Oliver Lees
Sunbury Kangaroos have appointed Ryan Pretty as coach in its first season in the Gisborne District Association’s top flight McIntyre Cup.
Pretty will take on the role with plenty of cricket experience under his belt, including a spell as coach for the 2016-17 season when the club was still known as the Ashfield Cricket Club.
Kangaroos president Shane Woolley said the club was lucky to have such a gifted player lead it.
“Ryan’s much loved at Sunbury, not just as a player but a personality,” he said.
“Our focus this year is to start rebuilding from going down to one side, and we’re still confident we’ll be nominating two sides this season with some young boys joining the club.
“We’ve got a number of 18 and 19-year-olds that have an association with the football club who will be coming to play cricket. That’s exactly the line we want to go down, to be in a potential to tap into all those young players.
“Ryan’s going to bring a wealth of knowledge and build their confidence up to help us retain our spot in this division.”
In July, Star Weekly reported that the GDCA would be changing its structure to allow an additional three sides into the premier McIntyre Cup.
The Kangaroos, who finished the season in second place, will join Rupertswood and Wallan as the new additions.
Woolley said moving up a grade will certainly be a challenge, but one they’re looking forward to facing.
“We know we’re going to feel a little slapped around,” he said.
“There are very good and very strong sides in this league. But we owe it to our young players to give them an opportunity to play at the highest level and find their true potential.”
The Kangaroos are also awaiting a renovation to their facilities, with works on their social and club rooms delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Woolley said the club will organise a registration date when restrictions allow.
For more information, contact Shane on: 0447 267 777.
