Premier Cricket 2018-19: Young guns give Footscray reason for optimism during tough season
During seasons punctuated by poor results, clubs inevitably hunt for reasons to be optimistic. Footscray’s rising stars have given the Dogs ample reason to be excited about the future.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
During seasons punctuated by poor results, clubs inevitably hunt for reasons to be optimistic.
Footscray has endured a tough campaign in its first summer under coach Stan Nell, sitting 17th on the First XI ladder with two rounds remaining.
OFF-SEASON HQ: LATEST COACH, PLAYER MOVES IN LOCAL FOOTY
AFL GAMES RECORD HOLDER HARVEY TAKES ON COACHING ROLE
HAS THIS BOX HILL QUICK BECOME ONE OF THE VSDCA’S BEST?
THE BATSMAN WHO SCORED MORE THAN 500 RUNS IN 12 DAYS
IS THIS THE BEST PREMIER CRICKET DEBUT IN HISTORY?
The Dogs have only tasted victory three times, despite the club’s leading run scorer Dean Russ logging more than 600 runs during another prolific season and Lucas Dredge claiming 24 wickets.
However, Nell has been buoyed by the performances of a crop of rising stars he expects to form the nucleus of Footscray’s First XI team for several years.
Middle-order batsman Jordan Kight crafted his maiden First XI hundred in Round 6 against St Kilda, scoring an unbeaten 134 in a mature innings which steered the Dogs to 9-300 after they were battling at 4-50.
Left-handed batsman Dylan Brasher has shown promise in two appearances since making his debut in Round 5, while spinner Siddhesh Dixit snared his first five-wicket haul against Kingston-Hawthorn.
“It’s been difficult on-field in terms of results. But off-field I am quietly confident,” Nell said. “We have got a really strong group of young players coming through that are going to do a good job for us in the future and be the nucleus of the senior Footscray side for years to come.”
Dixit has assumed extra responsibility with the ball due to the retirement of Tim Buszard, who was Footscray’s first-choice tweaker last season.
Buszard, Ben Green (both retired) and Hayden Butterworth (Geelong) departed Mervyn Hughes Oval at the end of last summer, while top-order batsman Greg Munro has only featured in three games due to work commitments.
The absence of Munro and Butterworth, who combined for 858 runs in 2017-18, has forced Nell to trial several alternatives.
Ash Armstrong showcased his potential with a superb knock of 181 not out against Geelong in Round 8, while Nell is bullish about the ability shown by Nathan Caulfield.
“I can’t expect a 17, 18, 19 year old to go out and play, perform and behave like a 100-game First XI player,” he said.
“Patience is the key. They tick the boxes that they have got the ability and can perform at that level.
“We have just got to get games into them now.”
The Dogs are also excited by the emergence of young spinner Chris Jackson, who has taken 14 wickets in five Third XI fixtures.
Nell said he “knows everybody wants results yesterday”, but urged patience as the club fosters the development of an exciting crop of rising talents.
“I am really pleased with that side of it,” he said.
“But obviously really disappointed we are not getting the results on the field.
“As a senior coach I have just got to be patient and give these guys opportunities.”
Footscray’s Round 14 fixture against Dandenong starts on Saturday.
MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS
MEAGHER OUT TO MAKE MARK IN VFL
TIGERS SIGN EX-VFL MAGPIE IN RECRUITING COUP
CAN ROOSTERS RUCKMAN BECOME NFL’S PREMIER BIG MAN?
Mirboo North Football Netball Club ready for presentation night
The Mirboo North Football Netball Club Tigers are preparing for a night full of excitement and joy at this year’s presentation night. Check back to see the full picture gallery.
Every in and out across Victorian Premier Cricket
From interstate stars to seasoned veterans, pen is hitting paper everywhere across Victorian Premier Cricket. Keep up to date with each move through our signing tracker.