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NATHAN Fitzpatrick will return to the Bendigo Cricket Club in the 2018-19 season as co-coach with Shane Koop.
Fitzpatrick had a successful 2017-18 season as coach of the North Geelong Cricket Club in the Geelong Cricket Association taking the First XI team to a grand final in his first season as a senior coach.
“We are excited for Nathan to return home” Koop said.
“Nathan is a terrific person, a good friend and a community leader well beyond his years.
“Nathan loves the Bendigo Cricket Club and to connect him back to the club after a year away creating a coaching profile is sure to provide great benefit to the Goers.
“Nathan is a proven player within the BDCA, he has a great ability to impact the game both with bat and ball.
“I look forward to working closely with Nathan as we collectively push the Bendigo Cricket Club into a sustainable and successful future.”
The Goers finished the 2017-18 season in fourth place after succumbing to minor round premiers Strathdale Maristians in their semi-final clash at Bell Oval.
Fitzpatrick’s most recent season with Bendigo in 2016-17 yielded 29 wickets at 17.83 and a club champion award.
The all-rounder was also picked to play in the Victoria Country team at the Australian Country Cricket Championships.
Fitzpatrick, who claimed 28 wickets at 20.83 during his season with North Geelong, said he excited to be returning to the Goers.
“It was a fantastic experience coaching at North Geelong, I learnt a lot from this year which I’m sure I can bring back and implement at Bendigo Cricket Club,” he said.
“I'm really looking forward to working with Shane, he already has the boys up and about and evidence of this is making the finals this year.
“There is enthusiasm and energy around the Goers and it's exciting to be returning.
“There is plenty of talent at the club so if we can work towards getting the best out of the current playing group, with hopefully a couple of key additions then no doubt we are not far away.”