The 29-year-old’s golden summer included a Big Bash League debut for the Melbourne Renegades, a third consecutive season with more than 30 Victorian Premier Cricket wickets to his name, and another serious premiership bid with Carlton.
It wasn’t to be as the Blues bowed out of the flag race in last weekend’s semi-final against Casey South Melbourne, with the Swans holding on for a draw and progressing due to their higher ladder position.
The result ended the Blues’ bid for a second flag in three seasons, but Archer himself snared 2-45 to finish the season with 31 wickets.
That was enough to finish fifth on the First XI wickets leaderboard, and his continued status as one of the league’s premier spinners remained concrete.
“Playing for Carlton's definitely so much fun and the group's amazing,” Archer said.
“I think being there has probably been the catalyst for me to progress higher and get opportunities with the Renegades.
“I haven't really reflected on [the season] so to speak, but it's been really cool and super humbling.
“I've had so many people throughout the last few months reach out and send messages, people that you played against, whether it be in Shepp or anywhere else.
“Every cricket season just seems to be a lot of fun at the minute, and you get to this time of year, and you just don't want it to end.”
The break in play might not last long for the Melbourne-based school teacher, who could potentially add more appearances in the Renegades red after his debut against the Adelaide Strikers back in January.
“We’ve got some T20s with the Renegades in April, and then I’m not sure what the future holds over winter cricket wise,” he said.
“Hopefully, there are a few opportunities to play some games somewhere, just to keep that side of things ticking over.”
