VTCA: Allan Wise joins Premier Cricket stars at Deer Park

VTCA premiership contender Deer Park has landed another big recruit with the late arrival of a former Victorian bowler thanks to its two major signings.

Deer Park’s hopes of reaching a second straight VTCA Senior Division grand final have received a late boost with the arrival of a former Victorian bowler.

Coach Mick Andriadis has revealed Allan Wise has joined the club ahead of the new season which is now expected to get underway on Saturday after the first game was called off.

Fellow off-season recruits and former Victorian Premier Cricket stars Daniel Sartori and Dean Russ are good friends with Wise.

Last season, Wise, 44, played for St Brigid’s St Louis in the Cricket Southern Bayside competition where he took 22 wickets at an average of 11.14 across 12 games.

In his Premier Cricket career with Richmond and Monash Tigers, he took over 500 wickets.

Allan Wise in action.Picture: Stuart Milligan

“He certainly helps our bowling stocks,” Andriadis said.

“Along with the two other boys he’s been great for us so far. They’ve really led the way with their professional.

“Allan lives in Footscray, so it made some sort of sense for him to come play with us. We’re hopeful of having him available for more than half the games.”

Peter Herrick is the other inclusion for Deer Park who aim to go one step better this season after going down to Yarraville Club in last season’s decider.

Lachlan Fitzgerald is the only major departure after making the move to Premier Cricket with Melbourne University.

Despite a stunning run to the grand final last year, Andriadis knows another season of tough competition awaits.

Daniel Satori has crossed from Footscray.Photo: Hamish Blair

“There were a lot of close games right across the competition last year,” he said.

“At times we looked nowhere near making finals, then other weeks we were right in the mix to play finals. It all happened pretty quickly for us.

“We took a lot of lessons out of that and can’t wait to put those into practice again.”

Deer Park is fixtured to open its season against Keilor this weekend in a two-dayer.

“Keilor beat us last year, so it won’t be an easy game,” Andriadis said.

“These games early in the season are critical.”