Tristan Krizanic, centre, is one of the best bowlers in the NWMCA, according to coach, Andrew Lambropoulos. 78698_06 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
KEALBA Green Gully coach Andrew Lambropoulos expects the upcoming summer to be fairly different from those past.
The reigning premiers in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association defeated Pascoe Vale in last season’s grand final after previously spending years as one of the league’s cellar dwellers.
“This year’s going to be a lot different,” Lambropoulos told Star.
“The club itself has been the hunters for a very long time and we’ve been chasing the better sides.
“We’ve never really been looked upon as a strength or a power, and now we’ve actually taken that step to prove that we can beat the best.
“I think we’ll be hunted and this is going to be a really tough season for us.”
A large bulk of last season’s playing group will again represent the Cougars this summer, and while preparation has been quite smooth, Lambropoulos says the only target he has set for his playing group is to show improvement.
“Last year, even though we won the flag, I didn’t think we got the complete best out of ourselves,” he said.
“I think there’s still a lot of improvement to be had, and we just want to keep improving and we want to prove that it wasn’t a fluke.
“The only way to do that is to continue working hard and when challenged, to answer the challenge, that’s all I’ve asked, and I think the boys are up to it.”
The main new addition to the Cougar’s playing stocks will be talented batsmen and fieldsman Warren Kelly, who will be coming across from Victorian Turf Cricket Association club, Airport West St Christophers.
Along with Kelly, Lambropoulos says Evan Long and young medium paceman Tristan Krizanic will be the players to look out for in the upcoming season.
“I think he’s a name that should be looked upon as one of the most talented cricketers in the league,” Lambropoulos said of Krizanic.
“He’s still young and he bowled really well and he took five (wickets) in the grand final.
“This year’s going to be a little bit tougher obviously because people are going to know about him, but I think he’s up for it.”
The Cougars’ season kicks off this Saturday.
