Echuca’s Matt Hinks will coach Hurley’s Hotel Hounds, which has a heavy Goulburn Murray Cricket influence, with the reigning champions adding Moama duo Jordan McGregor and Joel Murphy, as well as Echuca’s Rylea Jones and Kobyn James to the line-up.
Bamawm-Lockington United skipper Regis Chakabva and Kyabram Fire Brigade’s Paul Newman will go big with the bat while Cricket Shepparton’s Kyle Mueller helps round out the team.
Speaking to Shepp News ahead of the tournament opener against Bendigo-based Sporties Spitfires at Dower Park Recreation Reserve, Hinks was pleased with the GMC flavour in his side and tipped his side would make an impact in this year’s tournament.
“We’ve had few movements in the squad. It’s a very similar one to last year and one that’s full of GMC flavour,” he said.
“The GMC has got some of the best talent in country Victoria, and I’m doing my best to try and showcase that talent.
“Hopefully, we can get the job done against the big leagues.
“I played in the first season, and I absolutely loved it, but work commitments made it hard the past few years, and I’ve been following it closely.
“We’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves, but (defending the crown) is the goal.
“We’ve got a really good balance in our side; we’ve got heaps of guys we can throw the ball to, and we bat all the way down to 11.
“(Bendigo) I imagine they’ll be strong, and they’ll look to make a fair old statement.”
For the first time, Echuca’s Victoria Park will see a piece of the action.
Echuca’s home ground will host the GVBBL for the round three clashes, with two games starting at 11am on Sunday, January 21.
