Sport
Caulfield Cricket Club opting for youth
Paul Amy
06May08
Shaun Graf is prepared to step aside as Caulfield's coach.
CAULFIELD Cricket Club senior coach Shaun Graf says he is happy to stand aside for a younger man.
Graf, 50, led the Fields to last season's Sub-District north-south group grand final against Bundoora Old Paradians.
In a cracker of a match, Paradians won by one wicket.
The Leader understands that Caulfield has sounded out Melton all-rounder Heath Pritchard about taking over from Graf, with former premiership coach Shaun Richardson to assume the captaincy.
Former international Graf said he had spoken to president Jack Sheehan about his position for next season.
"I've said to the club that at this stage if there's anyone out there who's a bit younger and can be captain-coach, I'm happy for them to explore that possibility," he said.
"If some reason the quality of the candidate or whoever they're after was unavailable or they couldn't find anyone who was suitable, I'd be happy to do it again. Jack knows that.
"From a club perspective if they can find an all-rounder or someone who can run in and bowl a few mediums, it would be good."
He quipped that if he wasn't coach next season he would be "going to the races a bit more" and continue watching his son Lachlan, a Caulfield First XI player.
Sheehan said the club would confirm its coaching position this week.
Caulfield's presentation night will be staged at Caulfield RSL on June 28.
Meanwhile Melbourne batsman Rohan O'Neill is tipped to join Elsternwick as captain/coach.
O'Neill works at Cricket Victoria as pathways and lifestyle programs manager.
