Victoria Metro under-19 emerging squad breakdown

Victoria’s finest cricketers have risen from the state’s pathway system and this year’s emerging players squad is full of rising stars. Here’s what you need to know about every player in the 2024-25 Metro squad.

It’s “a taste of the life” for these budding stars.

Cricket Victoria has announced its under-19 emerging programs for Victoria Metro and Country for the 2024-25 season.

The potential future guns will not only hone in on their skills from top coaches but learn what it takes to be a professional cricketer.

“It’s a pretty destined group,” Cricket Victoria Male Talent Development Manager Tom Evans said of the Metro and Country sides.

“We had some bottom-age players come back from last year, which helps, and then we had a reasonably strong under-17 Metro side last year.

“I think it’s a pretty decent group from a talent perspective.

“The next three months before the season starts there’s a heavy skill development focus … batting, bowling, fielding, a physio program, gym access and nutrition.

“Really it’s a taste of the life of a professional cricketer and what that may look like for some of those who might filter through to the senior program.”

Here is a breakdown of the future stars selected in Metro’s squad.

Aiman Nadeem (Footscray)

Nadeem burst onto the scene last year with a sensational debut summer. He pommeled a maiden century against Greenvale, 93 against grand finalist Casey South Melbourne and three other half centuries in a season that grossed 461 runs.

Aiman Nadeem cuts away. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Alex Turner (Prahran)

Turner is a stylish left-handed bat who loves to occupy the crease for long periods of time. He made runs for fun playing for Brighton Grammar in the APS competition and was a regular in Prahran’s middle order.

Archie Flynn (Ringwood)

Flynn is a top-order bat who likes to keep the scoreboard ticking. He piled up a scratch under 1000 runs last year across all formats, which included a dashing 124no for Victoria in the Under-17 Championships. Flynn raced to that score off just 120 balls, with 10 fours and three sixes.

Bailey Toseland (Footscray)

Toseland is a talented leg-spinner who is no stranger to these representative sides. He has moved to Footscray from Essendon with a brief stop at Prahran in between. He bowls big overs and is no slouch with the bat either.

Bailey Toseland on the drive. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Chris Kellaway (Melbourne)

Kellaway produced over 1000 runs last summer across representative, school and club cricket. He made two monster centuries for Caulfield Grammar in the APS program, including a score of 150 when his team set just 235. Kellaway is the younger brother of Victorian batter Campbell.

Christian Howe (Melbourne)

Howe is one of the better up-and-coming all-rounders. He bats at no. 4 for Melbourne’s seconds and bowls solid overs every week. Last year he averaged 25 with the bat and 27 with the ball across all competitions.

Cooper Rojko (St Kilda)

It’s going to be a big summer for Rojko after he demonstrated his capabilities with the bat last season. He accumulated 804 runs for St Kilda, Vic Metro and Brighton Grammar at an average of 25. With an abundance of 50s, it’s obvious once Rojko begins to convert, he will be a nightmare to bowl to.

Dylan Walker (Ringwood)

Walker stacked up wickets consistently last year. He bowled well for Vic Metro in the Under-17s tournament and matched that form when playing for Ringwood’s seconds. He bowls left-arm off-spin, is fast through the air and is quick suffocate right-hand batters when he comes around the wicket.

Gurbir Singh (St Kilda)

Singh bowls right-arm seamers and has an impressively smooth action. In the right conditions, which he got against Northern Territory last year (2-8), he’s extremely difficult to navigate. He didn’t get to show his ability with the bat as much at a higher level but at his local club he often scores heavily in the top order.

Cooper Rojko batting for the Bayside Breakers. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Josh Pace (Footscray)

Pace is a tidy opening batter who is already being exposed to some top bowlers. Pace amassed over 500 runs last year at a solid average and was doing so playing in Footscray’s seconds. That opportunity is going to continue as is his development.

Liam Walker (Ringwood)

A reliable all-rounder, Walker took 21 wickets in Ringwood’s thirds and fourths last season, as well as making vital runs in the middle and lower order.

Luca van der Sluys (Melbourne University)

The former North Balwyn junior has developed into a fine player; a classy top order batter and wicketkeeper. Last season he crafted 241 runs at 60 for Melbourne Uni in the U18 Premier Cricket competition.

Moe Spencer (St Kilda)

Played a starring role in St Kilda taking out the inaugural Men’s U18 title last season, scoring 309 runs at 44, including a knock of 158 off 144 balls against Northcote. Spencer also made 125 in St Kilda’s third XI, while impressing as an agile wicketkeeper.

Muhammad Abdulrafay (Essendon)

The Truganina product finished last season with a flourish, taking 4-53 and 5-39 in Essendon’s second XI’s last two matches. He’s regarded as an exciting prospect.

Nathan Flinn (Fitzroy Doncaster)

A classy left-hand bat with all the shots, Finn scored a brilliant 116 in Fitzroy Doncaster’s under-18s last season, following 99no in Box Hill’s First XI. A quality wicketkeeper too.

Nick Brennan (Carlton)

Fit and aggressive fast bowler who moves the ball in the air and at good pace. He represented Vic Metro in the under-19 nationals last season.

Reyaan Farooq (St Kilda)

Amassed over 1150 runs at 38 last season, including an unbeaten 101 against Dandenong in the under-18s. Also a handy bowler.

Thomas Paddington (St Kilda)

A tall paceman with big upside who generates bounce and away swing. There are big wraps on him.

St Kilda CC prospect Tom Paddington

Vishwa Ramkumar leaps through the crease. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Vishwa Ramkumar (Dandenong)

The leg-spinner is an exciting talent who has been likened to Adam Zampa. Played 14 games in Dandenong’s First XI last season and also represented Victoria in the Under 19 national titles.

Will Waters (Northcote)

Leg spinner with impressive flight and ability to spin the ball. Handy with the bat too. Has toured Singapore and the UK with Marcellin College’s First XI.