Deer Park is ready to go as it aims to return to the top in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division.
After just falling short of a third-straight premiership last season, losing in the grand final to Yarraville-Footscray, the Parkers are expected to be among the mix again.
Parkers head of bowls operations Mark Casey said they were keen for the season to get underway
“We’re looking really good, everyone has been performing well and are ready to go for round one,” he said.
“It’s going to be an exciting year. We are ready to go. Losing last year’s grand final still hurts, we know we weren’t at our best and that’s the disappointing part.
“We have discussed it as a group and I’m confident we have what it takes to go well this year.”
The Parkers have looked to strengthen their squad this season.
Aron Sherriff is the big signing as he returns to the club for a second stint.
Sherriff is already a winner of two premier division titles with the club in 2023 and 2024 and is excited about getting back to Melbourne to represent the Parkers again.
“He’s regarded as the world’s best and he loved his time at the club we went back to back, so we’re excited to see what he can do again,” Casey said.
As well as adding in some top line talent, the Parkers have continued to focus on the next generation of bowlers coming through.
Ray Pearse and Matt Baus are back for another season and are expected to be among the keys for the Parkers as well.
He said the younger players have been incredible.
“I have been trying to keep a lid on things with our Youth Bowls Academy but it’s been a challenge as they have been super,” he said.
“All of them, already this pre-season they have raised their level up a notch, so we are expecting more big things from them.
“It’s important we as a club don’t put too much pressure on them, but they know they will all play an important part of the club this year.”
The season will kick off on Friday night with a grand final rematch for the Parkers.
Casey said overall things were shaping up really well for the club.
“All the teams have had a fantastic pre-season, we have been fortunate to welcome in 18 new members this year and incredibly 16 of them are under the age of 45.
“This will provide our club with the perfect platform for years to go.
“The energy around the club is the best I’ve seen so we are all looking forward to getting the year started.”
