VSDCA: Melton appoints new coach, Williamstown and Hoppers Crossing moves

An international search has helped Subbies club Melton land its new coach as two other west region clubs unveil new recruits.

Melton has searched far and wide — worldwide — for a new senior coach but it finally has its man.

The Lions have settled on Sri Lankan Tharaka Gunaratna as the man to lead the club forward after they finished last season on the bottom of the ladder without a win.

Gunaratna has experience in Colombo where he is currently working as a development coach with a local association.

“Tharaka has demonstrated a history of successfully developing the young talent at the clubs he has worked in and we wish him all the best for the upcoming season,” the club said in a social media post.

He also has experience as a player and coach in England.

Melton president Anthony Gale said he was excited to see what the club’s new coach could achieve.

“He’s very passionate about coaching and developing players which was one of our key criteria when we were looking for a new coach,” he said.

New Melton coach Tharaka Gunaratna. Photo: Facebook.

“A member of our club has connections to Sri Lanka and after speaking to a few people we settled on Tharaka. Everyone we spoke to had a lot of positive things to say about him.

“We think we’ve made a fantastic appointment.”

Gunaratna has replaced Brad Jones as the Lions’ senior coach although the outgoing mentor has remained with the club in an assistant coaching capacity.

Jones is just one of several players to recommit for next season in recent weeks alongside Alex Kerr, Conrad Farrugia, Jason Hibbert and Shehan Hirudika.

Brad Jones will remain at Melton. Picture: Hamish Blair

Meanwhile Ben Macrae and Mitch Stephens have returned to the Lions after time away.

“It’s been a pretty busy off-season so far but if we can keep adding experience to our young group I think we will be in a good place,” Gale said.

“After losing the staples of our premiership sides from a few years ago, we’re looking to guide and develop our next group coming through.”

MORE SUBBIES CLUBS MAKE THEIR MOVES

Williamstown has announced Fraser Hay will return to the club after two seasons in Premier Cricket with Footscray. He is a previous premiership player in the club’s First and Third XIs.

Hoppers Crossing has announced its second signing of the off-season after the unveiling of top order batter Shijit Chandran. The powerful hitter has experience in NSW’s Sydney Shires competition and is currently playing in India.

Last week, Altona confirmed the appointment of Aaron Whear as the club’s new head coach. He has played over 200 First XI games in the competition.