THERE wasn’t much Dean Russ didn’t do during the 2012/13 Premier Cricket season.
The Footscray Edgewater Cricket Club captain was a rock at the top of the order on his way to 675 runs from 19 matches.
He hit three centuries and another three half centuries at an average of 39.
The mountain of runs also saw Russ force his way into the Victorian second XI for the Australian Futures League.
However, in an ominous warning for rivals, as one of the form batsmen of the competition, he only plans to get better.
“I loved it (playing in the Futures League). It was definitely a challenge but it was a great experience,” he said.
“I still sort of laugh about the fact that I played. It was pretty surreal particularly where I was a couple of years ago.
“That is why we play district cricket, you want to try and play the best standard possible.
“Obviously the main goal is to continue to play winning, hard cricket at Footscray and keep making runs.
“If anything else occurs then that would be great too. If the opportunity would present itself to play at that level again I would take it with both hands.”
Responsibility clearly agrees with Russ, who took over the job as Footscray captain at the start of the season.
Where some would have struggled with the pressure of opening the batting and being a first time leader, Russ thrived.
“Your life is a lot easier when you make runs as a captain because then you can just focus on what you need to do and not be weighed down by anything,” he said. “You want to lead by example and ensure that all the players are working together towards a common goal and to ensure that we are getting the best for the team at all times.
“We want to be playing hard, winning cricket.”
