See all the ins and outs and get expert analysis of every Victorian Premier Cricket club
After a long winter, Victoria’s top-flight cricket competition is back. Check out all the ins and outs and get expert analysis of every Victorian Premier Cricket club.
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The new Victorian Premier Cricket season is upon us.
Clubs have had a busy off-season, picking up a host of recruits from rival clubs, interstate and overseas.
Can anyone track down reigning premier Carlton this season? Can Casey-South Melbourne go one better? Will Melbourne return to finals?
The race for the premiership and top-eight is sure to be fierce.
Check out all the ins and outs, key players and our predictions of every club this season.
CAMBERWELL MAGPIES
Captain: Shorye Chopra
Coach: Dave Alleyne
Last season: 13th (5-8)
In: Kobe Herft (Prahran), Sacheen Paramesh (Kingston Hawthorn), Prajay Paramesh (Kingston Hawthorn), Arjun Nair (Footscray), Charlie Simondson (Fitzroy-Doncaster), Hayden Brown (NSW)
Out: Atharv Deshpande (Sydney), Coby Edmonstone (Darwin)
Prediction: The Magpies have the talent to push towards finals, with young Liam Fitzpatrick (492 runs at 37 last season) to lead the batting with Tom Scott and Shorye Chopra. Big Bash spinner Arjun Nair and paceman Sacheen Paramesh will add strength to the bowling attack that will be headed by Will Walker. The Magpies will look to develop players and gain gradual improvement and better results.
CASEY-SOUTH MELBOURNE
Captain: Luke Shelton
Coach: Will Carr
Last season: Runner-up
In: Matt Calder (Mosman, NSW), Jackson Isakka (Frankston Peninsula), Nick England (Frankston Peninsula), Vinu Mohotty (Frankston Peninsula), Daud Malik (Dandenong)
Out: Lachlan Sperling (Newtown & Chilwell), Callum Dodson (Bonbeach), Michael Wallace (Berwick)
Prediction: The Swans enter 2024-25 with a stronger XI than the one that led after the first innings of last year’s grand final. Recruits Jackson Isakka and Matt Calder will likely fill the spots of Michael Wallace and Lachlan Sperling at four and six while the Swans’ bowling options are vast. The Swans’ biggest challenge will be managing a more difficult home and away fixture compared to last year and likely having less of Victorian batter Ashley Chandrasinghe.
CARLTON
Captain-coach: Evan Gulbis
Last season: Premier
In: Jagadeswara Koduru (Northcote), Lucas Cavigan (Essendon), Lewis Bouckley (Brunswick), Aaron Smilie (St Bernard’s), Zack Richardson (Kingston Hawthorn)
Out: Mackenzie Harvey (SA), Charlie Ross (overseas), Tom Milleto (Melbourne University)
Prediction: Evan Gulbis’ “Big Game Blues’’ deservedly go into the new season as favourites. They gave one of the great grand final performances to win the premiership last season despite losing on first innings to Casey South Melbourne. Northcote recruit Jaga Koduru will boost the batting — he made 401 runs last season — although Mackenzie Harvey is a big loss after belting 690 runs last season. But Jai Lemire, Connor Rutland, Gulbis and Tom and Harry Smyth give Carlton’s batting plenty of fire power and Michael Archer, Cam Stevenson and Xavier Crone will again lead the bowling brigade.
DANDENONG
Captain: Brett Forsyth
Coach: Tom Donnell
Last season: 12th (5-7)
In: Jawid Khan (North Dandenong), Nathan Whitford (Collegians), Tom Morrison (Collegians), James Nanopoulos (Frankston Peninsula), Shobit Singh (Richmond), Braden Taeuber (Glenorchy)
Out: Joshua Sawrey (Richmond), Daud Malik (Casey South Melbourne), Andrey Fernando (Beaconsfield), Ben Allison (not returning from overseas)
Prediction: The Panthers have a much-improved side on paper after a strong off-season. The additions of James Nanopoulos, Shobit Singh and Braden Taeuber immediately bolster Tom Donnell’s men while Nathan Whitford, Tom Morrison and Jawid Khan create a fierce competition for spots. The only query on the Panthers will be their run rate at the top with accumulators Brett Forsyth, Dhanusha Gamage and Singh all batting together in the top four. But with Nanopoulos and Matt Wilson coming in after them, the trio at the top could set a perfect foundation. It would come as no surprise if the Panthers were to propel back into the top eight this year.
