VSDCA: Melton welcomes back Ben MacRae and Mitch Stephens

Melton has made big moves in its bid to improve next season as it prepares to welcome back a gun opener and a former junior after a decade long stint at Premier level.

Melton now has a much more formidable top order.

After finishing last season at the bottom of the Victoria Sub District Cricket Association south-west ladder, the club has welcomed back Ben MacRae into the fold.

The left-handed opener has not played in the club’s last two campaigns as he spent time with his family.

Previously he hit 1956 runs in four seasons for the Lions after he returned from a 12-year stint with Essendon in Premier Cricket, where we was captain.

Melton’s Brad Jones, who was the club’s coach last season, said he was excited to see MacRae return to the club.

“The experience he brings is going to be phenomenal for our young group,” he said.

“We’ve been able to put a talented young group together in the last few seasons but we’ve lacked that experience player and Ben will be able to fill that role perfectly.

“He’s a quality cricketer who is going to add a lot for us at the top of the ladder.

“But more importantly he’s a great person to have around the club.”

Ben McRae is set to be back in Melton colours. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

The club has also welcomed back Mitch Stephens after he spent time with Essendon and Footscray in the Premier competition.

He has played in each of the club’s Second XIs.

But it’s his coaching experience with Essendon’s Dowling Shield and as an assistant coach for the North West Wizards in the Youth Premier League which also has the Lions excited.

“He’s going to take up a key role in our Lions Academy,” Jones said.

“You don’t have to play First XI cricket to improve as a player or a coach. The knowledge Mitch is going to bring back is going to be extremely beneficial.

“Bringing back past players is one of the key focuses of the club going forward.”

Jones said discussions surrounding the club’s coaching plans for next season were still ongoing although he will remain at the club.

“We haven’t lost anyone from last season,” he said.

“One of the most important things heading into next season will be getting a full pre-season under our belts because it’s something we’ve missed in the past couple of years.”

Jones also recently had personal success when he was selected in the Victorian squad for the upcoming Indoor Cricket National Championships set to be held between June 25 and July 9.