ADCA 2024-25: Collingwood Park’s success hinges on young emerging talent says new skipper Jesse Spaanderman

A depleted Collingwood Park will rely heavily on their burgeoning youth in their tilt for another finals campaign, according to new captain Jesse Spaanderman. Park were very strong across both formats last season, making the T20 decider and making the one-day preliminary final before the match’s infamous abandonment that rocked the entire Albany and Districts Cricket Association. The club has now been forced to deal with an exodus with former captain Mitch Jackson (South Perth), leading run-scorer Michael Ferreira (Cockburn) and wicket-keeper Devon Jefferis (Fremantle) all to play elsewhere this season. Leading wicket-taker and Englishman Cam Jones and fellow countryman and fiery quick Samuel Keeling-Wright have also not returned. But despite the glaring omissions, Spaanderman remained optimistic his young side could build on their previous performances led by youngsters Buddy Robinson, O’Shea Durack and Jed Schwarzbach. “We have a very young team but we’ve probably got three or four boys that are 17-19, coming into the third season of A-grade,” he said. “We’re kind of hoping that those boys are ready to take off with it and supply us with a big season and if that can happen, then I’m pretty sure we can push the finals. “Over the last few seasons, they’re getting pretty close to cracking it.” Park will also be boosted by returning top-order batters Leroy van den Dool who will fill the void left by Ferreira and 19-year-old English batter Freddie Sharp from Dumbleton Cricket Club. Spaanderman insisted his side simply must focus on doing the basics right in order to chalk up crucial early wins. “I reckon (we need to improve) in all facets,” he said “Putting more ownership on our wickets instead of throwing them away and just bowling one side of the wicket. “Leroy van den Dool comes back and he’s pretty handy and a top-four bat. “And then obviously (Sharp) coming over is another one who will help.” Park will start their season with a clash against Railways at Turf East on Saturday. Captain: Jesse Spaanderman Last season: Third Most runs: Michael Ferreira (309) Most wickets: Cam Jones (25) Inclusions: Leroy van den Dool (returning) Freddie Sharp (Dumbleton) Omissions: Mitch Jackson (South Perth), Michael Ferreira (Cockburn), Samuel Keeling-Wright (England), Cam Jones (England), Devon Jefferis (Fremantle)