Premier Cricket 2018-19: Clint McKay relishing Essendon captaincy

ESSENDON coach Mitch Johnstone has praised the standard set by new captain Clint McKay.

Clint McKay is enjoying the added responsibility of Essendon’s captaincy. Picture: Josie Hayden

ESSENDON coach Mitch Johnstone has praised the standard set by new captain Clint McKay as the former Aussie quick leads the club’s pursuit of a finals berth.

McKay, who played 59 one-day internationals and one Test match for Australia, has been promoted to replace batsman Aaron Ayre as skipper.

The Bombers hope the move will help Ayre’s push to return to the Victorian ranks after he last played for the state in February, 2016.

Johnstone said McKay was “really engaged” and excited by the prospect of a full season of Premier Cricket.

“The club has meant a lot to him over the last 16-17 years,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for him to really take the reins and shape things.

“He has had a couple of captaincy stints with us before but they were short-lived, one or two games around state and national commitments.

“Full-time with us, he’s very much engaged and holding the group to a high standard.

“In that sense, it has been fantastic to have him really driving the group.”

Clint McKay comes close to a wicket. Picture: Josie Hayden.

Ayre has made more than 3000 runs in five seasons at Windy Hill after his debut campaign in 2013-14 yielded 910 runs.

Johnstone said the left-hander, who relinquished the wicketkeeping role to Isaac Conway last summer, was determined to produce similar numbers this campaign.

“I just think we have taken a couple of layers off Aaron in the last 12 months with his keeping last year and without the captaincy this year,” Johnstone said.

“We feel like he can really focus on his batting and he has still got ambitions to play for Victoria. But he knows runs are a currency he needs to have. I think he will be one to watch out for this year.”

Ayre sits fifth on the competition’s run scoring chart after three rounds, averaging more than 60 after peeling off 105 against Greenvale Kangaroos.

Former Bombers skipper Aaron Ayre is targeting a big summer with the bat. Picture: Hamish Blair

Essendon finished seventh last season and has a similar First XI squad in 2018-19.

The Bombers sit fourth with a 2-1 record and will face Carlton in a one-day match this weekend.