New opportunities in Magpies’ A grade

THE Wangaratta Magpies will be focussing on their A grade and A reserve sides this senior WDCA season, but the line-up will look a bit different to recent years. The ‘Pies will be without such names as Nick Pell, Zac Guilfoyle, Lachlan Hadden, Ryan Malcolm, and last season’s English import Charlie Stafford, while bowling spearheads Chris Clement and Matt Gathercole will likely play fewer matches due to family commitments. Magpies stalwart Jack Davies said the vacancies in A grade presented a great opportunity for those performing in A reserve to establish themselves at the top level of cricket in the area. “It gives guys an opportunity who have performed well,” he said. “Our A reserve have been very competitive over the last couple of years. “It’s an opportunity for guys to stand up who definitely could be playing A grade – you’ve got Ryhs Grant, the Wallace boys (Jarryd and Zac), Cal Honey, they’ve all performed at that level. “We’ve also got a new guy who’s come to town, Kieran Radcliffe, he’s come from Queensland, he’s a handy swing bowler who might get his opportunity as well. “We’ve got options, it’s an opportunity for guys to put their hands up which is something they’ve probably lacked over the last couple of years.” The Magpies will also be under new leadership, with former skipper Davies handing the reins over to A grade wicket-keeper Cooper Matheson. “It’s always good for another voice, someone else in charge,” Davies said. “I’ve done it for four or fives years now, and there’s a lot on my plate with footy and work and that, so a backwards step is needed in that regard. “I’m still going to be playing and buy into what Coop wants to do, just help the next wave of leaders make their mark on the club.” The Magpies will have to wait to launch their 2024-25 A grade campaign with the bye in this weekend’s opening round of the season. Wangaratta Magpies take on Yarrawonga Mulwala at Barr 2 on Saturday, October 19.

New opportunities in Magpies’ A grade

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