Response to Herald Sun Article 25 October 2025

26 October 2025 

 

 

To the Members, Players, Parents and Friends of Moorabbin Cricket Club 

 

Many of you will have seen the Herald Sun article published on Saturday, 25 October 2025, titled “Century up, but we may be out.” 

Let us set the record straight. Moorabbin Cricket Club is not on the brink of collapse. The suggestion is simply inaccurate. Unfortunately, comments made by our Chairman of Selectors and Committee Member, Scott Pappin, were misrepresented in an article that paints a misleading picture of our club’s true position and direction. In fact, the article was the result of the journalist “cold calling” Scott rather than the club approaching the newspaper. 

 The reality is this: 

  • Our on-field strength has never been better. Through deliberate recruitment and player retention, our senior ranks are thriving. Competition for 1st XI selection is strong, creating real depth across our 2nd, 3rd and 4th XI’s. The results from this weekend’s games speak to the progress we’ve made. 
  •  Our junior and development programs are being rebuilt with clear purpose. While junior participation across community sport has generally declined since the 1990s, Moorabbin Cricket Club is proactively addressing this through enhanced coaching, strong pathway programs and genuine opportunities for young players to transition into senior cricket. In fact, our junior registrations are up over 30% from last year and we are progressively introducing new teams. 
  •  Financially, we are stable and improving. Like all community clubs, we manage costs such as ground hire, insurance, umpiring, and equipment. However, we continue to meet these obligations through sponsorships, affordable player subscriptions, fundraising, bar and merchandise sales, and prudent financial management. The club is not in financial distress. 
  • We have reduced reliance on individual funding. In the past, the club has benefited from the support of a generous benefactor who continues to assist in some capacity. However, through careful planning, the committee has successfully diversified revenue and improved the club’s financial independence. We have increased our corporate sponsorship numbers and at the same time greatly improved sponsor recognition and return. 
  •  We are investing in our future. Moorabbin Cricket Club is not “hanging on” — we are building with a strong and progressive committee. We have the right committee people, coaches, players and volunteers who are united in strengthening the club’s culture, facilities, player development programs and governance. We are committed to fostering a club that reflects inclusion, respect, enjoyment, and the true Spirit of Cricket. 

 We understand that headlines can sometimes distort the reality, but the facts are simple, Moorabbin Cricket Club is strong, stable, and moving confidently toward its next century. We’ve been here for a 100 years we will be there for a 100 more. 

 To our members, past players, families, sponsors, and supporters, thank you for your ongoing belief and contribution. Your commitment keeps our club thriving. 

If you have any questions about the article or any other aspect of the club, please reach out to any member of the executive or committee. Open communication and community spirit remain at the heart of everything we do. 

Warm regards, 

 

Russell Embleton

President 

On behalf of: 

Steve Lefebvre  Vice President

David Camilleri Treasurer 

Shay Dickson  Committee Member           Chad Candappa Committee Member 

Scott Pappin   Committee Member & Chairman of Selectors 

Calling the Moorabbin Cricket Club Family

Dear Moorabbin Cricket Club Saints Supporter, member, player, past and present,

I write to you today with both pride and urgency.

Thanks to the dedication of a few and the passion of many, Moorabbin Cricket Club is building a strong foundation for the future. We’ve seen encouraging signs—recruitment is surging, momentum is returning, and our First XI is shaping up to be the strongest we’ve had in years. The red, black and white spirit is well and truly alive.

We’ve seen the recent return of past club stalwarts and names such as Chris Seisun, Chris Street, Scott Pappin, Dylan Gomez & Rod Douthie to help turn the club around.   The future is looking brighter.

But we now face a critical moment.

To consolidate and build on the incredible strides made, we need more hands. More voices. More leadership.

We urgently require new committee members (and some non-committee positions), to fill some important roles, large and small.   We are also looking for a new senior coach to take an enthusiastic and strong list of players.

These aren’t just titles—they’re opportunities. Opportunities to shape the direction of our great club, to be part of a legacy that spans 100 years, and to ensure Moorabbin continues to be a place where lifelong memories are made and community thrives.

