Young guns impressing Greenvale Kangaroos coach Damian Shanahan

Greenvale’s new coach is still getting to know his players but several are impressing in the lead up to a tough opening month of Premier Cricket.

Connor Hayes in action for Greenvale Kangaroos. Picture: Rob Leeson

The opening month of the Premier Cricket season will be pivotal for Greenvale Kangaroos.

The campaign begins with a home clash against Footscray before matches against Essendon, Geelong and Carlton.

It will tell new coach Damian Shanahan plenty about his players and what he can achieve with a developing group.

Locked out of Melbourne for much of the year due to COVID-19 restrictions, Geelong-based Shanahan has had little time to prepare but has been pleased with what he’s seen in two practice matches.

The first half of the season will allow him to settle on a First XI and how best to tackle the one-day format.

Jack Potticary in action for Greenvale Kangaroos. Picture: Arj Giese

“The improvement over the last three weeks has been huge, from the first session to now, and by Christmas we’ll have a good idea of where we’re at and what we need and how we need to approach the second half (of the season),” he said.

“There’s some really strong opposition we’re coming up against in the first month, so it will give us a good idea of where we’re at.

“We’ve got 13 or 14 young men that are challenging for a spot on the weekend, which is great.”

“We’re still deciding what model of cricket we’re going to play but we’ll settle that down this week.

“I always want to take the game on but the main thing about one-dayers is being adaptable at all times and making sure you’re sticking with the scoreboard and not letting the game get away from you.”

One player that Shanahan will be able to rely on is paceman Sean McNicholl.

The rising star had a breakout season in 2019-20, claiming 36 wickets – second most in the competition – and recognised in the Premier Cricket Team of the Year.

Shanahan was looking forward to helping him continue to grow.

Sean McNicholl in action for Greenvale.

“He’s a work in progress still, he’s only a young player, but certainly a fantastic young man to work with,” he said.

“He just wants more knowledge, more knowledge of the game, he’s hungry to get better in every training session and I think he’s going to be a pleasure to work with over the year.

“He’s going to be tough to handle with the new ball and he’s got some things he’s working on for the back end of the game.”

The Kangaroos finished 16th last season with three wins, scored the fifth fewest runs and took the third fewest wickets.

However, there is confidence a handful of young players are ready to step forward.

In his first season of Premier Cricket, Connor Hayes knocked up 289 runs in the First XI and has caught Shanahan’s eye over the pre-season, as has Jack Potticary, who scored a maiden century last season.

“I’ve been really impressed with Connor Hayes and how he goes about it, I think he’s going to be a real talent,” the coach said.

OLD CATS: SHANAHAN, HARRISON REUNITE AT KANGAROOS

LEADER: GET YOUR PREMIER CRICKET NEWS HERE

PREMIER: YOUR ULTIMATE CLUB-BY-CLUB SEASON PREVIEW

“Michael Archer has turned up with him, he’s definitely got some potential as a leg-spinner and taken a few wickets in the practice games.

“Young Potticary has been really good too, had a little bit of a taste last year, and really enthusiastic which is great.”

The addition of former Geelong and Prahran captain Matthew Harrison will compliment the Kangaroos’ youth with much-needed experience.

Greenvale has also added Hendro Dias from Essendon, the spinner claiming the second most wickets in the Second XI competition last season.