen Iris, McDermott’s move to Pines, just five minutes from home, promises to bolster the already strong Piners squad.

LA BROOY TO STEER PIRATES’ COMEBACK SHIP

Old Peninsula have appointed Tom La Brooy as their new 1st XI skipper for the 2025-26 season, following the club’s relegation. Fresh from leading the Pirates to Jack Peacock flag victory, La Brooy’s exceptional leadership and on-field performance have earned him this promotion. He’s the ideal person to guide their bounce-back campaign.

Tom La Brooy.

REGAN RISES: YABBIES STAR TAKES HELM

Tyabb has named Jayden Regan as its new senior coach. A standout player in last season’s 1st XI, with over 400 runs, Regan brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role. His strong rapport with the team is expected to drive success in the upcoming season.

STONECATS CROWN NEW SKIPPER

Frankston YCW will usher in a new era with Levi McLoughlin-Dore appointed as 1st XI captain for the 2025-26 season. A Stonecats premiership player and a Country Week rep, McLoughlin-Dore replaces outgoing skipper Jack Greenwood who was at the helm for three years.

DEMONS SIGN PACEMAN

A big paceman with an ungainly action has joined Rye. Callum Raisbeck, who played a key role in Olinda’s journey to the grand final of the Ferntree Gully and District Association last season, is expected to challenge MPCA District batsmen in the upcoming season. His signing is part of Rye’s successful recruiting campaign, which also includes DDCA all-rounder Satheesh Fernandu.

SAM TO HAVE CRACK

Flinders young gun Sam Field is Melbourne-bound. The 16-year-old will have a crack at Premier Cricket with the Demons under newly appointed coach Will Pucovski. An exciting young player and a star young coach — a perfect combination.

TIRED OF CHASING

One MPCA club president has had a gut full of chasing recruits who have no intention of signing. “I feel like people just want to meet with you to get an offer in front of them and then negotiate with their own club,’’ the exasperated prez said. “I feel like that’s happened a bit lately, and it’s getting to the point where I’m saying, ‘nah I don’t want to meet with them...I’ve done this dance too many times!’’

WHISPERS:

*Carrum close to locking in a coach — likely to be Bart Hudgson, with ex-Dandenong player Paul McDonald as head of cricket.

*Justin Bridgeman, after a successful stint at Tyabb, to make a return to Long Island.

*Former Main Ridge captain-coach Jordan McCulley linked with Heatherhill.

*Plenty of talk of big bucks being thrown around by a cashed-up club, with some key signings imminent.

*Baxter to draw up a shortlist of catchy nicknames as part of a new branding strategy under new coach Mark Cooper.