VSDCA: Ins, outs and snapshots ahead of the 2023-24 South-East season
Oakleigh and Brighton have recruited well, while Ormond, Caulfield and Malvern have new-look sides ahead of the Subbies south-east season. Here is everything you need to know about each club.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
“Play”.
Players across the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season will kick off a bumper summer this weekend (weather permitting) when umpires declare “play”.
Big ins and outs are the theme across the South-East section of Subbies ahead of 2023-24, and we have covered them all.
Here are the key ins, outs and snapshots of what to expect from each and every club this season ...
BALWYN
Captain: Lachlan Fitzpatrick
Coach: Clinton Kennon
Last season: 10th
In: Tom Polkinghorne (Scotland Premier Cricket), Michael Schofield (Karaka, New Zealand)
Out: Tom Audley (Camberwell Magpies), Kane Heathcote (Melbourne Uni), Cooper Taylor (year off), James Rulach (Sorrento)
Snapshot: The Tigers fell agonisingly short of a finals berth in the East/West group last season, but coach Clinton Kennon is bullish his players can harness the disappointment and take a further step this year.
“We’re really happy with where we’re trekking. One win out of finals (last year) … they’ve got a burning desire to do something quite special this year,” Kennon said.
Kennon said the First XI would draw on inspiration from the twos side which took the flag last season – with emerging talent Tynan Forster tipped to see top-grade action after a sizzling season which included a ton in the semi-final.
The Tigers’ core group has been retained, including leading run-scorer Christian Toppi (384 at 27.43) and leading wicket-taker Harrison Goad (27 at 18.48).
Batsman Tom Polkinghorne returns to the fold after time in Scotland’s top comp with Greenock where he recently led the First XI run-scoring, while bowling all-rounder Michael Schofield brings 200 games’ Premier-grade experience from Karaka in New Zealand.
There’s enough talent to suggest Balwyn could rise into contention this season.
“It’s a journey for our club and the twos winning the flag last year has given a tremendous impetus to the rest of the boys to see what they can do,” Kennon said.
BAYSWATER
Captain-coach: Jason Kilby
Last season: 15th
In: Thomas Packer, Julian Packer (Casey-South Melbourne), Brodie Richardson (Dandenong)
Out: Eitan Litvin (returned to the UK)
Snapshot: The Waters have topped up with Premier-grade quality in ex-Casey-South Melbourne quicks Thomas and Julian Packer, ticking off exactly what they needed to bolster their bowling stocks. They’ll also benefit from the return of a host of mainstays who coach Jason Kilby has likened to recruits, including all-rounder Jack Livingstone, opening batsman Robbie Cox and key bowler Luke Turner. Excitement surrounds right-arm quick and multiple RDCA junior representative Aaron Stephen, while the Waters have also received a last-minute gift, signing 18-year-old all-rounder Brodie Richardson from Premier club Dandenong, where he played Second XI last season. He promises plenty, having also played Super Slam and led the wickets and runs in Dandy’s Dowling Shield side in recent seasons.
Despite the loss of Eitan Litvin after 298 runs and 14 catches last season, the additions and returning names look more than capable of filling the void.
The only way is up for Baysie after last season, and with some handy inclusions, expect vast improvement on a second-bottom finish.
BRIGHTON
Last season: Grand finalists
In: Will Sist (Kew), Jason Soames (UK)
Out: Robbie Salerni (retired), Jack Rutter (work commitments)
Snapshot: After making a grand final last year, the Tonners have built on what was a strong list. Sist will add to the bowling stocks, as will Soames, and Ricky Damiano will take the gloves in Salerni’s absence. As one of the stronger teams in the competition, Brighton should be aiming towards deep finals action again in 2023-24. John Damiano’s men were probably before their time making a grand final last year, somewhat overachieving for what they had, so while grand-final defeat will no doubt hurt, the Tonners have reason to be positive about the immediate future.
BOX HILL
Captain: Hayden Rayner
Coach: Chris Box
Last season: 5th
In: Will McAvoy, Benjy Marsden (Monton CC, Greater Manchester Cricket League, UK), Cameron Clark (Nunawading), Jai Mudher (East Box Hill)
Out: Brad Yates (returned home to UK)
Snapshot: A qualifying final berth last season for the Mustangs, which provides a nice platform to build on. They had a big win this off-season retaining star all-rounder Cian Dickinson. He was initially thought to be headed home, but the UK import has remained after peeling off 481 runs to go with 26 wickets at an average of 17.31 in a standout 2022-23 campaign. Fellow UK talents Will McAvoy (seam bowler) and Benjy Marsden (batsman) are also handy inclusions, having both represented the Greater Manchester league at under-21 level. Incoming coach Chris Box has high hopes for his group, mostly retained, with the exception of keeper/batsman Brad Yates (525 runs at 43.8 alongside 25 catches last season).
The injection of Nunawading batsman/spinner Cameron Clark should add versatility alongside all-rounder Jai Mudher, who crosses from East Box Hill.
