Northcote Cricket Club Player Pathway
Following the launch of the new and revamped Cricket Victoria player Pathway Northcote Cricket Club launched the Dowling Academy. The Academy plays a crucial role for the club by identifying quality people and talented players with the aim of channelling players through the Dowling U16 competition, U18 competition and into the Northcote Premier men’s teams.
Northcote Cricket Club Dowling and U18 trails are by invitation only.
To be eligible to play in the Dowling Shield competition, players must be under 16 years of age as of the 1st of September.
You do not need to be a member of the Northcote Cricket Club mens squad to be play in the U16 - Dowling sheild or U18 competition which gives players the opportunity to continue playing for their local club on weekends. This pathway creates an easier transition for the best underage talent in the state into Premier Cricket. Please Note: Players need to be playing Premier Cricket Club to be selected for Victorian U17 and U19 teams. Victorian Pathway teams set out below.
Our Coaches
The Matt Short Academy, U16 Dowling and U18 teams are overseen by highly skilled and seasoned Cricketers Michael Rogneda, Joe Medew-Ewen and Stephen Bodie. These coaches have the resources and expertise to provide the most talented cricketers in Victoria a clear pathway to Premier Cricket and beyond.
Michael Rogneda – Head of Development
Michael is Head of Development for Northcote CC and oversees our Matt Short Academy, Dowling and U18 program. Originally from Diamond Creek, Michael has played 1st XI cricket at Northcote and has recently captain-coached at the sub-district level for 3 years. Michael has also coached U16 and U18 teams in the junior pathway system.
Outside of cricket, Michael is Assistant Principal at Hazel Glen College in Doreen, overseeing year 6/7 and wellbeing.
Joe Medew-Ewen – U16 Dowling Coach
Joe has over 7 years of coaching experience in junior and senior cricket. Joe moved from Port Fairy to play premier cricket in 2015 and currently plays for the Northcote first XI. He has playing experience in state second XI and first class for South Australia.
Joe has specialised in coaching junior cricketers at multiple schools and pathway programs in Melbourne. Joe currently coaches at Maribyrnong sports academy and Century cricket.
Joe has studied in Psychology and sports science at Victoria University.
Stephen Bodie – U18 Coach
Stephen has 10 plus year of coaching experience, moving into coaching after finishing his playing days. Stephen mainly has worked within the Cricket Victoria Talent Programs with North East Knights as Head Coach and more recently as Regional Talent Coach, overseeing both Male and Female programs as part of Cricket Victoria Talent Program.
Stephen has also been part of the coaching team within Cricket Victoria U/15’s & U/17’s Country Teams that participated at the Cricket Australia Championships.
Stephen also recently completed his Cricket Australia Level 3 Coaching Qualifications and looks forward to bring that experience and knowledge to Northcote Cricket Club
Dowling Academy
The Dowling Academy’s purpose is to provide talented young cricketers an entry point to Northcote Cricket Club and the Dowling Shield competition. The Academy will have open training sessions and a final squad selected during the off season. This Academy squad will train together throughout the year gaining access to Premier Cricket Coaching and facilities.
UNDERAGE COMPETITIONS
U16 – Northcote Dowling Team
The Cricket Victoria Dowling shield competition is an Under 16 competition with the aim of bringing the best young cricketing talent from around Victoria together to compete during January. The Dowling Shield program is the first step on the Cricket Victoria pathway with Cricket Victoria actively identifying talent throughout the competition with the aim of selecting the U17 Vic Country and Vic Metro teams.
U18 Team
There are a total of 9 Under 18 matches throughout the season which take place on Sundays allowing players to compete at their home club or the Northcote Senior teams on Saturday’s. The U18 program is a fantastic opportunity for players to play on first class grounds competing against some of the best cricketers in their age group across Victoria. This is a high standard of cricket and will allow Cricket Victoria to identify talent for the U19 Vic Country and Vic Metro teams.
For more information or to enquire about our Pathway Programs, please complete to form below.