Herald Sun: Bentleigh Uniting unveil blockbuster recruit and coaching structure

Bentleigh Uniting has landed the SECA off-season’s most significant signing, securing a star all-rounder from a Longmuir Shield rival, while also picking up a promising young Subbies batter, and confirming a strong coaching structure ahead of 2026-27.

Jayce Morgan has joined grand finalists Bentleigh Uniting. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Bentleigh Uniting has made the biggest move of the South East Cricket Association’s Longmuir Shield off-season, luring star all-rounder Jayce Morgan away from rivals West Bentleigh ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Morgan, who captained West Bentleigh for several years, returns to Centenary Park more than a decade after playing juniors at the club.

His arrival further strengthens a Bentleigh Uniting outfit that has contested the past two grand finals.

Morgan is one of the competition’s most valuable players, having earned yet another Longmuir Shield Team of the Year selection on the back of 412 runs at an average of 37.45 and 25 wickets at an economy of 4.31.

Joining Morgan is Ryan Pappin, who makes the move to Uniting after a stint at Moorabbin, where he recorded a sub-district century (122 in the Saints’ thirds in 2024-25). The club is eager to see what Pappin can produce wearing the maroon and gold.

Adding to the excitement, spin twins Malin Silva and Buddhika De Alwis have both re-signed for the new season.

Buddika De Alwis in full flight. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Silva was the standout performer of the 2025-26 campaign, claiming both a Longmuir Shield Team of the Year berth and the prestigious Longmuir Shield Champion Player award.

De Alwis continues to provide genuine value as a left-arm spinner and top-order batter, with his consistency making him one of the competition’s most dependable all-rounders.

Off the field, Bentleigh Uniting has confirmed a revised coaching structure.

Lukas Galanopoulos returns for a third season as head coach, having already delivered a premiership during his tenure.

Club legend Peter “Monkey” Milner — who has contributed more than 30 summers to Uniting across multiple premiership campaigns — will be assistant coach.

Rounding out the group is specialist coach Michael Cove, who brings professional coaching experience from clubs in Australia and overseas.

With the 2026-27 season fast approaching, Bentleigh Uniting looks a well-armed side with genuine premiership ambitions.