STOW ON BOARD FOR PIES CLASH
YOUNG leg-spinner Callum Stow is set to take his place in Geelong’s first XI on Saturday following an impressive display in Tuesday’s Super Slam loss to Essendon.
Cats captain Josh McDonald said Stow would join fellow spinner Thomas O’Connell in the line-up when his side hosts Camberwell Magpies on Saturday.
Stow, who took 2-13 on Tuesday, was one of a handful of youngsters to impress in the contest, having not featured heavily in the firsts.
Keeper Ryan Aikman was solid behind the stumps, while Thomas Neate (4-9) and Kieren Helwig (0-11) also made their mark.
The performance continued Stow’s fine form in the seconds, having taken 10 wickets at 12.80 in four games this season.
“We had Cal Stow, he’s been in and out of the ones … he’ll actually play this week in the ones, he’ll get his chance with Tom,” McDonald said.
“Ryan played most of the Super
Slam with us last year and was the best player in the comp in the twos and won the award for Cricket Victoria.
“He’s a huge prospect and gloveman … he’s a very good keeper, he’ll get his chance soon enough, no doubt.
“Then Tom Neate as well, left armer who took 4-9, really crafty.
“Kieren Helwig as well who’s played a bit of Super Slam stuff last year, so a few new faces.”
Aikman is fresh from winning the men’s Premier seconds champion player of the year award last season after making 511 runs at an average of 42.58, while taking 21 catches.
Fellow opening bat Lachie Field was a close second in the award and has carried that form into this campaign, averaging 78.50 through three seconds games.
“The depth is really, really good, especially bowling-wise, last (Tuesday) night was really good to see,” McDonald said.
“There’s some other really good players in the twos, Lachie Field (is) going really well this year, he’s been in and out … and he’ll still get his opportunities.
“We’ve got some good depth.” With a quick turnaround from Tuesday, McDonald said it provided a good chance to turn around the Cats’ batting fortunes.
“It’s the benefit of playing … the shorter format cricket in general, you can turn around really, really quickly,” he said. “I think … this weekend at home we can turn it around, get rolling before Christmas and post-Christmas into the red ball stuff.”