By Jonty Ralphsmith
2023-24 finish: Premiers
2023-24 leading run-scorer: Josh Lownds (578)
2023-24 leading wicket-taker: Brad Butler (36)
The reigning premiers will enter 2024-25 as arguably flag favourites despite losing gun all-rounder Pete Sweeney to retirement and Ben Mantel to travel for the season. The Seagulls won two lower grades premierships as well as the senior flag last year which has created a selection crunch. They’ll also have plenty of experience to draw on as the youngsters are promoted, with a strong and proven band of veterans carrying the responsibility last season. One player that captain Mick Sweeney is keen to promote is the hard-hitting Dylan Sutton, who bided his time down the order last season but has match-winning capabilities. Filling Pete Sweeney’s control through the middle overs will arguably be the toughest challenge, with Tyler Evans one that the Gulls will look to. The experienced Ben Parrott, strong lower grades performer Liam Simpson and teenagers Cody Mannix and Darcy Freeman were others the skipper name-checked as preseason standouts. After winning all but one completed game last season, they’re aware of the challenge in front of them – but could hardly be better placed.
Quote
Captain Mick Sweeney: “You want the success we had last year but that presents its own challenges. Winning three out of four means players performing down grades are performing well so we need to try and create opportunities for younger players to take. There’s a bit of a transition happening and that’s been a directive from the committee. We’ll find out a lot about the depth of the club and the juniors coming through and hopefully that puts the club in a strong sustainable position.”
Ins: none
Outs: Pete Sweeney, Ben Mantel
Prediction: Premiers
