coaching

Duncan is a highly accomplished cricket coach with an extensive elite player development and team leadership resume. Currently the Head Coach at Keilor Cricket Club, Duncan oversees programs for 5 senior men’s teams, 2 senior women’s teams, and multiple junior and veteran squads. He also manages DH High-Performance Cricket Coaching, delivering one-on-one coaching, winter academies, masterclasses, and international cricket tours.

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Duncan has held prominent roles, including Assistant Coach for the Melbourne Renegades WBBL team and Head Coach of the Victorian U15 and U18 Girls Academy programs. Internationally, he led Japan’s women’s team to their best ICC World Cup Qualifiers finish in 16 years. His expertise spans technical skill development, tactical understanding, and player performance analysis.

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Coaching Philosophy

Duncan’s philosophy centres on fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. He emphasises building technically proficient players who are confident decision-makers under pressure. By creating a supportive and challenging environment, Duncan helps athletes grow as both players and individuals, preparing them to excel in all facets of life and cricket.

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Head Coach, Footscray Cricket Club | CA Level 2 Representative Coach

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I bring more than three decades of involvement with Footscray Cricket Club to his coaching. As the club’s Head Coach at Premier Cricket level, I work with players and coaches in an environment where preparation, skill, decision-making and team standards all matter.

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My approach is built on process over outcome. Runs and wickets are important, but lasting improvement comes from the work behind them: relationships, practising with purpose, understanding the game, responding to setbacks and making better decisions under pressure.

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I help players focus on what they can control, then carry those habits into competition.

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Through The NETZ, I offer one-on-one coaching and small group sessions tailored to each player’s stage of development.

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Sessions can focus on batting, bowling and fielding, while also building game awareness, confidence and a clearer understanding of individual strengths and areas to improve.

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Coaching goes beyond technique. I place a strong emphasis on mindset, mentoring and wellbeing, recognising that young cricketers need support as people as well as players. My aim is to create an environment where they feel challenged, supported and comfortable asking questions.

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Whether a player is working towards Premier Cricket or simply wants to become the best cricketer they can be. My message stays consistent: commit to the process, keep learning and take pride in the way you prepare.

Makinley Blows is a highly skilled Level 2 (Representative) cricket coach with a wealth of experience as a former player for the Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, and Victoria. She specialises in batting and pace bowling and is currently the head coach of the SSV U12 Girls Team and the U15 EMP Marg Jennings Team. Makinley is dedicated to fostering her players' growth, discipline, and technical expertise, leveraging her professional playing experience to guide the next generation of cricket stars.

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With over 30 years of experience, Ken has been coaching cricketers and athletes since his early 20s.

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His coaching journey spans roles at Williamstown Imperials Cricket Club, WRJCA Under 14s, and Altona CC in the Craig Shield.

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Ken holds Level 3 & 4 Fitness certifications, is a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach (ASCA), and is a Level 2 coach with Cricket Victoria and Athletics Victoria. He believes that building strong foundations in fitness, discipline, and mindset is the key to unlocking an athlete's full potential, whether preparing for pre-season, excelling during the season, or overcoming injuries.

Simon O’Brien is a Cricket Australia Level 2 Coach and the founder of The Rocket Factory. He has built a reputation as one of the go-to experts for fast-bowling development, focusing on helping bowlers increase speed while staying injury-free.

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Core Focus Areas

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Simon’s coaching through The Rocket Factory centers on three main goals:

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* Increased Velocity: Using biomechanics to help bowlers unlock more pace.

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* Injury Prevention: Developing "robust" actions that can withstand the physical demands of fast bowling.

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* Professional Analysis: Utilising video and data driven elite-level feedback to players.

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Why He’s Unique

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* Junior to Elite athletes: He works Juniors to professional cricketers from all over the world, so understands what it takes to make the highest level

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* The "Rocket" Philosophy: Simon focuses on "technical isolation "breaking down a bowling action into small, fixable parts to build a more powerful "engine."

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* Modern Approach: He combines traditional cricket wisdom with modern data and strength & conditioning principles.

Bailey is an accomplished cricketer and all-rounder, specialising as a leg-spin bowler and capable batter. He has represented Victoria at U17 and U19 level and currently plays Premier First Grade for Footscray Cricket Club.

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He has also represented the Australian Indigenous Cricket Team and been involved in both the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades BBL Academy programs. Bailey brings strong technical skills, tactical awareness, and experience in high-performance cricket environments.

Noah is a passionate cricketer and Level 1 certified coach with extensive experience on and off the field.

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A First XI Premier Cricketer at Footscray Cricket Club, he has competed in Premier cricket for seven seasons and gained invaluable experience playing in England and Sri Lanka. A former Junior Victorian State Squad representative and North West Wizard U16 Captain, Noah understands what it takes to succeed at every stage of the game.

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As a Western Chargers Mackay Senior Squad member, Noah has proven his dedication to high-level competition.

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His coaching roles have included U18 Premier Pathway Coaching and U16 Western Chargers Century Cricket Coach, showcasing his commitment to mentoring young players. Noah’s coaching philosophy emphasises individuality, adaptability, and mental resilience, fostering a player-centric environment where athletes thrive. He inspires a love for cricket while building skills for success on and off the field.

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Mitch is a passionate cricketer and coach dedicated to helping young athletes unlock their potential.

His journey began at Keilor Cricket Club, where he debuted in the First XI at just 14. He represented Victoria Metro at U15, U17, and U19 National Championships, captaining the U19s at 17, and was selected for the U16Australian squad.

Currently at Footscray Cricket Club, Mitchell debuted in the First XI at16 and recently scored his first century against Essendon. He believes cricketfosters growth, resilience, and teamwork, creating an environment where playersfeel supported, challenged, and inspired to excel.

His philosophy centres on balancing technical mastery with mental toughness while ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding journey.

Mitch is excited to guide the next generation of cricketers, helping them develop as athletes and confident, well-rounded individuals ready to tackle any challenge.

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Nick brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to his role as a cricket coach. He is dedicated to developing young talent and inspiring excellence. Nick combines practical expertise with a deep understanding of player development as a current First XI Premier Cricketer, U18 Pathway Coach at Essendon, and U14 Western Chargers Century Cricket Coach.

Nick's cricket journey includes representing the Western Chargers Senior team in Mackay, captaining PEGS First XI and the AGSV Representative team, and gaining international experience in India and Sri Lanka. A former Junior Victorian State Squad representative and Western Spirit junior, Nick understands what it takes to succeed at every stage of the game.

Nick is committed to creating an environment where players can thrive on and off the field. He believes in tailoring his approach to each individual, emphasising skill development, game awareness, and mental resilience. By fostering a culture of hard work, adaptability, and enjoyment, Nick equips his players to succeed in cricket and beyond.

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