Premier Cricket: Lachlan Graf back to St Kilda in cricket coaching move

From Subbies to the Saints...Caulfield premiership coach Lachlan Graf explains why he’s returning to Premier Cricket in a dual role.

Lachlan Graf bowling for Caulfield. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A phone call piqued his interest.

And before he knew it Lachlan Graf was “going home”, linking with St Kilda as a playing assistant coach for the 2025-26 Premier Cricket season.

The 36-year-old last played at St Kilda nine years ago.

He makes the move after a golden decade at Caulfield in the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association, highlighted by five premierships, including three as playing-coach.

“(St Kilda coach) Glenn Lalor called me a couple of weeks after the season,” Graf said.

“He said, ‘Bobby Jackson is moving back to Albury, there’s a spot there as an assistant coach’.

“Initially I wasn’t overly keen on it because it was non playing but we’ve worked it out I’ll captain the twos, be there as an assistant coach and develop the boys coming through in real time.”

Graf harbours long-term coaching ambitions and sees his move to the Saints as an important stepping stone.

Graf, whose dad Shaun is a St Kilda great, refers to the Saints as “my home”.

“I was basically born there,” he said.

“I spent half of my life there before I went to Caulfield.”

Lachlan Graf last played for St Kilda in 2015-16. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Graf played at St Kilda for nine years, including 60 First XI matches.

He also played seconds as a youngster and knows the impact an experienced captain can have on up and coming players.

That will be his role next season.

“I had first hand experience of what it’s like playing in the twos and having a good older captain like I had with Murchy (Nigel Murch) at St Kilda,’’ he said.

“We also had Gerard Cull there as well, so having those guys helped shape you. I remember what it was like.”

Meanwhile, James Crosthwaite will replace Graf as Caulfield playing-coach.

“My parting suggestion was that it be kept in-house,’’ Graf said.

“It’s a lot easier when you have someone internal who knows what the guys want and has a relationship with them.

“Crossy will do a good job, he was always doing little bits of coaching with the boys anyway. I think he will be good.”