Without your help, the load falls on too few. And while those few are tireless, the truth is—we can’t do it alone.

If you’ve ever:

  • Felt pride watching Moorabbin take to the field
  • Celebrated a win at Linton Street or Moorleigh and shared a drink in the club rooms
  • Called this club a second home or seen your child grow through our junior ranks

…then now is the time to give back.

No experience is necessary—just heart. We’ll support you every step of the way.

Please consider stepping up.
To express interest or learn more, simply reply to this email or speak to any current committee member.

Let’s not let this momentum fade—let’s build something even greater, together.

Thank you,

David Camilleri
Moorabbin Cricket Club Committee
www.moorabbincricketclub.com.au
Instagram: @moorabbincricket

PS.  Consider making a tax deductible donation to Moorabbin CC <Click here>

The Annual General Meeting:

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday 16 July 2025

 

Saints on the March 2025/26 – Coach / Player Coach at Moorabbin Cricket Club

The Opportunity: We are seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Coach to lead our senior teams. This role is pivotal in driving our club’s on-field success and nurturing player development.

Be part of a club that values integration, where teams play in reputable competitions in a well established club structure.
Qualifications:

• Proven experience in coaching senior cricket teams, with a track record of success.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive and positive team environment.
• Relevant coaching certifications are desirable.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their coaching philosophy and relevant experience to moorabbincc.secretary@gmail.com

MAACA Grand Final Carnival 2025

2025 MAACA Grand Final

Charles Collins Medal – 8th March 2025

Time is running out – Toyota Raffle

click here

Introducing our Incumbent Senior Coaches for 2024/25

Prior to the 2023-24 VSDCA season, Moorabbin Cricket Club secured not just one, but three remarkable mentors to lead our teams to victory: Christian Seisun, Chris Street, and Rod Douthie. These three stalwarts of the game are set to join forces as coaches, bringing a wealth of experience and a winning mindset to our beloved Saints.

The former Moorabbin Junior players have returned:

🔥 Christian Seisun: With a background playing for Prahran and coaching across the globe in England, Holland, and South Africa, Seisun brings an international perspective and a treasure trove of cricketing knowledge to Moorabbin. Known for his strict yet effective coaching style, Seisun is dedicated to nurturing young talent and pushing our players to reach new heights. Prahran 1995-96 to 1998-99 playing in 28 Premier 1stXI matches.

🏆 Chris Street: A true local legend, Street’s resume speaks for itself. From his days dominating the field for Prahran and Fitzroy-Doncaster to clinching the prestigious Ryder Medal in 2002-03, Street’s passion for the game is contagious. As a premiership coach at the grassroots level, he understands what it takes to build a winning culture from the ground up. Prahran 1994-95 to 1998-99 playing in 63 Premier 1stXI matches. Fitzroy-Doncaster1999-00 to 2005-06 playing in 126 1st XI matches. Ryder Medal winner with Premier side Fitzroy-Doncaster in 2002-03 taking 67 wickets at 14.62 and is inducted into the clubs Hall of Fame.

💥 Rod Douthie: A VSDCA stalwart, Douthie’s cricketing journey is one of grit and determination. With stints at Noble Park, Le Page Park, and 32 Premier 1st XI matches with Hawthorn between 1994-95 to 1998-99, he’s no stranger to the rigors of the game. Douthie’s recent accomplishment of scoring a Hundred in 3rds last season not only demonstrates his skill with the bat but also his invaluable contribution to setting the standard at Moorabbin Cricket Club. Hawthorn 1994-95 to 1998-99 playing in 32 Premier 1stXI matches.

But what sets Seisun, Street, and Douthie apart isn’t just their impressive resumes—it’s their unwavering commitment to the Moorabbin community. As proud Saints old boys, they’ve always had a special connection to our club, and now they’re back to lead the next generation of cricketers to glory.

According to Moorabbin president Alan Marion, their return is nothing short of a coup: “It’s just what we need, just brilliant. They’re really tough, really to the point, and knowledgeable. They’ll keep the young fellas right in line, and the best thing is they’ll coach them properly.”

Welcome to new comms platform – Season 2024/25

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