When the opportunity came up to coach Sunbury Cricket Club, Justin Nelson’s hand went up.
Nelson, who joined Sunbury last season, had previously spent three years as captain-coach of Victorian Turf Cricket Association club Flemington.
“I’ve always had that passion to coach, and last year was the first time I hadn’t done it in a while,” Nelson said last week.
“So when the opportunity came up, I jumped at it.”
The club announced earlier this month that Nelson would take on the coaching role, with Jason McGann as captain.
It was a tough opening season at Sunbury for Nelson, who only played six games due to a broken finger. He averaged 13 with the bat and took five wickets.
Nelson was part of the GDCA side that won the premier division at Bendigo Country week.
Before coming to Sunbury, he played for more than 10 years at Flemington, and in England.
His signing as coach kicks off what will be an exciting year for Sunbury, which has new club rooms due to be finished before the season starts.
Nelson is hoping for a return to the finals after Sunbury finished seventh last year in the McIntyre Cup.
“I’ve always placed a big emphasis on developing the young players,” he said.
“We’ve managed to hold onto every senior player from last season, and we’re talking to potential recruits.”
