By Jonty Ralphsmith
Devon Meadows
2023-24 finish: 5th
2023-24 leading runscorer: Lucas Ligt (597)
2023-24 leading wicket-taker: Lucas Carroll (21 wickets) (departed)
Devon Meadows threatened to disrupt the established top four contenders last season, finishing fifth and showing plenty of promise. Perhaps lacking one A-Grader when they were in the hunt against the best sides last year, the additions of leggie Ben Marsh and top-order batter Rajind Dassanayake should again put them on the precipice of finals. The loss of Will Halton to Casey-South Melbourne could prove costly – he has played a key role in the last two years in spreading the load off star Lucas Ligt. Dassanayake and Cranbourne Meadows recruit Ricky Mitchell have both impressed in preseason and will look to add stability, while Carroll’s retirement provides an opportunity for Marsh to take the role as lead spinner.
Club quote
Coach Chris Cleef: “We had really strong numbers all through preseason across all grades and the recruits have shown their worth early on. The approach to training has been outstanding. We’ve gone for a restructure this year where we’re focussing on having support around (Lucas Ligt) so he can play his natural game and not worry about getting bogged down. We have the depth to go through the innings and produce a good result.”
Ins: Ben Marsh, Rajind (Shan) Dassanayake, Zac Sheppard, Ricky Mitchell, Inzy Mitchell
Outs: Will Halton, Lucas Carroll
Predicted finish: Sixth
