The players to watch in the GCA T20 semi-finals

From a Lara bowler who has snared seven wickets at four runs apiece, to a Meredith batter who has blitzed 225 runs in just two innings, these are the leading players of the GCA T20 tournament.

Lara's Brenden Miller has made more than 100 runs without being dismissed from three T20 innings. Bisinella Oval, Lara Recreation Reserve.

The unbeaten North Geelong will begin its quest for back-to-back T20 premierships from Tuesday when it takes on Torquay on the Tigers’ home deck.

The Magpies, who have gone through the short form pool stages without a loss, took out last year’s decider against Grovedale by six wickets.

In 2024-25, North Geelong have twice successfully chased down the runs, while beating Bell Post Hill, Highton and Geelong West, and now face Torquay at Spring Creek Reserve.

North Geelong's Phil Visser. Picture: Wes Cusworth.

For the Magpies, GCA1 star Phil Visser has contributed a couple of handy knocks with 69 off 40 balls against the Rams and 25 not out in Round 2 against Highton.

Meanwhile, left arm spinner Bailey Sykes, who played a key role for Country Victoria at the national championships, has taken hauls of 3-15 and 2-18.

The Tigers, who have lost form in GCA2 and dropped their past three matches, set a big target of 3-217 against St Joseph’s in the opening round but were beaten East Belmont by three wickets at their last T20 appearance on December 3.

North Geelong's Bailey Sykes. Picture: Wes Cusworth

In the other Competition A semi-final, involving GCA1 and 2 outfits, Lara, who have yet to be beaten in any form this season, take on Newtown & Chilwell at Bisinella Oval.

Leading the way with the bat for the Cats has been Brenden Miller, striking 104 runs from three digs without being dismissed while Jaymee Guy has been lethal with the ball, taking seven wickets an average of six.

Lara’s Jaymee Guy has taken seven wickets at an average of six. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Two Blues have exhibited great form across both disciplines, compiling a monster 3-219 against Bell Park in Round 1, restricted Grovedale to 8-87 the following round but were beaten by Leopold in early December.

Meanwhile, Newcomb & District play Meredith while Bannockburn face Little River in Competition B’s other semis for GCA3 and 4 clubs.

Meredith's Harli Givvens. Picture: Wes Cusworth

The Dinos’ Eugene Stanciu has produced two knocks of significance – 69 and 25 not out – while Anthony Quarrell helped destroy Corio with 4-8.

Likewise, Nathan Keevil has been destructive with seven wickets at an average of 4.4.

For the Rams, Harli Givvens has been a run machine in 24-25, belting 144 against Thomson and 81 against Lethbridge during the T20 tournament.

Anthony Quarrell bowls for Newcomb & District. Picture: Wes Cusworth.

Grand finals for both competitions will be held on January 26.

Originally published as The players to watch in the GCA T20 semi-finals