“We’re certainly shooting at finals … also what I’d love to see is our seconds playing finals as well because it means we’re creating depth. We’re certainly bullish that that’s where we want to be,” Box said.
CAULFIELD
Last season: premiers
Coach: Lachlan Graf
Captain: James Small
In: Josh Rymell (UK), Zac Fraser (Caulfield Grammar)
Out: David Tantsis-Hall (Mordialloc), Jonathan Aikins (Melbourne), Dan Forbes
Snapshot: The reigning premiers have lost their three leading run getters from last season, Tantsis-Hall, Forbes and Aikins. That’s 1474 runs out the door! It means the Fielders will rely even more on their champion Jacob Thorne, who has handed the captaincy to James Small in somewhat of a changing of the guard. Caulfield has an English import arriving on Saturday; 22yo opening batter Josh Rymell, who has played first-class cricket for Essex. The Fielders have also picked up state underage batter Zac Fraser and have regained young batter Chase Alfasi from a knee injury. Andrew King and Oliver Hayes, who took five wickets in the grand final, will lead the bowling attack. With five flags in 11 seasons, Caulfield is again the team to beat.
CROYDON
Captain-coach: Jack Conroy (Lysterfield)
Last season: 14th
In: Jack Conroy (Lysterfield), Aman Vekaria (Johnson Park)
Out: Daniel Ivanovic (Ringwood), Harrison Ward (Camberwell Magpies)
Snapshot: Ex-Frankston Peninsula spinner Jack Conroy will lead the Cockies this season, taking over from outgoing coach Tom McQuinn and long-serving skipper Steve Wright. His experience, coupled with McQuinn (13 wickets), Wright (452 runs) and Jake Marnie (348) complement an otherwise young list. Ivanovic is a big out after driving 312 runs last season, but the remaining rising stocks should benefit from another season of exposure, and Conroy has seen the talent on offer having mentored previously in the Cockies’ junior program.
“I’m a massive advocate for the young guys and they’re the future of the club, (and) for me to see them first-hand in the junior program by coaching them, I know that Croydon is in great stead for the future,” Conroy said.
Harrison Ward departs for Premier cricket after putting up 200 runs and seven wickets last season. Meanwhile, the coach has earmarked new recruit Aman Vekaria to assume the keeper spot in the First XI.
Similar to Bayswater, there’s enough talent, young and experienced, to suggest a rise from a lowly finish to last season.
DONVALE
Captain: Jade Bardwell
Coach: Peter Bedford
Last season: 13th
In: Jade Bardwell (Fitzroy Doncaster), Steve Darmody (Heathwood), James Hoppe (Kingston Hawthorn), Thenuka Perera (Carlton)
Out: Jayden Clay (Warrandyte), Blake Nikolic (retired), Odil Perera (Greenvale), Pawan Singh (Doncaster), Asher Warnakoolasuriya (Essendon), Vishva Weerakoon (McKinnon)
Snapshot: It’s been off-season of change for the Lions, with no bigger move than Australian football hall of famer, Brownlow medallist and ex-state cricketer Peter Bedford returning as coach – a post he held with distinction some years ago, achieving premiership success. The ex-South Melbourne VFL star takes over from outgoing coach Saliya Ahangama.
On-field, Blake Nikolic has retired due to a back injury, with former Donvale junior Jade Barwell returning to the club from Premier outfit Fitzroy Doncaster, taking up the captaincy. He’s joined by Premier-grade Hawk James Hoppe, who’ll serve as vice-captain.
Donvale president Warren McAlpin says the Lions will continue to develop their list in their third season in the VSDCA, with a heavy emphasis on home-grown talent.
“(We) will continue to build our list through our strong junior program and will include a lot of players from the under-18 premiership side from last year and from our four turf Sunday junior sides. The build includes recruiting players from the local area,” he said.
ENDEAVOUR HILLS
Last season: 6th
In: Nil.
Major outs: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kevin Seth,
Snapshot: After a difficult season last year with some off-field issues, the Hills are out to restore their brand. They’re giving the kids a run in the First XI and are trying to improve culture. The results might not flow this season but the environment is as important as wins in 2023-24. There are more departures but none bigger than those listed.
ELSTERNWICK
Last season: 6th
In: Tom Collins (UK), Ollie Birts (UK), Finn Usher (UK), Sean Kingston (Richmond Central), Cam McKnight (UK)
Out: Calhan Sineth (Greenvale), Mal Gamage (Silverton)
Snapshot: An influx of Englishmen has a sense of unknown surrounding Elsternwick. But aside from the departure of Sineth and Gamage, the Eels have retained their core group and added five. After making finals off the back of some strong one-day form, they should have the expectation to be competing at the top end again.
MALVERN
Last season: 12th
In: Andrew Feketee (Camberwell), Chris McCormick (returning), Alex Pellin (Premier Cricket)
Out: Michael Beer (retired)
Snapshot: The Roosters are desperate to improve on their 12th-placed finish from last summer but are under no illusions that it’s going to take hard work. Internally, Malvern is very confident its bowling stocks have improved despite the departure of Test-man Michael Beer.
