Greenvale Kangaroos had a preseason aim of adding a bit more experience to the club’s playing group and have done just that with the signing of Jarrod Leggett.
Leggett, who took the year off from cricket, joins the Kangaroos after 149 First XI games with fellow Premier Cricket side Melbourne University.
He also was captain-coach for two seasons.
Kangaroos coach Stan Nell said a player of Leggett’s ability and experience was exactly what they needed.
The Kangaroos have had one of the youngest First XI sides in recent years and have struggled to match it with the top sides.
“We were after someone like Leggett,” Nell said.
“He took year off as he had a lot on his plate.
“When we approached him he was keen to chat and it was a no-brainer to sign him.”
As well as play as playing in the First XI, Leggett, 30, will captain the side and be an assistant coach to Nell.
Nell said last season’s skipper, Kyle Adams, was happy for Leggett to take on the role.
“Kyle has been absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“Both he and myself are of the opinion that if we could get someone with experience, we would be happy to sacrifice our positions if they were the right person.
“Eventually Jarrod would be the ideal person to take over coaching from me.”
Nell said they were still speaking with other players about joining the club.
“We’re still looking at a couple of signings,” he said.
“There may be players looking for opportunities that we would be able to offer.”
Nell said despite looking for some experienced players to add to the side, they wouldn’t move away from their youth policy.
Five Kangaroos players have been named in the initial Victorian metro under-19 squad and another two in the
under-17 squad.
Kevin Spaull, Arky Cheema, Lachie King, Josh Trembearth and Ryan Stingel have been named in the under-19 squad.
“We’re extremely thrilled to see the club being recognised as a pathway for players to take the step to the next level,” Nell said.
“It’s a really good thing for a small club like us.”
Nell said the club would lose two players from the First XI, with Adam Amin and Ramneet Dhindsa signing with clubs closer to their homes.
“We wish them both luck,” he said. “We understand the difficulties of an 180km round trip to come to training.”
