Premier Cricket: Victorian all-rounder signs at Frankston Peninsula

Frankston Peninsula has signed a Victorian player who has big ambitions in Victorian Premier Cricket. And the Heat are “going hard at’’ another big name.

Xavier Crone celebrates a wicket for Carlton. Picture : George Sal

Rumours have become reality — and Frankston Peninsula has secured one of the most significant recruits in its 32-year history.

Victorian and Carlton fast bowling all-rounder Xavier Crone has signed with the Heat for three years.

The 27-year-old has played six Shield matches (his most recent being against South Australia in March) as well as Big Bash League with Melbourne Stars.

Crone has recently moved to Frankston and has ambitions to coach, with an eventual transition to being Heat playing-coach a big part of part of his goals.

“It was maybe the worst kept secret in Premier Cricket,” Frankston Peninsula club president Cameron Wallace laughed.

“He’s come on board initially as a player while still contracted to Cricket Victoria and then the plan would be for him depending on his contractual arrangements to then transition into a coaching and playing coaching role with us.

“The initial deal is three years and would vary depending on what his contractual arrangements are with Cricket Victoria.”

Xavier Crone on the drive.

Bowling for the Blues. Pictures: Andy Brownbill

Just how much Crone will play for Frankston Peninsula next season will depend on his commitments with Victoria.

He played 12 games for Carlton last season (taking six wickets in the Premier grand final), but with Peter Siddle no longer on Victoria’s list, he may be given more opportunities at first-class level.

Wallace said Crone was a significant signing for Frankston Peninsula, which has never won a First XI flag but has a stack of young talent emerging.

“He’ll be great, we are really rapt to have him on board,” he said.

“Everyone who’s met him say he’s a great guy, and will be great for our culture. He will fit right in with our group. The knowledge he will bring from 10 years of Premier Cricket and so many years as a contracted (Victorian) player will be great.”

Wallace said Crone was one of the best signings for Frankston Peninsula in many years.

“Yeah I think so. It’s always hard to get players of his calibre down the highway so it’s great to have him on board,’’ he said.

“He’s moved into a house in Frankston. It’s worked out perfectly.’’

In other Heat news, Richmond all-rounder Mitch Gill-Furness has joined the club to help out with the Fourth XI as well as overseeing the fitness training in the pre season.

“He will be a good get for the young guys,” Wallace said.

And Simon Draycott is back at the club (after a stint coaching Frankston YCW) in a development coaching role.

“He will be great,” Wallace said.

Wallace said more signings were on the cards for Frankston Peninsula.

“We’re going to have a few come in but our focus really is on developing the young guys within the club,’’ he said.

“There might be a couple more potential recruits we are still working on. There’s another one we’re going hard at.’’