Grassmere captain-coach Corey Couch is looking forward to having spearhead Braden Hotker back after the Grassmere Cricket Association bye.
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Couch said the right-arm quick and "hard-hitting batsman" had been on holidays and was yet to play a match this season.
"He did all of pre-season and just missed the first few weeks," he said of the opening bowler.
"Hopefully we'll be at full strength after the break and be competitive."
Hotker also played 11 football matches with South Rovers in the Warrnambool and District league this season.
The Lions' captain featured in the best seven times.
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Couch - who has played cricket for more than 30 years - said he had enjoyed the start of the season with his new team.
"It's been quite easy really," he said.
"We've got plenty of experienced blokes, the past two captain-coaches as well as myself and Justin Lynch," he said.
Justin Coates and Chris Lenehan have both led the club in the past while Lynch is the current vice-captain.
Couch, who played with Jan Juc last summer, said he and Lynch were settling in well.
"He's a very experienced player as well," he said.
"I think it's been a good fit for both of us."
He added he had enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the club.
Grassmere has won two matches this season and sits on top of the table.
Bowling has been its strength, keeping Yambuk to 110 and Killarney to 66 in its two matches.
Couch, who scored 22 against Yambuk a fortnight ago, said he was pleased with his side's performance thus far.
"It's been going really well obviously," he said.
"But we've only played a couple and both teams were light on numbers so it's hard to get an indication of where we are at yet."
The Meerkats trained this week in the lead up their November 23 clash against third-placed Mailors Flat.
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