The Centenary Roar | Issue #06
- Sarah Radlow
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Coaches are all locked in!
As we gear up for another exciting season at Bentleigh Uniting Cricket Club, we’re thrilled to introduce the incredible coaches who will be leading our squads this year. From juniors taking their first steps onto the field, to our senior teams chasing premiership glory, our coaching group brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to the club.
We will also be posting registration information, training dates and uniform shop links in our new parents Facebook group! Join the group and stay in the loop here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CRN3FE7St/
Whether it's skill development, team culture, or simply fostering the love of cricket, these coaches play a vital role in shaping our players both on and off the field.
Stay tuned as we introduce each of our coaches and celebrate the people who help make BUCC such a special place to play cricket!
Team lists, team managers and assistant coaches are still to be confirmed for some of our teams so keep your eyes peeled. We are also looking for new members to join our junior committee, if you're interested get in touch: info@bentleighunitingcc.com
Coaches locked in across the age-groups!
We have also set up our junior parents facebook group where we will be posting information about uniform, registration links, events and more! Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15fXnYdmAw/
Rookies - Andy Still
We’re excited to confirm that Andy will once again take the reins of our Rookies team this season, with his son Cooper continuing to be part of the side.
Andy’s commitment to the club was on full display last season when he stepped up to coach our second rookies team, handling the challenge with ease and never missing a beat. His knowledge, calm leadership, and passion for developing our young cricketers make him a perfect fit for our Rookies program.
U12 Girls -Kiara Jane
We’re very excited to welcome Kiara Jane into the coaching group for 2025/26 as she takes on the role of coach for our U12 Girls side. Kiara made her playing debut for the club last season, following in the footsteps of her two brothers who’ve both pulled on the maroon and gold. With coaching qualifications already under her belt and a passion for helping the next generation of girls enjoy cricket, Kiara is ready to lead and inspire.
We’re now looking for players to join Kiara’s team — no experience needed, just a great attitude and a willingness to have a go! If you know any girls keen to give cricket a try, send them our way!
U12 (2) - Johnathan Bam
After guiding our first Rookies team through an incredible undefeated season last year, we’re excited to announce that Johnathan Bam will step up to coach our U12 second side this season.
His son Liam moves up into the side, and we’re sure the combination will continue to thrive. Johnathan’s dedication, steady leadership, and focus on player development have been outstanding, and we look forward to seeing him lead the next generation of young cricketers in 2025/26!
U12 (1) - Cadell Duke
We’re thrilled to have Cadell Duke returning to coach our U12 first team for the 2025/26 season. A seasoned cricketer and experienced coach across both cricket and football, Cadell brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the role.
His son Bodhi continues in the side, and the team will once again benefit from Cadell’s calm guidance, strong teaching background as an assistant principal, and his passion for junior sport.
U14 - Chris Manakis
Chris Manakis, a true club legend and a name that still strikes fear in cricketers across the southeastern suburbs, will lead the fourteens.
He’s done everything at Bentleigh Uniting.
Scored over 12,000 runs in senior teams.
Struck 14 centuries, with a highest score of 225 not out.
Won batting and bowling averages, and club champion awards too.
Played in Longmuir Shield premierships.
Served as senior coach and captain, and on the committee.
Now he has the honour of coaching his son, Ben in the under fourteens this season. A wealth of knowledge for our boys to have access too, we're sure they'll take in every bit!
U16 & U18 - Harry Zaia
We are excited to announce Harry Zaia as the coach of our U16 & U18 boys teams!
Harry began his journey with Bentleigh Uniting back in 2004 and has since played nearly 300 games for the club, including juniors, over his 20-year tenure. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the club and is passionate about guiding the next generation of cricketers at the Den. Known for his fierce dedication and competitive spirit, Harry bleeds maroon and always strives for success – a powerful combination that will inspire and drive our boys forward this season!
As we push for our first U18s T20 squad, we are looking for new recruits! If you know of any boys who will be 16-17 after the 31st of August, reach out to us: info@bentleighunitingcc.com
Senior Men's Head Coach: Lukas Galanopoulos re-signs
You’ve been warned — the skipper is back! We are thrilled to confirm that captain-coach Lukas Galanopoulos has re-signed for the 2025/26 season. A level head, a fierce competitor and an elite cricketer, Galo’s reputation echoes throughout every corner of SECA, and for good reason. A premiership captain and a leader on and off the field — no better man to lead the Den into another huge season!
Senior Women's Head Coach: Eric Short signs the dotted line
We’re thrilled to welcome Eric Short as Head Coach of our Senior Women’s Team for the upcoming season!
Eric brings a wealth of experience, a passion for player development, and a vision that aligns perfectly with our club values. We can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have as we continue to grow our women’s program.
Attend the 2024/25 Annual General Meeting
📅 Wednesday, 16th July📍 Bentleigh RSL🍽 Casual dinner in the Sports Bar — 6:30pm📝 Meeting upstairs — 7:30pm start
All members, players, parents, and supporters are warmly invited to attend our Annual General Meeting. The AGM is a great opportunity to hear about the club’s progress, plans for the upcoming season, and how you can get involved.
Join us for a relaxed meal beforehand and help shape the future of our club as we head into another big year at Centenary Park!
RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ChbULbGxZ/
Winter Sponsor Spotlight | Bentleigh RSL
We welcome all our Members and their guests to the Club for our dining experience called FRONT + CENTRE.
Our Thursday night Members Draw and Friday night raffles continue to be popular and when dining, reservations are encouraged.
Why not become a member today, with some 1500 Sub-Branches throughout Australia and with a membership of 240,000, is one of the largest service and ex-service associations in Australia which offers reciprocal rights once you join as a member.
Our friendly reception staff will be available to take your reservations between 10am – 9pm, 7 days a week, please call 03 9557 4547 or Book Online
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