Northcote set to field a new-look team in Premier Cricket next season

Northcote has half a team to replace ahead of next Premier Cricket season with the Dragons signing a pair of recruits and investing in youth.

Brody Couch earned a contract with Western Australia. Picture: Andy Brownbill

It will be a new-look Northcote next season with as many as five vacancies to fill next Premier Cricket season.

The Dragons have secured a pair of new recruits and will look to promote from within after winning back-to-back Second XI premierships.

Former captain Blayde Baker and all-rounder Jonty Rushton have moved overseas, while Mark Phelan and Jaga Koduru have jumped ship to Fitzroy Doncaster and Carlton respectively.

Spearhead Brody Couch, on the back of 31 wickets at 22.84, earnt a two-year contract with Western Australia.

Second XI captain Nick Brandon–Jones has also called time at Bill Lawry Oval.

Jonty Rushton in action for Northcote. Picture: Josh Chadwick

Blayde Baker in action for Northcote. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Northcote coach Warren Pereara said it was a fresh start for the club.

“It’s exciting, the group itself is going to be a bit different, different conversations with different people,” Pereara said.

“We’re ecstatic for Brodie, going over there on a two-year contract.

“He may still end up playing a couple of games over Christmas if he’s not playing for the Stars, obviously we want him playing for the Stars.

“Jonty and Blayde are both overseas now.

“Mark Phehan and Jaga Koduru have both left, to say we’re upset is an understatement but people make decisions and you’ve got to move on.

“On the other side of it, we’ve won two flags in the Second XI and we’ve got to start investing in that.

“There’s no use winning premierships if you don’t have a pathway in your club for people to grow.”

Jackson Smith in action for Gold Coast Dolphins. Picture Lachie Millard

Will Blair led Northcote’s Second XI with 446 runs, ranked seventh in the competition, while Corey Perrett (403) and Mitch Lawson (401) also enjoyed strong campaigns.

Roby Lane’s 32 wickets was ranked third in the competition and Leo Manteit finished fifth with 29.

Meanwhile, the Dragons have secured Mickey Hay from Footscray as well as Queensland quick Jackson Smith.

Smith was selected in the Queensland Premier Cricket Team of the Year last season after grabbing 49 wickets, backing up 54 scalps in 2022-23, and made one appearance for the Bulls’ Second XI.

Hay accumulated 511 runs at an average of 42.58 in the Bulldogs’ Second XI this season, ranked second in the competition.

“We’ve brought in Michael Hay from Footscray, it’s a great get for us, and he’ll fit in really well with our plan and culture,” Pereara said.

“We’ve secured Jackson Smith from Queensland, a quick bowler and he’ll train with the Vics as well.

“He’s had a couple of breakout seasons up there and is making the move, he’ll be down in September and be a part of our practice games leading into Round 1.

“When you lose someone like Brodie, and Mickey Edwards for the whole year with his knee, you want a strike bowler.”

Meanwhile, Northcote will also look to promote its elite pathway talents.

Archie Lalor, cousin of vice-captain Sam, made his First XI debut this season and has recently been selected in the extended Australia Under-19s squad.

“We had Archie come in for three or four games and do extremely well,” Pereara said.

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“He’s just been selected for the extended squad for the Australia Under-19s, we’re all crossing our fingers he makes the final 15, which would be enormous.

“There’s a young quick bowler, Adam Howard, who will start in our higher grades and get a great learning experience.

“Will Waters is just 18 and will go from strength to strength having finished school.

“James Shadbolt played a couple of games in our Threes and Fours last year is another one that can focus on senior cricket.”