Premier Cricket: Camberwell Magpies coach David Alleyne opens up on recruiting strategy

There are irons in the recruiting fire at the Camberwell Magpies this off-season, with the coach declaring the club’s top needs.

Will Walker earned a Team of the Year nod for his 34-wicket season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Camberwell Magpies will hunt the “icing on the cake” this off-season as they look to complement a rising list.

The Magpies finished the First XI Premier campaign in 13th spot with five wins.

Coach David Alleyne said while there were recruits in the works, a top-order batsman spearheaded the wishlist.

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“We certainly identified there were key individuals that we would like,” Alleyne said.

“We’ve got two young openers and Liam Fitzpatrick (batting) at four and Shorye (Chopra) at five or six, but it’s really another top-order batter (we need), someone to bat at No. 3.

“You can never have too many fast-bowlers and obviously some spin-bowlers … but most importantly we’re looking for First XI cricketers because we’re comfortable with where we’re at with development opportunities for young players at our club.

“We think we’ve got some really good young talent … but those (potential recruits) would really be the icing on the cake.”

Among the young talent lighting it up last season was Liam Fitzpatrick, who turned out another big summer at the crease with 492 runs at 37.85 following 707 in 2022-23 – and more than 400 the season prior.

The coach has high hopes for the Balwyn and Xavier product who debuted in the Magpies’ firsts in March 2021.

“I’m really hopeful of him moving on to higher honours – he’s had two consistent seasons,” Alleyne said.

Meanwhile, emerging quick Jack Lyndon didn’t miss a beat in his maiden season at the club, catching the eye of the Vics.

His seven-wicket bundle for the Maggies’ firsts included a collection of 3-21 against competition power, Carlton.

“He’s a young man who’s very aspirational about his cricket … he wasn’t anywhere near the Victorian under-19s last year, but he was invited along so they could have a look at him,” Alleyne said.

“They loved what they saw, and before you know it, he was part of the under-19 set-up and was one of their leading wicket-takers.”

Left-hander Tom Scott looked more than comfortable at the level in his first season at the club, driving 314 runs at 31.40 – including a maiden century knock of 125 in Round 17 after crossing from Geelong.

Experienced head Will Walker capped off a 34-wicket campaign with Team of the Year selection, while captain Shorye Chopra finished with 313 runs in his move from Kingston Hawthorn.

Alleyne declared improvement must come from across the club in order for the First XI to take a further step in 2024-25.

“It’s a whole-club buy-in and when we get onto the field, we’d like to see that transferring into our performances – people taking bags of wickets and a lot more significant batting partnerships,” he said.

“50s are nice, you get to raise your bat, but you’re not winning many games.

“To be successful at this level, these things might seem a little bit out of reach, but they’re certainly achievable.”