ESSENDON
Captain: Liam Molloy
Coach: Ben Fletcher
Last season: 17th (3-10)
In: Harry Duke (Yorkshire, UK), Josh Trembearth (St Kilda), Will Dundon (Coburg), Jacob Pawlowicz (Footscray), Jackson Martin (Yarraville Club)
Out: Farzan Chowna (Carlton), Cam McClure (Prahran), Bailey Toseland (Footscray), Tom O’Donnell (retired)
Prediction: After a tumultuous off-season, it’s going to be a difficult season for the Bombers. The club has lost state paceman Cam McClure, leading run-scorer Farzan Chowna, club great Tom O’Donnell has retired and former skipper James Seymour is locked in contract limbo and won’t play. However, with difficulty comes opportunity and there will be plenty for Essendon’s youngsters in 2024-25. The club expects to field the youngest, most inexperienced XI in Premier Cricket, going into the season for possibly the first time in club history without a current or former Victoria representative. Look out for skipper Liam Molloy, Aiden Salvado, Nick Markovski, Muhammad Rafay and Jackson Martin.
FITZROY DONCASTER
Captain: Ejaaz Alavi
Coach: Matt Bremner
Last season: 7th (8-4)
In: Josh Brown (Northern Suburbs, Queensland), Mark Phelan (Northcote), Nathan Flinn (Box Hill), Brodie Richardson (Bayswater), Angus Robinson (Research Old Collegians), Angus Roach (Mt Waverley), Tanush Nandini (Ringwood), Cohen Hine (Park Orchards)
Out: Sean McNicoll (Ireland), Liam Smith (time off), Noah Korkolis (time off)
Prediction: The Lions finished sixth last season before bowing out in the elimination final and are confident of improving on that result. All four of the club’s grades made finals last season highlighting its depth, which has been bolstered by the arrival of Mark Phelan and a number of young talents from local cricket. Victoria and Melbourne Renegades opener Josh Brown chose Schramms Reserve has his Premier Cricket home having made the move from Queensland but his availability will be limited. The loss of leading wicket-taker Sean McNicholl is a blow, as he chases international opportunities with Ireland, putting more responsibility on Sam Elliott, Kobe Smith and skipper Ejaaz Alavi. The batting will be again led by two of the competition’s most reliable talents, Zach Elliott and keeper Liam Banthorpe.
FOOTSCRAY
Captain: Travis Dean
Coach: Dale McDonald
Last season: 11th (6-6)
In: Jack Prestwidge (Melbourne), Bailey Toseland (Essendon)
Out: Mickey Hay (Northcote), Ryan Stingel (Greenvale), Ash Armstrong (Geelong), James Doherty (Richmond), Arjun Nair (Camberwell)
Prediction: The Dogs missed the finals last season but have added classy all-rounder Jack Prestwidge and expect to make a top-eight run. Positively, captain Travis Dean should be a full-time addition this season after missing out on a state contract but, on the flip side, young gun Dylan Brasher could be his replacement in the Victoria XI. After earning Team of the Year honours Umair Butt’s 2023-24 season was cruelled by injury but now fully fit he will be in line to take the new ball alongside Prestwidge, while Bailey Toseland could partner last season’s leading wicket-taker Jay Vine in a spin double-team. Toseland, Aiman Nadeem and Josh Pace are all in the Victoria Under-19s squad.
