After challenging for a premiership last year, Keilor Park will return to the coming Victorian Turf Cricket Association season with solid momentum and a strengthened lineup.
The Devils have had a busy off-season, including the re-signing of Justin Van Niekerk as head coach.
He has played at Keilor Park for two years and will lead the club for at least two more.
A talented all rounder, Van Niekerk scored 157 runs and took 12 wickets for the Devils last year.
He was one of three Keilor Park batsmen to score over 150 runs for the season.
The Devils will be strengthened in their first XI with opening bowler Luke Macumber crossing over from Airport West.
He took eight wickets for his former team last season and maintained pressure on opposition top orders by keeping the run rate down.
Macumber also proved handy with the bat, scoring 150 at an average of 16.7.
The Devils are also awaiting the arrival of two English imports, both all- rounders.
Keilor Park president Dale Baldwin said Van Niekerk had attacked the off-season with all guns blazing.
“Justin has been very excited since taking over,” Baldwin said. “He’s been on the phone every week looking for players while we’re recruiting. And he’s looking at ways we can develop our seconds players and our young kids coming through.
“He’s ready to go and it’s great to have someone like that at the club.”
The changes further highlight Keilor Park’s tag as a premiership contender for the new season.
The Devils are coming off a brilliant 2014-15 in which the first XI finished in second spot on the ladder before succumbing to eventual premier Doutta Stars in the north division semi-final.
“Everything from last season was a positive,” Baldwin said.
“Every year you plan to play finals and we had a really good year to be able to get there.
“It was actually a bit of a shock that we finished so well.
“Losing that semi-final, it was a bit heartbreaking, but we have been able to move on.”
Keilor Park will begin its 2015-16 campaign against local rival Keilor in a round one blockbuster.
The Devils first home game will be against Airport West St Christophers in round two.
