Greenvale Kangaroos will continue to focus on youth and development for their next season in Victorian Premier Cricket.
The Kangaroos have turned to young local talent the past few years and that’s not going to change under new coach Jarrod Leggett.
Leggett, who was captain last year and has previously coached at fellow Premier club Melbourne Uni, takes over the role from Stan Nell.
After a late appointment to the role, Leggett has set about putting the playing and coaching group together.
He said the club will have a very similar playing group to last season.
The Kangaroos finished on the bottom of the ladder last season, but if not for several one-run losses could have been challenging for finals.
“We have managed to keep most of the core group together,” Leggett said.
“Nathan Massey was travelling from Sale so he’s decided to play closer to home. Our import Harry Dearden isn’t coming back as he has to do a county pre-season.
“It hasn’t been smooth sailing as we were keen to get a couple of established players. We haven’t had success.
“We’ve managed to get a Sri Lankan first class cricketer who I met when I was touring Sri Lanka in 2012 and we’ve stayed in touch. Harry Chahal is a batsman who has come across from Plenty Valley who has hit the ground running.”
Leggett said some players from the club’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association sides were also looking to step up.
Off field, Leggett has put a strong coaching panel together.
Former first XI captain Kyle Adams is the bowling coach, while fourth captain Dervis Duradbegovic had also stepped up. Former Melbourne Uni assistant coach Jeff Callaway is the batting coach.
The club has also appointed two fielding coaches, which have left Leggett excited.
“Our fielding coaches are a couple of former Australian baseball players,” he said.
“Amy McCann and Sam Hamilton both played for Australia for 10 years. They got into cricket two years ago and want to pursue a career in cricket coaching.
“They’re really good coaches and have been absolutely fantastic. Amy is busy during the season, but Sam will stay on.”
Leggett, who will remain the first XI skipper, said results wouldn’t be what they judge their season on.
“We’re investing in youth and that’s how you build clubs,” he said.
