Northcote secure Michael Topp but lose Sam Harbinson for 2020/21
Looking to build on last season’s charge to the preliminary final, Northcote has added Ringwood paceman Michael Topp to its attack for the new season but lost a star paceman to Tasmania.
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Northcote has secured one of Premier Cricket’s most reliable wicket-takers, luring Michael Topp from Ringwood.
Topp will help fill the void left by Dragons spearhead Sam Harbinson, who has moved to Tasmania to pursue his first-class cricket ambitions.
In 137 First XI matches since debuting for Ringwood in 2010-11, Topp collected 208 wickets, including hauls of 30-plus in three consecutive seasons from 2011-12.
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The veteran quick snared 13 scalps at 25.15 from 12 matches last summer and five victims from five Super Slam appearances.
Northcote coach Steve Taylor was rapt to add Topp’s experience and wicket-taking abilities to his squad.
The recruit will join Michael Edwards and Jonty Rushton in the Dragons’ pace battery, complemented by spinner Joe Medew-Ewen.
Toppy's 12 seasons at Jubliee Park have been incredible with the big fast bowler taking 283 wickets, including 208 in the 1st XI from his 137 games.
— Ringwood CC (@RingwoodCC) July 6, 2020
Toppy has been a sublime operator on and off the field and will be missed by many, if not all, at the club.
Good Luck Mike! pic.twitter.com/ed5RThmDob
“I’m pretty excited to see him, Micky and Jonty all working together and mentoring the young guys,” Taylor said.
“I think he started playing with Ringwood as a 15-year-old or something like that and he’s 28 or 29 now and incredibly experienced.
“He’s someone we see bowling a lot of overs or us and being that consistent presence in our bowling attack.
“He’s spent a lot of time at Premier level and still has a lot to offer.”
Northcote was the fourth best attack in Premier Cricket last season as the club sealed a preliminary final appearance before the season was cancelled.
While Harbinson’s loss will be felt, Taylor backed the promising paceman’s decision.
“He felt after two good seasons and a successful debut in the (Victoria) Second XI he wasn’t in the eyes of selectors,” Taylor said.
“We fully support him and wish him all the best. He’s been a big part of Northcote for a long time.”
Elliot Brandon-Jones has also departed after a breakout season that saw him score a maiden First XI century in Northcote’s win over Footscray in November.
Tearan Gleeson has been brought in from Footscray, where he scored a Third XI 145 not out against Northcote last season.
“He has played a lot of Second XI and played a few games in the First XI for Footscray,” Taylor said.
“We think he’s someone that can add depth to our senior group and he’s really good mates with Joe Medew-Ewen.”
Taylor hopes the Dragons can build on last season’s success and will be looking to start training as soon as restrictions are eased.
“It will be a unique pre-season,” he said.
“We’ll get our ground handed over without all the footy traffic so that should be pretty good.
“Providing the restrictions are lifted, we should be able to play some practice matches in early October, if not the end of September.
“We’re looking at how we best manage that but these things change weekly.”