Darley has appointed a new playing coach as Lions veteran Heath Pritchard weighs up his future in the game.
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Former Melton captain-coach Michael Alexander has been secured by the Ballarat Cricket Association club and is expected to boost the top-order batting stocks.
Pritchard has stood down from the Lions’ coaching role, but could remain as captain should he decide to play on in 2017-18.
Darley president Marcus Ingvorsen said Alexander shaped as a very exciting player for Darley, who arrives following a significant career in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.
Alexander hasn’t set the world on fire at the top of the Melton order in recent seasons, but has been a solid contributor for the team.
Last campaign, Alexander made 204 runs at an average of 17, while in 2015-16 he made 349 at a tick under 30.
Meanwhile, Pritchard said he is genuinely uncertain of his playing future, but admits he will be with the Lions should he decide to go on in 2017-18.
Pritchard has served as the club’s captain-coach during the past two seasons.
The 39-year-old all-rounder led the Lions to their first Ballarat Cricket Association A-grade grand final last season, a campaign that saw him make 281 runs and take 20 wickets.
Pritchard told The Courier factors such as his body, family and work life would play a part in his eventual decision.
“I either retire or I play at Darley,” Pritchard said.
“I don’t want to commit unless I’m fully committed.”
Pritchard said he was currently “50-50” in terms of his decision.
I don’t want to commit unless I’m fully committed.
- Darley veteran Heath Pritchard
“I don’t know the answer myself, as strange as that may sound,” he said.
Pritchard took 38 wickets in his first season with Darley in 2015-16 and helped the BCA win division two at Melbourne Country Week to gain promotion to the provincial section.
He has previously played in the Victorian Premier Cricket firsts competition, is a veteran of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association – which he represented and captained on numerous occasions - and even spent four seasons plying his trade in England.
After finishing second on the ladder, Darley was beaten by minor premiers Wendouree in the BCA A-grade grand final at the Eastern Oval during March.