FRANKSTON PENINSULA
Captain: Jai Elcock
Coach: Peter Marshall
Last season: 16th (3-10)
In: Ishaan Kaushal (Middlesex), Jaspreet Singh (Noble Park), Luke Kranzbuhler (Sorrento), Talal Shahzad (Narre Warren), Dylan Gray (Delacombe Park), Jack Hay (Long Island)
Out: Brodie Symons (Prahran), James Nanopoulos (Dandenong), Ben Sexton (Prahran), Jacques Augustin (retired), Nick England (Casey South Melbourne), Jackson Isakka (Casey South Melbourne)
Prediction: There are some notable names in the list of departures for the Heat, but also some worthy inclusions, particularly Middlesex paceman Ishaan Kaushal. He’ll shake up a few top-orders. The Heat will go with a young and hungry squad. New coach Peter Marshall is urging his players to play with freedom and “take the game on’’. It could lead to exciting cricket. Notably, key batters Nick Taranto, Ryan Hammel and Vishesh Bansal — after missing games in 2023-24 — are back for a full season. Look for batters Jai Elcock (who takes on the captaincy) and Lucas McConnell and spinner Bailen Carke to lead strongly.
GEELONG
Captain: Josh Larkin
Coach: Eamonn Vines
Last season: 5th
In: Ashley Armstrong (Footscray), Nathan Harper (Grovedale)
Out: Hayden Butterworth (retired), Henry Melville (Melbourne University)
Prediction: Coming off on an impressive campaign in season 2023-24, the Cats will be looking to cement their place in the top-eight. Hayden Butterworth’s retirement leaves a big hole in the batting order while there’s hope Geelong might see more of young prodigy Oli Peake. The Cats are backing in what they’ve got to further develop.
GREENVALE KANGAROOS
Captain: Justin Galeotti
Coach: Sunny Fernando
Last season: 18th (0-13)
In: Ben Cliff (Yorkshire, UK), Will Luxton (Yorkshire, UK), Ryan Stingel (Footscray), Visura Fernando (Kingston Hawthorn), Musa Hussain (East Coburg)
Out: Praveen Dilanka (Port Fairy), Damith Perera (Hallam Kalora Park)
Prediction: The only way is up for the Kangaroos and the club should see improvement on the field this season. The club’s young talent has a full season and another pre-season under its belt. The arrival to two Country cricketers is sure to boost the club’s fortunes and bring a top-flight level of professionalism to training. Dilanka and Perera’s departures are a blow but if Sunny Fernando and his staff can get the best out of Stingel, Fernando and Hussain then they will be big recruiting wins. Runs weren’t necessarily the issue last season, it was wickets. Greenvale took just 79, 11 fewer than the 17th ranked team. Any success this season will start with the attack and the batting will hopefully continue to improve and keep the team in games for longer.
KINGSTON HAWTHORN
Captain: Josh Manning
Coach: Colin Siller
Last season: 15th (4-10)
In: Roman Walker (Leicestershire)
Out: Sacheen Paramesh (Camberwell), Prajay Paramesh (Camberwell), Zack Richardson (Carlton), Visura Fernando (Greenvale)
Prediction: The Hawks stormed home winning their final three matches last season and will be looking start the season where they left off. Leicestershire paceman Roman Walker adds a sharp edge to the bowling attack — he’s dismissed Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja in a tour match in the UK. He could form a potent new-all combo with Vic squad speedster Tyler Pearson. Gloveman Joel Lewis was a revelation last season after being promoted to open the batting, while others to watch include teenage seamer Cory Cater, batter Jonathan Vincent and teenage batter Roshan Gunatilake.
MELBOURNE
Captain: Blake Thomson
Coach: Ben Vague
Last season: 9th (7-5)
In: Farzan Chowna (Essendon), Luke Manders (Frankston Peninsula)
Out: Jack Prestwidge (Footscray), Will Pucovski (retired)
Prediction: The Demons’ premiership defence ended in frustration and disappointment last season when they missed finals. But it’s made them hungrier than ever in 2024-25. Skipper Blake Thomson says the group is more mature. A big inclusion is Essendon batter Farzan Chowna, 20, who was named in last season’s Premier Team of the Year after cracking almost 700 runs. His tally included centuries against Melbourne and Melbourne University. Exciting talents Christian Howe and Ashton Young are ones to watch. Look for Melbourne to start strongly and put itself in contention, and stay there.
MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY
Captain: Fergus McKenna
Coach: Dan Hutton
Last season: 14th
In: Henry Melville (Geelong), Tom Mileto (Carlton), Noah Croes (returning)
Out: Andrej Yaksender (overseas)
Prediction: Coach Dan Hutton said the expectations are clear for his side this year, declaring “we want to play finals and compete at the top end”. Uni will need to make big strides if they are to do that having won just four games last season. Melville and Mileto are two young men who arrive looking to thrive with greater opportunity. Hutton hopes to see more of Noah Croes and Peter Hatzoglou compared to last season with the former’s availability based on his Dutch international commitments. Yaksender’s departure leaves a hole given his importance to the side.
NORTHCOTE
Captain: Josh Sundberg
Coach: Warren Pereara
Last season: 8th (8-6)
In: Mickey Hay (Footscray), Jackson Smith (Gold Coast)
Out: Jaga Koduru (Carlton), Mark Phelan (Fitzroy Doncaster), Brody Couch (Western Australia), Jonty Rushton (retired), Blayde Baker (retired), Elliot Brandon-Jones (retired)
Prediction: The Dragons have the talent, can they produce it consistently and to the level required to play finals? That’s to be seen. There will be as many as five new faces come Round 1 from the XI that took the field in the elimination final last season. Jack Lalor, Sam Harbinson, Joe Medew-Ewen and new recruit Jackson Smith are all match winners on their day. It will be up to the likes of skipper Josh Sundberg, Aaron Crispe, Will Blair, Roby Lane and another off-season addition Mickey Hay to step up in support. After back-to-back Second XI premierships, the club has plenty of depth to chose from and should be around the top-eight mark again.
PRAHRAN
Captain: Mat Wilcox
Coach: Julian Weiner
Last season: Minor premier
In: Ben Sexton (Frankston Peninsula), Saksham Kapoor (St Kilda), Tom Brooks (Western Suburbs, NSW), Brodie Symons (Frankston Peninsula), Cam McClure (Essendon)
Out: Kobe Herft (Camberwell Magpies), Nick Boland (Springvale South)
Prediction: Expect the Two Blues to be right in the mix after last year’s preliminary final loss. They’ve enjoyed a significant off-season with McClure set to spearhead the pace attack when not playing for the Vics. Brooks could easily go down as one of the signings of the winter months if he carries the same form from NSW.
RICHMOND
Captain: Mitch Perry, Sam Mills
Coach: Shannon Young
Last season: 7th
In: Joshua Sawrey (Dandenong), James Doherty (Footscray)
Outs: Wil Parker (Collingwood AFL), Shobit Singh (Dandenong)
Prediction: The Tigers will have a change at the top after Singh’s departure in the off-season. Austin Anlezark looms as one of the most exciting youngsters in the competition and with another season of development could become anything. Richmond is one of the better coached teams across the competition given Young and his coaching staff’s ability to get the best out of their players.
RINGWOOD
Captain: David King
Coach: Sean Flynn
In: Arjun Dhull (Ivanhoe), Mark Donegan (Ivanhoe)
Out: Paul Jefimenko (Heathmont), Matt King (South Croydon), Zach Flintoff (Vermont South)
Prediction: Ringwood has featured in two of the past three preliminary finals but has fallen on both occasions The Rams have expectations to improve on those finishes this year and feel improved depth will be an important factor. Tom Rogers is expected to miss games after a run-soaked off-season overseas and two big scores for the Victorian Second XI during the week. All-rounder Lachie Bangs will miss the start of the season through injury but Irishmen Mark Donegan is ready to go for round 1.
ST KILDA
Captain: Ed Newman
Coach: Glenn Lalor
Last season: 10th (7-7)
In: Blake Macdonald (St George, NSW)
Out: Nic Maddinson (NSW), Josh Trembearth (Essendon), Saksham Kapoor (Prahran), Zak Evans (Gold Coast AFL)
Prediction: What measures a successful summer? The Saints missed the top eight last year but had five of their own play state cricket and another play in the under-19 World Cup victory. This year there will be a bit of the same, as St Kilda has a pile of players around state selection, including top recruit Blake Macdonald. The Saints, under new skipper Ed Newman, will still be a side to beat however and lookout if they make it deep into March when all of those top players return. Former state-contracted batter James Seymour is also trying to make a move to the Saints.
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