New Yarraville Club coach Mitch Johnstone has taken up an exciting opportunity to join the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division club.
Johnstone, who has been coaching Victorian Premier Cricket side Essendon the past three seasons, was named as the replacement for Hussain Hanif, who has moved back to New Zealand.
Johnstone, who has also previously coached Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association sides Werribee and Roxburgh Park-Broadmeadows, said the Clubbers were the perfect fit for him.
“I’m really pleased to jump on board, particularly with where I’m at with work and family,” he said.
“I guess with me being out of premier cricket now, I wanted to make sure I had the opportunity to still play good cricket and have the opportunity to work with people who are really knowledgeable about the game and play alongside teammates who are capable and also develop the kids coming through.
“I’m really fortunate the club is steeped in success. I get to work with and play alongside the likes of Michael O’Keefe, Trent Lawford and Will Sheridan which is pretty exciting.
“Yarraville Club ticked all the boxes for me.”
Johnstone enjoyed his time with Essendon, but with the club wanting a non-playing coach, Johnstone decided not to continue on despite one season left on his contract.
He captained the Bombers second XI last season.
He said if everything was right down the track, he might look at coaching in the Premier competition again.
“I’m 30 and I still love the game and it’s been a bit of a challenge playing and coaching at premier cricket,” he said.
“I really enjoyed it and while there wasn’t premiership success, finals participation was regular and we won a club championship.
“I wasn’t willing to give up playing the game just yet.”
Johnstone said it had been a positive start to things at the Clubbers with him hitting the ground running.
He arrives at the Clubbers at an exciting time, with a number of spots up for grabs with the retirements of Andrew Cullen, Emmett Bronca and Adam Contessa.
He said while they had looked to try and get some players back to the club, they were hoping that players from underneath would push up and take those spots.
“There’s definitely some spots up for grabs and that’s the exciting thing,” he said. “Speaking to the players, they have realised that.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what that next crew can do. We are aware we’re replacing players who’ve won competition medals and countless premierships and have been amazing performers. You’re not going to replace them overnight.
“Those vacancies will create opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing who takes those chances. There’s some really good young talent.”
Johnstone highlighted Connor Poulton, Luke Destito and Allister Powell as three young players to watch, while there’s a group of players a couple of years younger who are also exciting prospects.
“We wanted to think about the next wave coming through and bolster the young brigade across the club.
“With Lawford, Sheridan, James Damjanovski, myself and Ash Sweet there’s a pretty experienced core group.
“We’ll be looking to get a squad of 15-16 people who can play first XI cricket next year.”
While he’s yet to meet most of the playing group face-to-face, Johnstone said he can already see the motivation is there.
The Clubbers made the grand final last season against St Albans, which was called off after two days due to COVID-19.
While the Clubbers were the higher ranked team, which should have seen them awarded the premiership. St Albans successfully appealed that after it was found the Clubbers had done work to the pitch in between day one and two.
Johnstone said the focus for him coming into the club was to focus on the processes and help the club improve.
“The really pleasing thing is despite all the success and premierships, I think it’s been eight premierships in 12 years or something like that, the focus is on development and progress and improving what we do with training and communication.
“It’s process driven and that will lead to results.
“There hasn’t been a real pressure demanding premierships or else. It’s about getting better.”
Meanwhile the senior division will grow from eight to 10 teams next season after a restructure of the grades.
Sunshine United and Keilor will remain in the top grade after originally being set to be relegated, while Westmeadows and Aberfeldie have been promoted.
