Craigieburn coach Chris Laffan is excited to see which players step up for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior side after the retirement of two key players.
The Eagles, who cemented their spot in the senior division last season finishing seventh, have lost Michael Bury and Daniel English.
Laffan said the retirement of both players would leave a big hole, with both players always providing the example of playing the ‘Craigieburn way’.
“We will be a bit different with the retirements of Mick Bury and Daniel English,” he said. “They’ve had experience and level headlines at VTCA and been around Craigieburn cricket for a long time.
“That on field leadership is something we will miss, Teaching others to play the Craigieburn way.”
While the departures of the two key players will hurt the Eagles, Laffan said it would give a real good opportunity for other players to step up with both the bat and ball.
He said at this stage of the season they still don’t know what their best team looks like and they would have a squad of 14 to 15 players.
“The retirements provide opportunities for players to step up with the bat and ball,” Laffan said.
“Others will have to step up and continue to execute. They might have more overs with the ball or bat higher, or play bigger roles in key moments.”
Laffan highlighted Josh Eaton, Zac Orr and Samuel Karamoshou as three players to watch.
Eaton will captain the side this season, taking over from Bury.
“He had a good opportunity to grow his leadership under Mick,” Laffan said. “Sammy [Laffan] is a former captain too, he can chip in as well.
“Hopefully he’ll have a good run at it this season.”
Orr led the way with the ball last season, taking 20 wickets despite missing a couple of games with injury.
With a return to two-day cricket, he will bowl a lot more overs.
Karamoshou batted at three after returning to the sport after a number of years off. He made three 50s at the back half of the season and will be better for the season under his belt.
The Eagles haven’t gone out recruiting, but have a familiar face returning to the club in Jake Carlisle.
The former AFL player was a gun cricketer, before turning his focus to football.
Laffan said he was excited by what Carlisle brings to the club. He said despite his AFL career, Laffan said Carlisle had always made time to return to his junior club and help out where he could.
“We’re excited to have him play an important role for us with the bat,” he said.
“He’s a great Craigieburn person and he grew up playing for the club and is well known to the playing group.”
The Eagles kick off their season on October 1 against Sunshine United at Selwyn Park.
Having consolidated their position in the top grade last season, Laffan said that would be the first focus this year.
