Northcote captain Josh Sundberg discusses Premier Cricket season ambitions

Josh Sundberg says Northcote’s depth is as strong as its ever been as the Dragons look to take the step from finalist to Premier Cricket title contender.

Take the competition by storm.

That’s Northcote’s ambition this Premier Cricket season under new captain Josh Sundberg.

The Dragons are looking to take a step from a week one finals exit to premiership contender and possess one of, if not the best, attacks in the competition.

Brody Couch’s arrival in the off-season strengthens a battery that already includes Michael Topp, Joe Medew-Ewen, Mick Edwards, Jack Lalor and Aaron Crisp.

Northcote will also regain Sam Harbinson after two years in Tasmania and a season with Leinster in Ireland, while Plenty Valley captain-coach Michael Rogneda also makes his return.

New Northcote First XI captain Joshua Sundberg. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Sundberg, who takes the reins from Blayde Baker, said the Dragons’ pre-season was as good as he’s seen in his time at Bill Lawry Oval.

“It’s a fresh take on what we want to do, how we want to play our cricket,” he said.

“I’ve had a lot of conversations in the last couple of years about where we want to be as a mature group, what legacy we want to leave, and the last couple of years we haven’t really been nailing what we want.

“We’re going as well as I can remember.

“In terms of squad depth, it’s going to be really difficult to pick a First XI come Round 1.

“We want to be playing our best cricket at the right time as well, which has been a bit of an issue over the last couple of years.

“We’re well aware of the problems we need to overcome to make sure we’re rolling into Feb, March.”

Couch, the Victoria, Melbourne Stars and San Francisco Unicorns paceman, will be a key pillar in Northcote’s game.

Brody Couch celebrates a wicket for Geelong.

The 23-year-old crossed from Geelong and is looking to impress state selectors.

“Brody is a gem, he’s fitting in really well,” Sundberg said.

“Someone like him, who’s been in the system for a while, to see him be the first at training when I rock up is really heartening.

“He’s 110 per cent committed to what we want to do, which is take the competition by storm a bit.

“He’s bowling quickly, he’s fit as a fiddle, a ripping guy and a Blues man so he’s hurting – I bunked with him (during the club’s Numurkah camp) and he was in a bit of trouble.”

Northcote ranked ninth of 18 clubs for wickets taken last season and seventh for runs scored.

Medew-Ewen collected a club-leading 30 wickets, while Sundberg enjoyed a career-best season with the bat, scoring a leading 590 runs.

With the introduction of the T20 format back into the Premier Cricket season, Northcote will look to combine its red and white ball talents.

“We’re trying to keep it pretty streamlined in both formats, red and white ball cricket,” Sundberg said.

“We had a 10-day stint in India and had six days of intense training in Bangalore, facing 50-60 net bowlers.

“(Mark Phelan) has really developed his game against spin and activity at the crease and he potentially may not even open.

“Elliot’s (Brandon-Jones) come along really well, he’s a rare unit but a good player, Jonty (Rushton) has come back and we’ll definitely be looking to use him at the top in white ball and potentially red ball.

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“Jagadesh (Koduru) has had another season in Darwin where he’s hit three million balls and looking as good as I’ve seen him and then Jack Lalor, it’s just the tip of the iceberg for him.

“I think I’m the only one who’s struggling at the moment to be honest.

“Bakes is moving really well behind the stumps and Joey has had a winter with the Vics and put a couple of Ks onto his stock delivery.”

Northcote kicks off the Premier Cricket season at Bill Lawry Oval when they host Essendon on October 7.