Blue and White: North West Wizards

Over the years, the likes of Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Cameron White have come through the pathway system to represent Australia at the highest level.              

Established as a key component of the talent identification system, we continue our preview of the 16 regions in the lead up to this year’s Victorian Bushrangers Pathway Championships.

North West Wizards

Under-18s

Coach – Mitch Johnstone

2012-13 Finish – Qualifying Final

Under-16s

Coach – Pranish Singh

2012-13 Finish – Qualifying Final

Under-14s

Coach – Tony Marasco

2012-13 Finish – Qualifying Final

The North West Wizards will be looking for vast improvement across the board as they prepare for the Victorian Bushrangers Pathway Championships.

The Dowling Shield team was the only Wizards outfit to register a victory in the last tournament, something under-18 coach Mitch Johnstone will want to rectify quickly.

Johnstone, however, has been immensely pleased with those selected in the initial squads across the three teams.

“We didn’t win in a game in the under-18s last year so we’ve obviously got a lot of work to do,” Johnstone said.

“Coming off such a carnival also makes it hard to predict how we’ll go this time around.

“In saying that, I’ve been really impressed with the excellent attitudes of the players, as well as the energy they’ve brought to the sessions,”

The Wizards will boast the services of Justin Galeotti, who has been playing his club cricket with Essendon.

Brunswick’s Dan Syson will also be looked upon to bolster the batting line-up.

“Like always, there’s been a couple of standouts but otherwise the talent is very even,” Johnstone said.

“We need to be even across the board in order to be consistently competitive.”

The under-16 were able to score a couple of victories last year, something that Johnstone would like to see replicated again.

“These boys will be pushing into the under-18s next season so to have them perform well is key,” Johnstone said.

“They were the best of our three sides last carnival.”

Gloveman Zac Mevissen has caught the eye of the coaches, as well as top order batsmen Aaron Austin and Ronald Hackney.

Hector Harley and Conor Martin have also been eyed off as potential players, with the latter having captained the Brunswick HATCH representative squad and opening the batting in West Coburg’s second XI in the VTCA.

In the under-14s, Johnstone is keen to see how the side acclimatises to what will be new surroundings for them.

“We’re really excited to see them in what are premier facilities and expose them to pathway cricket,” he said.

“Their development and mentality during training and games is our number one priority.”