Buninyong has landed a huge name in the lead-up to its inclusion into the Ballarat Cricket Association first grade, signing five-time premiership player Liam Brady as a playing-coach.
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Brady joins after plenty of success with the Red Caps, where he was vice-captain last year. While he said it was not an easy decision to make, the opportunity to build and the challenge that awaits at Buninyong was too good to refuse.
“It was a difficult decision to leave Wendouree, but the opportunity to coach a club making its debut at the top level proved too good to turn down,” Brady said.
“I am excited by the chance to build something really positive at Buninyong and am looking forward to working with the club to develop its existing talent as well as attracting some top quality players.”
Buninyong president Jason Giri said Brady was the clear choice for the role.
His decorated cricket resume is something that the club is confident will steer it in the right direction and Giri was stoked to make the announcement.
“From our very first meeting it was obvious that Liam was a great fit for our club. His values and philosophies align perfectly with Buninyong’s focus on being an inclusive and welcoming environment.”
“When you add his talent, knowledge and experience in successful teams, he was clearly an ideal candidate for the role.
“We have no doubt he has what it takes to help us carry our record of success into the highest level of Ballarat cricket.”
Buninyong will join the first grade for the 2018-19 season and its bid to make a seamless transition to the top grade is off to a promising start following the announcement.
Giri expected to make some “major” player announcements in the coming weeks to further enhance the club’s credentials.
Brady echoed the thoughts of his president and was excited by some of the prospects the club was in discussion with.
“The club has already done a lot of work in speaking to prospective players.”
“(I’m) excited by some of the names the club is working to secure.”
BCA president Rob Florence was pleased to see the steps its newest first grade member was already taking.
“The BCA are pleased to see that Buninyong has hit the ground running in their preparations for first grade cricket,” Florence said.
“We are very pleased and satisfied that the promotion of the Buninyong...this can only be seen as a positive benefit to cricket in our association”
Buninyong was knocked out in the semi-finals in the second grade last year and also played finals in the thirds and 16/unders.
It will become the tenth team in the first grade, eliminating the bye.
