New skipper Nate steps up to the plate

NEW SKIPPER NATE STEPS UP TO THE PLATE

Second year player Nate Wolland has been appointed captain of Moonee Valley's First Eleven team.
The appointment was confirmed by the committee and announced by coach Mark Gauci at training on August 29.
Nate replaces Matt Thomas, our Firsts Eleven captain for the previous two years, who had to step aside this season due to a year-ending knee injury requiring surgery.
Nate impressed the interview sub-committee with his detailed planning and game analysis, and is certain to be able to work closely with coach Gauci and with Matt Thomas, who has taken on an assistant coaching role this season.
"I'm very excited to have been appointed," Nate said.
"It's adversity for Matty, so I feel for him, but I'm very confident going in to the season.
"On paper, with the level of talent of the existing players and the new players coming in, I'm excited about our opportunity to win the flag.
"I'm excited about Gauch's appointment, and look forward to working closely with him."
Nate is a sharp and accurate fast bowler, and stepped straight into our Firsts last season after transferring over from Ashburton Willows.
A native New Zealander, he captained the Rotarua/East Pirates second eleven in two successive finals campaigns.
Nate played across at Ashburton in his first season in Australia after being invited by a workmate.
He joined Moonee Valley in his second season here as he wanted a club closer to his Brunswick home, and said he immediately fitted in and felt welcomed.
And Nate's also made an immediate impact on our recruiting - his stepson Ethan will be playing for Moonee Valley Under 14s, after playing last season at Ascot Vale.