Premier Cricket: Frankston Peninsula to play with freedom in 2024-25

The Heat will have the youngest team in Premier Cricket next season, and also the most dynamic game plan. Here’s a look at the players likely to step up in 2024-25.

Ryan Hammel on the drive for Frankston Peninsula. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Heat are calling it a re-charge.

Frankston Peninsula is set to power forward after a period of change, including the departure of some of its best players.

Since the end of the 2023-24 season, appointments have been made, player moves announced.

The Heat have had a change of coach, with Peter Marshall replacing Paul Boraston.

Marshall brings a surge of enthusiasm.

Skipper James Nanopoulos has departed, returning to Dandenong, and all-rounder Brodie Symons has moved to Prahran for a fresh start.

Wicketkeeper Jacques Augustin has retired. And talented young opener Nick England, who made 189 in a third XI final last season, has crossed to rivals Casey South Melbourne.

New Frankston Peninsula coach Peter Marshall. Picture: Jake Marriner/Jam_visuals

Jon Holland.

It means Frankston Peninsula will have a new captain, a new a keeper and a fresh look.

Former Test spinner Jon Holland has been mentioned as a possible Heat captain, as has 23-year-old all-rounder Jai Elcock, who’s regarded as a strong, calm leader.

Last season’s century maker Lucas McConnell and all-rounder Jackson Isakka are others with captaincy material.

Young gloveman Sean van Wijk, who has bided his time in the seconds, is tipped to replace Augustin behind the stumps.

Heat Under 18 batting star Charlie Costa is expected to push for a first XI spot, while youngsters Josh Hotston, Cooper Remy, Lachlan Walsh, Patrick Parsons and Charlie Maxwell will also be in the frame.

Aidan Lenehan. Picture: Jake Marriner/Jam_visuals

Ryan Hammel.

Frankston’s fast bowling line-up will look different next season, with 21-year-old Aidan Lenehan likely to step up and lead the attack with Nanopoulos and Symons gone.

Frankston Peninsula will regain batters Nick Taranto, who missed last season with a shoulder injury, Ryan Hammel, back from a broken wrist, and big-hitting opener Vishesh Bansal.

The Heat are talking to prospective recruits, including past Heat players who may be interested in returning.

Marshall is positive about the future and wants the Heat players to attack 2024-25 with gusto.

“Our big focus this year will be playing with a bit more freedom and taking it on with the stick,” Marshall said.

“We probably lacked a little bit of that last year. So we want to play with a bit more freedom.”

Off field, Frankston Peninsula will have expert coaches on tap.

Marshall will head up a panel bursting with cricket knowledge, including Holland, Peter Buchanan, Brad Glenn, Luke Walker, Darren Groves, Mark Boraston, John Forrest and Ned Hurley, who will captain the seconds and be part of the coaching as well.

Vishesh Bansal. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Nick Taranto.

Marshall will continue to tap into the local competition, the MPCA.

“Say, if we have 60 on the list 42 of them are going to be 22 or under,’’ he said.

“It’s a young group.

“And out of that 60, 39 are going to be from the MPCA. We’re going to be more local than ever.’’

Marshall added: “We’ll go in with the youngest team in Premier Cricket but we’ll be enthusiastic, we’ll be fit and we’ll have a plan.’’

Marshall said the Heat would “entertain some experienced’’ recruits, “if they think they can add to our team’’.

“They’ve got to add to our environment, they’ve got to add to our culture and they’ve got to be happy to develop around some young players,’’ he said.

“That’s what I’m looking for.’’

Frankston Peninsula will hold an information night on July 3.

Training will kick off on Thursday, July 18.