VSDCA: Spotswood gets off to the perfect start

One of Spotswood’s key off-season recruits has made a dream start to life but just not how you might have expected in an emphatic statement to open the season.

Spotswood’s premiership defence is off to the perfect start.

And it was capped off with a star performance from a recruit, but perhaps not in the way you would have expected.

Lachlan McKenna, who joined the club from Carlton in the off-season, impressed with the ball taking 3-12 from his seven overs as Spotty had Altona all out for 72.

Despite some early struggles in their own innings - with McKenna going for just nine — the home side eventually regained their composure to run out eight-wicket winners.

Brought in as a top order batsman, McKenna was expected to win more matches with the bat than ball this season.

But according to coach Dan Schuppan he’s already he’s going to be a valuable asset with his off-spin.

“He’s just a really good cricketer,” he said.

“He’s one of those talented guys who can show off their ability in all areas of the game if given the opportunity. When he came on and bowl, he just knew what he needed to do, the types of field he wanted to do.

“He showed some real class.”

Schuppan and Sam Hope also claimed three wickets apiece as Spotswood showed why it will again be a force in this season’s competition.

Ben Davies top scored for Altona before he was eventually removed by McKenna.

“That was a key wicket for us,” Schuppan said.

“Ben batted really well when he came out to the middle.”

Sandeep Mandalika was also among the wickets for Spotswood, claiming his first in Spotswood colours.

SPOTSWOOD SEASON PREVIEW

Spotswood is ready to experience a different pressure in the new VSDCA season.

As the reigning premier, Spotty will be the hunted and no longer the hunter as they have been in previous seasons.

But coach Dan Schuppan believes the new challenge is the perfect opportunity for the playing group.

“I’ve been telling our players to embrace the added pressure because that’s where you can grow as a group,” he said.

“Teams like Caulfield and Werribee have done it over and over for a long time and we aspire to have sustained success ourselves. It’s going to be another tough season against the northern sides but we’re keen to test ourselves.

“It’s a competition where you’ll have to be on your game every week.”

Lachlan McKenna. Picture: Andy Brownbill

In a busy off-season, Spotswood boosted its playing squad as it again looks to challenge for another premiership.

The club’s recruiting drive was headlined by the signing of Lachlan McKenna from Carlton while Harry Lumsden arrives from the UK.

Sandeep Mandalika has crossed from VTCA club Williamstown Imperials and Nathan Stubbings is another new face.

Meanwhile, leading bowler Jackson Wadden has departed for St Kilda as Matthew Sazenis retired.

“We have got some fantastic depth and guys are going to get their opportunity in the First XI,” Schuppan said.

“Last season we had a number of guys step up when that chance presented itself and I don’t think it will be any different this season.”

Spotswood’s Sam Hope. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Schuppan said he was excited about the prospect of some of the club’s younger players ahead of the new season.

He suggested the likes of Ansh Sharma, Harvey Redpath and Jayvier Virk — who all featured in Spotswood’s J.G Craig Shield last season — could push for First XI selection.

“I’m very vocal about junior progression through our club,” he said.

“It’s all about pushing these kids to play for higher honours, at the highest level they can. That’s the type of model that we’re after.”

Spotswood will open its season with a two-day game against Altona.