The top performers of the Dowling Shield revealed

The Dowling Shield has been a breeding ground for some of Victoria’s finest cricketers and this season was no different. Here’s some names to keep an eye on in the future.

The Dowling Shield has produced another series of impressive performances from Victorian cricket’s future stars.

From brilliant batters to talented all-rounders, these are names to keep an eye out for moving forward.

Darcy Aitken, Northcote

In just three innings, Aitken lit up the competition with 229 runs at an average of 76.3. In his final game against Dandenong, Aitken hit 143 after being given the opportunity to open, producing the highest individual score of the competition.

Darcy Aitken in action during the J.G Craig Shield last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ashwin Appu, Prahran

While he took nine wickets, it was Appu’s economy rate of just 2.7 which caught the eye throughout the competition. Proved to be a difficult task for opposition sides.

Jessraj Badhaan, Essendon

A century against Casey-South Melbourne was the high point from an individual perspective of Badhaan’s carnival as his side went onto win the premiership.

Archit Bhatia, Essendon

One of the stars of Essendon’s premiership side. The young gun showcased his brilliant all-round ability with 123 runs and 12 wickets, the most of any player for the tournament.

Lewis Dichiera, Greenvale Kangaroos

Had a standout tournament at first drop after playing the first game as an opener. Dichiera had two half-centuries to his name highlighted by an 84 against Ringwood.

Austin Fardell batting for Fitzroy Doncaster. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Austin Fardell, Fitzroy Doncaster

The middle order batter had the second most runs of any player in the competition with 234 at 46.8. His best performance came against Greenvale Kangaroos and Camberwell Magpies when he hit back-to-back half-centuries.

Reyaan Farooq, St Kilda

Farooq made his presence felt with the ball, taking 10 wickets at 14.3 through six games, but also left a strong impression with the bat. Against Prahran, he recorded a half-century at number three.

Herbie Fischbacher, Kingston Hawthorn

Took a wicket in every match he played in for the Hawks finishing with 11 wickets at an average of 20.5. Also proved to be a valuable lower order contributor with the bat.

Lachlan Gance, Prahran

In five games, Gance took a wicket in every match to finish 10 for the tournament at an average of 13.2.

Fletcher Good, Melbourne

Good was Melbourne’s best bowler throughout the tournament as he finished with nine scalps at 12.2.

Connor Hastings, Melbourne University

An attacking all-rounder who brought plenty of stability in the middle order for Melbourne Uni. Hastings finished not out in three of his five innings. He was also influential with the ball taking six wickets for the tournament.

Lincoln Koliba, Dandenong

Despite a lean run through the middle of the tournament — at a time where he got thrown around Dandenong’s batting order — Koliba still put together a strong performance with 210 runs. Overall this season, he has more than 400 runs for the club.

Tajbir Powar, Kingston Hawthorn

Two half-centuries saw Powar finish the tournament with 226 runs at 32.3. He consistently was able to get off to starts in the Hawks’ middle order.

Harrison Smith, Fitzroy Doncaster

Enjoyed a brilliant tournament with the ball taking 11 wickets at an average of 12.3. Has 22 wickets overall across the season.

Moe Spencer, St Kilda

Enjoyed a standout tournament with the bat scoring 239 runs — the most of any player — at an average of 59.75. Spencer hit two-half centuries and consistently found the boundary.

Shaun Thomas during the Youth Premier League. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Shaun Thomas, Dandenong

Put together an impressive performance with the bat scoring 189 runs at an average of 63. His form has been rewarded with opportunities in the club’s Third XI — where he scored an unbeaten 146 against Camberwell — and a Second XI debut at the weekend. Also took a couple of catches as keeper.

Bailey Toseland, Essendon

The young all-rounder has a monster future ahead of him for Essendon. He enjoyed a standout tournament which included two half-centuries and a brilliant five-wicket haul in the semi-final. Overall, he scored 158 runs at 52.7 and took seven wickets at 12.

Dylan Walker, Ringwood

Despite playing just four games, Walker made a strong impression on the competition with eight wickets at just 10.4.