Welcome back to the first edition of Tah Talk with Joel Foster for season 2025/26. This edition Joel takes us through his vision for the Men’s first grade side, takes a look at the new faces for 2025/26, and looks at how the club as a whole is shaping up as the season roles around.
A big thank you to Scott MacNeill and the team at Gibson MacNeill Lawyers for their new partnership with this season. If you have any legal needs big or small, visit them at www.gibsonmacneill.com.au
Dawn of a New Era
It’s a special feeling to be writing to you all for the first time as 1st Grade Captain. This is a role I don’t take lightly, and I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead such a proud and historic club. Taking over from Jay is no small task – his leadership, commitment, and love for the playing group have left a huge mark on all of us. He has set the bar high, but my aim isn’t to change everything – it’s to build on that strong foundation and take us forward together. For me, the most important thing is creating an environment where our players love turning up, enjoy working hard for one another, and feel they belong to something bigger than just cricket.
This season, my focus is on making sure our group is not only competitive but also enjoying the journey. A fun, healthy, and welcoming environment is what makes teams tick, and I want every player – from the experienced heads right down to our youngest debutants – to feel like they can express themselves and play with freedom. That’s how we’ll get the best out of ourselves as individuals and as a team. The wait is over now, and it all kicks off this Saturday at Bankstown with our first T20 clash against Mosman. It’s the perfect chance for us to make a statement, set the tone for the summer ahead, and remind ourselves of what this club stands for. I can’t wait to get out there with the boys and begin this new chapter.
Welcome to the New Boys
A huge part of any new season is welcoming fresh faces into the fold, and this year I’m delighted to officially introduce three exciting additions – Lewis Evans, Charlie Stobo, and Akshay Joseph. One of the best things about Manly Cricket is the culture of inclusiveness we’ve built, and I know our supporters and players alike will get around these guys as they settle in.
Charlie comes to us with plenty of experience and has already made his mark in pre-season. His leadership qualities have been clear from day one – he sets high standards for himself and others, and the younger boys in the squad are already learning a lot from him. With his skill and professionalism, there’s no doubt he’ll play a big role in shaping our season both on and off the field. Akshay is another who will be familiar to many of us, having worn the Tahs shirt at PGs level in recent years. He’s slotted straight back into the group and brings energy, talent, and a great attitude that will lift the competition for spots. And then there’s Lewis – a fiery fast bowler from ACT Premier Cricket who has impressed with both his pace and presence. He’s a great character who fits the Waratah mould perfectly, and I’m confident he’ll thrive in our system.
Having these three join us adds not only depth but also diversity of skill and perspective. Every year, new signings bring a spark that drives standards higher, and I’m certain this trio will make a big impact in their own ways. We’re excited to see what they deliver in the early rounds and how they help push us closer to our goals as a squad.
Club Raring to Go
While 1st Grade naturally draws a lot of attention, what excites me most is the collective energy right across the club heading into this season. Both our Men’s and Women’s programs have been putting in the hard yards all pre-season, and the vibe around the group is one of hunger and determination. The weather hasn’t always been on our side, but the MCA Indoor Academy has been a huge asset in keeping everyone on track. Being able to train at a high standard regardless of conditions is something we’re lucky to have, and it’s made a big difference to our preparation.
The credit must also go to our coaches – Dom Wheeler with the Women and Roy Vumbaca with the Men – who have both been tireless in their efforts to get their squads ready. Their leadership has been first-class, and you can see the respect and buy-in from the players at every session. It’s no coincidence that our standards are lifting year after year. From fitness testing to technical skills, from younger development players to seasoned campaigners, everyone is pushing hard and leaving no stone unturned.
With Round 1 upon us, the club feels united, organised, and more determined than ever to put in performances that make our members, sponsors, and supporters proud. There’s a real sense of momentum building – you can feel it at training, you can hear it in the change rooms, and you’ll see it in the coming weeks when we take the field. Both Men and Women are raring to go, and I can’t wait to see the Waratahs spirit shine through right across the grades.
Thankyou
Finally, I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who makes this club what it is. To the volunteers, sponsors, families, and supporters – your backing gives us the strength to go out and play with pride. We don’t take it for granted, and we want to make sure our performances reflect the effort you all put in behind the scenes.
If you’re around this weekend, come down and show your support – whether it’s at Bankstown for our first-grade T20 this Saturday or back at Manly Oval and beyond throughout the year. Having the Waratahs faithful in the stands always gives us that extra lift. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share this journey with you all.
