Diamonds in the rough

Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers batsman Michael Hill is one of its finest graduates, but the current crop seems a rare breed, with no less than seven players competing in Premier Cricket presently, which includes four first eleven debutants over the past 12 months.

Carlton Cricket Club, which has recruited from the Northern Metro region for a long period of time, has four Diamond Creek players within its ranks; all of which seem set for big things in the seasons to come.

Mark Phelan, Daniel Gilbert and Mathew Freeman, three Diamond Creek players who have all had a taste of 1^st XI cricket for Carlton over the past year, demonstrate that local clubs and their regions play a huge role in producing Victoria’s players of the future.

Asked what is it about Diamond Creek which allows them to produce such talented young players, the trio were unanimous in their endorsement of the Diamond Creek’s development policy as being a major factor in their own success.

“To be honest mate, I think it’s because they have a great culture,” Phelan said.

“It wasn’t necessarily about winning games; it was about giving everyone a go.”

Left-arm orthodox spinner Mathew Freeman, who moved to Diamond Creek from Wales in 2008, was just as complementary of the junior to senior pathway that gave him invaluable experience in senior cricket.

“It was a focus of the club, with eight elevens, to give under-14’s a game in G-grade or whatever. I think that held us in good stead,” Freeman said.

 “There are heaps of experienced guys around the club. The guy who captains B-grade used to play A-grade, but now just helps out the younger guys”.

The President of the Diamond Creek Cricket Club, Gerry Amarant, echoed the sentiments, stating how they ‘work hard to recognise young players, and get them the coaching and resources to become better players.’

“We have established a strong pathway from all ends of our club, from MILO (in2cricket) all the way through to seniors,” Amarant said.

“We love it when we see our players go on to play regional cricket (for Northern Falcons) and Premier Cricket.”

In recent years, the three have all performed well for the Northern Falcons under the tutelage of current Carlton batsmen Tim Buszard, his brother Pete, and their father Neil, who played 302 games for Carlton and Collingwood in the 1970’s and 80’s. 

Daniel Gilbert, who has battled injury throughout much of his time at Carlton, was identified though strong performances for his region and invited to the Carlton development squad as a 15-year-old.

From there, like Phelan and Freeman, Gilbert began training with the senior squad and has been a steady improver for the Blues ever since.

“I guess it helps that in a way the culture is quite similar to Diamond Creek,” Gilbert said.

“With Nick Austin and Chris Salm being from our area (who have played 300 Premier games between them), they immediately make you feel welcome, which was nice when you show up at a club for the first time.”

Three seasons down the track and consistency is the goal for the Diamond Creek boys, who wish to establish themselves within the Carlton line-up for years to come.

For Phelan gaining selection in the final squad of the Victorian under-19 team is at the forefront of his mind, as well as capitalising on the 1^st XI opportunities he has received at Carlton this year.

“I obviously want to be selected and do well in the 19’s,” Phelan said.

 “Following that, I just want to establish a regular a spot here at the Blues.

“I got a score early in the year, so I know I can do it, it’s just about stringing good performances together.”

For Freeman, who will represent the Northern Falcons for a final time in the up-coming Victorian Bushrangers Under-18 Championships, it is all about taking wickets for both club and region.

“I’m really looking forward to playing in the State Championships this year and hopefully going pretty close,” Freeman said.

“We have a talented side with Ejaz Alavi, Matt Bullen and Mark’s brother, Robbie.

“I just want to take some wickets and get some wins. We haven’t been all that successful in the past, but with the Dowling win last year, hopefully we take that momentum into this year’s carnival.”

From a Diamond Creek Cricket Club point of view, the reward for producing good young players is far less tangible, but no less rewarding, according to Amarant.

“We just hope that they feel welcome to come back at any time,” Amarant said.

“We have a couple of fellas back from Premier Cricket this season which has been great for everyone at the club.”

For the mean time, however, Diamond Creek are happy enjoying the success of their players across the state, and occasionally benefiting from having their exports back at training.

“It was great having our Premier guys back the other night for ‘Back to Home’ week,” Amarant said.

“Everyone at the club got a lot out of having those guys back at training, even if it was just for one night.”

The Northern Falcons begin their assault on the Victorian Bushrangers Pathway Championships on Sunday, December 16, while Carlton is preparing for the T20 section of the Premier Cricket season including this week’s Bush Bash.