Looking to the future: The Standard's Nick Ansell gives his best XI of next decade

Last week The Standard reflected on the best team of the decade. This week, we're looking into our crystal ball to determine the best XI players of the coming 10 years.

This is obviously strictly hypothetical. There is no doubt many of these players will pursue cricket at a higher level.

We've compiled this team based on the assumption each and every player was to continue their development within the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association.

First, an explanation of a few missing players. Two young guns really spring to mind first-up and they are interchangeable for just about any player in this team.

Brierly-Christ Church's Luke Wilson will be one of the glovemen to watch in coming seasons. He's a star talent who has made a solid body of runs and shown he can do a good job in Warrnambool's top grade.

Nick Blacker is another promising prospect, as is Liam Couch. If Wesley-CBC can hang on to these players, a very bright future ensues. Both are unlucky to miss out. Walker Owen is another from Walter Oval who could easily feature.

There's no doubt Russells Creek captain Cam Williams will have another dominant decade and he is one of the most unlucky not to feature here.

Have your say - let us know your team of the next decade.

Club: West Warrnambool

Why: Gun batsman who is theoretically still not at the peak of his powers. The 24-year-old's early rise creates the impression he's been around for years, and he has. Predicting another big decade and countless years at Melbourne Country Week for a strong talent.

Club: Brierly-Christ Church

Why: His commitment to cricket, fitness and all-round ability makes it difficult to overlook the three-time cricketer of the year. Good enough player to adapt even if athletic ability wanes in later years of decade. Still only 27 and could become the association's most decorated player by the end of his career.

Club: Brierly-Christ Church

Why: Expect to see this gun all-rounder tackle Victorian Premier Cricket at some stage. Only 17, but is already a rusted-on division one all-rounder. Brierly-Christ Church's willingness to bat him at first drop in a premiership-winning side says it all.

Club: Nestles

Why: Left-armer who could be a future captain at the Factory. Bats, bowls and has proven credentials overseas after a stellar summer in England. Has over 900 runs from his past three seasons and 56 wickets to boot. One can assume this consistency and output will increase even further as he spends more time at Warrnambool cricket's top grade.

Club: Woodford

Needs no introduction. Still only 26 and his batting and off-spin bowling will be useful for many years to come at both Warrnambool and Melbourne Country Week level.

Club: West Warrnambool

Why: Stamped his credentials as a classy all-rounder under the directon of Alastair Templeton at West Warrnambool. Big part of the Western Waves and is still eligible for under 17s at local level. Didn't flinch in stepping up to Warrnambool and District Cricket Association level from Grassmere Cricket Association and will clock a few cricketer of the year trophies if he remains in town.

Club: Woodford

Why: A more than capable batsman and bowler who has proven himself on a big stage (see his 55-run knock in Woodford's one-day flag win over Brierly-Christ Church). Bright future who will benefit from developing within a good side. A summer of English cricket will only hone his game further if COVID-19 restrictions permit travel.

Club: Port Fairy

Why: Still finding his feet at division one level but his junior form has been nothing short of impressive. Green's century in the Pirates' semi-final over Brierly-Christ Church was a batting masterclass and his attitude, professionalism and commitment to sport means the sky is the limit.

Club: Woodford

Why: Already had a taste of Victorian Premier Cricket with Northcote and is a two-time Melbourne Country Week prospect. Foolish to argue he won't make an impact down the track as a batsman capable of spin bowling.

Club: Wesley-CBC

Why: Took on the captaincy reins this season at Wesley-CBC to add another string to his bow. Already a damaging fast bowler capable of doing damage with the bat.

Club: Allansford

Why: Son of a gun who was opening the bowling regularly in his first real season in Allansford's top-tier side in tandem with his father, Ben. Looks to have the goods and by all reports can play footy a bit too.

Club: Dennington

Why: Had a happy knack of getting good batsmen out when elevated to Dennington's division one team mid-way through the season. A stellar Twenty20 grand final effort - which included the wickets of both Mark and Nathan Murphy - set the scene for a good career. A medium-pacer who will only get better.

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