CASEY-SOUTH Melbourne officials officially announced Victorian star Damien Wright as the club’s new captain this week.
The 34-year-old fast bowler replaces batsman Craig Entwistle, who held the position for only one season, in the role.
Officials also revealed the signing of former Tasmanian state cricketer Shannon Tubb, a batsman, after a long negotiation period.
Wright hopes to lead the Swans back to success in his second season at the club.
“I am very honoured and excited to take on this role, as I feel I have a lot to offer to the team in leadership both on and off the field,” he said.
“I look forward to working closely with Craig Entwistle … as we strive to put the Casey-South Melbourne Cricket Club back to where it should be.”
The appointment was a long time in the making after coach Mark Ridgway forecasted the changeover at the end of last summer.
Entwistle, a former Premier Cricket team of the year recipient, struggled under the captaincy spotlight.
He scored only 344 runs at an average of just over 21 last season and managed just 45 runs over eight innings at one stage.
Wright played in the Victorian Bushrangers’ Sheffield Shield final triumph last season after coming from Tasmania.
He made just five one and two-day appearances for Casey-South Melbourne last summer due to state commitments.
Swans officials expect to see more of Wright at Casey Fields in the 2009/10 campaign.
– Marc McGowan
