Sport
10 October, 2025
MDCA 2025-26 Season Preview — Carisbrook
As they entered their second season back in MDCA’s A grade, expectations for Carisbrook were optimistically modest, hopeful to be in contention for a finals place in 2024/25.
Even after they surged into finals with some impressive results in the two-day format, no one could have expected them to convincingly slay the Laanecoorie Dunolly Goliath in the semi-final in a truly remarkable team performance.
While their Cinderella story struck midnight in the Grand Final against Colts Phelans, Carisbrook A grade captain William Coutts said the club is ready to capitalise on that momentum across the local cricketing community.
“While A grade success is a top priority, so is building our local talent across a club where everyone enjoys their cricket and is inclusive to our community. This includes with our juniors and through our A reserve team led by Jarryd Coghlan behind the stumps,” he said.
“We’re training with fresh talent, we’re a growing group and are eager for the season to start. We’ve set clear goals directing our focus on shared objectives. We will strive to keep building our team and play a smart and competitive brand of cricket.
“During our off-season, we have focused on giving opportunities to young, up-and-coming players who deserve to be part of our senior list. Combining our young talent and seasoned veterans will create a great balance for us that we haven’t seen for a while.
“We believe this will give us the right recipe for success not only now, but into the future as we watch our young talent grow into their positions and relish the opportunity.”
Among the aforementioned seasoned veterans is elite all-rounder Dean Nalder, who earned an MDCA Team of the Year selection last season after registering 405 runs and nine wickets in another outstanding campaign for the Carisbrook legend.
Nalder’s batting was supported by the reliable runs from captain Coutts, Marty Mark, Brayden Wright and Jordan Hooper, while Cole Harris and Atticus Cullinan had notable contributions with the ball.
One player who won’t be returning is Ritik Yadav, who was instrumental in Carisbrook’s Grand Final berth last season with 20 wickets from just five matches.
While Yadav’s departure certainly stings, Coutts said it opens up more opportunities for a crop of budding future stars keen to make a name for themselves.
“Carisbrook is focused on building local talent, which starts with a foundation. Our head coach, Chris Lee, is focused on developing the new generation of senior cricketers and getting the most out of our players,” he said.
“Cooper Mark, like his dad Marty, is part of the Carisbrook furniture and will be a big part of this season.
“Pace bowler Atticus Cullinan will be joined by his younger brother Elliot, who is handy with the ball and was a strong batter in A reserve last season.
“We also have Axel Purcell, our U16 captain, who will be troubling the opposition with his leg spin. Angus Morrison will also be troubling the selectors.
“With so many other young players coming through the ranks, we are confidently building depth for seasons ahead.”
Elliot Cullinan is fresh off a breakout campaign in A reserve, finishing tied for second in the run-scoring charts with 360 runs and scoring three half-centuries.
Purcell was also a key contributor at the A reserve level last season, leading Carisbrook with 12 wickets to go with his under 16 bowling award.