MOORABBIN
Last season: 9th
Coach: Chris Seisun
Captain: Renaldi Dias
In: Matt Goodier (Prahran)
Major outs: nil
Snapshot: The Saints raise their bat for their 100th year, celebrating with a big function at Glen Eira Town Hall on Saturday night. On the field, the club is hoping for big things. Moorabbin old boys Chris Seisun, Chris Street and Rod Douthie have returned to the club in coaching capacities, with Seisun head coach, and Street and Douthie his assistants. Every player has stayed — no outs. Renaldi Dias will captain the first XI again, with big-hitting Luke Ashen, paceman Damsara Menuwara and Roshan Livera to play key roles again. Brilliant Sri Lankan batsman-keeper Vishva Wijeratne will arrive in a couple of weeks, while Prahran recruit Matt Goodier will boost the batting and bowling; he’s likely to open the batting. Seisun, who will also captain the twos, says hard work will underpin anything Moorabbin achieves in its centenary season. It has adopted the acronym ‘BCF’ — basics, commitment, fun.
MT WAVERLEY
Last season: semi-finals
Captain-coach: Michael Sheedy
In: Shenuka DeSilva (Sri Lanka)
Out: Michael Miller (retired)
Snapshot: Michael Sheedy is captain-coach again. Opening bat Michael Miller has retired after giving over 100 games of first XI service. Otherwise the side is stable, ready to build on their semi-final appearance last season. Added Sri Lankan Shenuka DeSilva, an off spinning all rounder. He will be the frontline spinner Mt Waverley has cried out for. The whisper is another significant signing is a possibility.
OAKLEIGH
Last season: 7th
In: James Pattinson (Dandenong), Nathan Harford (Carrum Downs), Ben Fletcher (UK), Dylan Grandell (Numurkah), Josh Peake (St Kevins)
Out: Brendan McGuinness (retired), Blake Pearson (focusing on football)
Snapshot: The Oaks are going to be a serious side this summer. Missing finals for the first time in 21 years, there was always going to be a bounce back. Pattinson, Harford, Grandell, Peake and Fletcher will add power and poise. Pattinson’s capacity with the ball is well-documented but it’s his strength with the bat that will be a surprise for most. Expect him to bat inside the Oaks’ top five and be one of the better bats in the comp. A top-three home-and-away finish should be the expectation for coach Matt Grace and his side.
ORMOND
Last season: semi finalist
In: Sam Kindlan, Tom Cameron, Miles Sellinger, Zac Sleeman,
Out: Ben Speake, Murray Ring, Adam Bull, James Wild
Snapshot: There’s been a large turnover at Ormond, with the Monders losing key individuals with extensive experience. But they’re confident the additions at the top, and lower grades, will be able to push them towards another finals series.
NOBLE PARK
Last season: 12th
Coach: Matt Crozier
Captain: Janaka Liyanabadalge
In: Sahan Perera (Dandenong), Nishantha Weerakkody (returned), Bhanuka Keppetipola Widanalage (Deepdene Bears)
Snapshot: Matt Crozier has returned for his second stint as coach. Reigning Holten medallist Janaka Liyanabadalge will skipper the first XI again and lead from the front with bat and ball. Picked up spinning all rounder Sahan Perera from Dandenong while opening bowler Nishantha Weerakkody has come back to the club — he last played two years ago. Picked up batsman Bhanuka Keppetipola Widanalage from Deepdene Bears.
PORT MELBOURNE
Last season: 15th
Coach: Josh Boyle
Captain: Ryan McDonald
In: George Homer (Pedmore, UK), Luke O’Donnell (UK), Chris Ryan (Endeavour Hills), Luke Domaschenz (Bentleigh ANA), Arslan Khan (Coburg)
Out: Mack Burdett (injury)
Snapshot: It’s the Borough’s third year back in Subbies and they’re building. Two English recruits will be worth watching — George Homer, a top order batsman, and Luke O’Donnell, who plays in Scotland. O’Donnell played for Scotland A and was a warm-up bowler in the Scottish World Cup team. He’s said to bowl “wheels” — exactly what Port needs after opening Mack Burdett did his knee playing football. The Borough have also picked up Chris Ryan, a top-order bat from Endeavour Hills and Luke Domaschenz from Bentleigh ANA — he’s an opening bat and handy seam bowler. Coburg leg spinner Arslan Khan is a good addition. Ryan McDonald will continue as skipper and is looking forward to a full season after a broken thumb forced him to miss the second half of last season. The Borough will push for a top six spot.
Proof the Heat are rising
Two near-tons and a strong middle-order offering are signs of Frankston Peninsula’s improved status in Premier Cricket, according to Heat coach Peter Marshall.
‘We’ve got the right list’: How DDCA scalp was proof for Bulls
Dandenong West captain Riley Siwes says the Bulls’ first Dandenong District Turf 1 win in almost six years was proof of what it can achieve this summer.