Sport
24 July, 2023
Maryborough cricketer Lachlan Morganti tries out for spot on Melbourne Renegades’ BBL team
Maryborough Cricket Club’s Lachlan Morganti recently had the opportunity of a lifetime when he, along with nine other cricketers around Victoria, made a bid for a spot on the Melbourne Renegades’ Big Bash League (BBL) team. Morganti was bidding...
Maryborough Cricket Club’s Lachlan Morganti recently had the opportunity of a lifetime when he, along with nine other cricketers around Victoria, made a bid for a spot on the Melbourne Renegades’ Big Bash League (BBL) team.
Morganti was bidding to join the Melbourne Stars’ Cam McClure as Maryborough-based players who have made it onto a BBL roster, and did so via the Renegades Recruit program — an opportunity given to club cricketers around Victoria to earn their spot on the club’s roster for the 13th edition of the tournament.
Cricketers from around the state made their way to the CitiPower Centre in St Kilda to compete, with the program aired to television on Channel Seven and on the Renegades’ Facebook page.
A variety of challenges surrounding batting, bowling and fielding were provided to the 10 cricketers who made it through to the finals, with an immunity challenge designed around fielding, as well as the initial assessments of all 10 cricketers by Renegades coach Simon Helmot and young star Mackenzie Harvey.
Morganti gave his all during his campaign, and, although he was affected by a sore arm as a result of a fall while completing a fielding drill on the synthetic surface, he continued to work hard. The field of 10 was whittled down to six, with Morganti just missing the cut.
Nevertheless, Morganti said he had the time of his life, applying for the challenge after friends suggested he give it a go.
“I found out about the Renegades Recruit last season and had a couple of Facebook tags urging me to have a go,” he said.
“I didn’t bother at the time but once I saw the opportunity come about again this year I put my name forward. I received a message about being shortlisted in the first group and really didn’t think much of it. I honestly thought I was no hope given the amount of applicants they said had applied the year before.
“I received a call at work from a No Caller ID and at first, I ignored it. Once I received another call I answered and found out it was from the Renegades and that I had made the final stage which involved a day of training/filming at the CitiPower Centre in Melbourne.”
Morganti earned his selection after a good Maryborough District Cricket Association season with the Owls, where he scored 120 runs from four innings, including two 50s, one of which came in the two-day semi final against Colts Phelans.
He also took 15 wickets, which included a standout haul of 8/56 against Beaufort.
As a result of the program, Morganti says he feels he can take his cricket to the next level.
“I definitely did take a lot from the program,” he said.
“Getting to train in high class facilities amongst some really established coaches and players was an unreal experience. There were a heap of technical tweaks and changes I was able to learn to help better my cricket.
“A lot of T20 style cricket was incorporated in my game which can help me towards the back end of an innings in any form of cricket.
“Nothing too much will change for me moving forward, but I’m hoping I can provide vital tips and help to my teammates for the upcoming season. I’m usually very approachable and love helping out where I can.
“But if I can use anything I learnt from my experience to help someone back home then I’ll be a happy person. I have a new sense of motivation to attack this cricket season head on after being given that opportunity.”
Morganti was “pinching himself” getting to learn from the likes of Helmot and Harvey, while also getting to learn tips off other Melbourne Renegades cricketers throughout his time in the program.
“Getting to work with these guys and also have a chat to Nic Maddinson about a few cricket related things was super insightful,” he said.
“Most of the stuff spoken about was T20 based, but learning things off these guys in general as a cricketer is super insightful.
“At one stage I was taking still shots and doing a photoshoot in the gym and Meg Lanning (Australian women’s cricket team captain) was there working out. I was pinching myself so many times throughout the day.”
Morganti was also grateful for the assistance of the Renegades when he had his unfortunate fielding mishap, where he dived for a ball, scraping his arm. However, he also says it defined what he is all about as a cricketer and person.
“Unfortunately I dove a bit too far in that drill,” he said.
“But nothing that day was going to stop me from making the most of every opportunity. Thankfully the group stopped for some filming while I was getting patched up so I didn’t miss anything.
“I would say it summarises me as a sportsperson, I don’t like missing out on opportunities to be out there and doing the best I can and the best for my team.”
Morganti urged other talented cricketers in the area to try their hand at the Renegades Recruit, as well as making the most of their cricket career while they had the chance.
“I think it definitely gives other local cricketers a chance to give it a go,” he said.
“I honestly thought I had no chance at all, but it goes to show that if you put yourself out there then you never know.
“I think opening up a spot to get on the Renegades’ list for a local cricketer to be a part of is so vital for cricket in general and the direction it’s heading in.
“Providing another pathway for a cricketer who once thought they weren’t going to make it is so important for the game and for the motivation of the individuals that play the game. I think it should be something all Big Bash teams could do going forward.
“I hope my experience can influence others around me to have a go.”