The Blues have appointed former Old Students veteran Gino Saracino as their new boss several months ahead of pre-season in a bombshell announcement made at a club event on Monday night.
The signing is a significant coup for Numurkah, with Saracino serving as one of the most tenured and experienced figures across the Cricket Shepparton realm.
The 47-year-old’s decision was largely predicated on a respect formed between both parties, as he explains.
“Numurkah approached me about four weeks ago, and we sat down, had a chat and it progressed from there,” Saracino said.
“I had a real serious think about it with the family, everything sort of aligned and I accepted it.
“People who know me know I’m loyal as loyal, but Old Students was even reasonably supportive of it and respectful of the decision I’ve made.
“It’s definitely a new challenge for me.”
The Tim Arnel-captained side proved the heartbreak outfit of the 2023-24 Haisman Shield season, conceding more than 20 runs for the last wicket in an epic final-round battle with Central Park-St Brendans.
Kyabram would seal the Blues’ fate minutes later, completing a remarkable 16-wicket rollover of Karramomus to snatch a finals place from Numurkah, riding that last-gasp entry all the way to the premiership.
Saracino’s primary mission, to state the somewhat obvious, is to prevent another such capitulation.
What about potentially stepping out in the middle, though?
For now, Saracino says ‘watch this space’.
“Numurkah is in the ‘now moment’ with the list it’s got. They’re wanting to win flags and feel like they’re in that time,” Saracino said.
“Hopefully with my knowledge and leadership, I can help so as to not be relying on the final round.
“If they see me fitting into A-grade to play a role there, that’s fantastic, but if I were to play B-grade, that’s fine as well.
“I’m 47, not 37, so it’ll be a big ask mentally and what that ultimately looks like will be up to me.”
Indeed, the off-field responsibilities will take precedence in Saracino’s new venture.
As he explains though, Numurkah’s offer to extend him the flexibility represents a compelling element of the deal.
“For me, it’s more around the challenge to keep coaching; I saw that opportunity at Numurkah and they saw that in me,” Saracino said.
“I’m not making centuries anymore; I’m a realist about where I’m at, and my priority is to coach.
“My first step is to be a coach, and from there, getting myself in the right frame of mind to play as well.
“I can’t be thankful enough for my time at Old Students, but now it’s the next phase in my life and I wish them nothing but the best.”
9°C