The veteran Panmure batsman, whose previous term lasted four seasons, has replaced Yambuk stalwart James Sinnott in the top job.

The GCA has also had a change of secretary. Woolsthorpe’s Wayne Hansford has taken over from Purnim’s Paul Cameron.

Other office-bearers, confirmed at the annual meeting at Wangoom on Wednesday night, include Norm Gibson, who remains as treasurer.

Gary Vanstone is senior vice-president, John Parkinson is junior vice-president, Jason Elliot takes over as media officer and Tracie Johnson is clearance secretary.

McKinnon said he was pleased with the new executive and the prospects of a big season of cricket.

He said the GCA would contest the 2014 Western Waves Festival of Cricket for the first time, with representative cricket enjoying a spike in popularity.

“At this stage it was all positive, we’ll head to Horsham for the Western Waves Twenty20 tournament,” he said.

“We had good success with our own internal Twenty20 competition last year and the winner going on to the Sungold comp on Australia Day.

“We think we’ve had a couple of good years with Bendigo Country Week and having a competitive showing up there.

“If we can get those core Country Week players that have been to Bendigo for the last year or two to play (at Horsham), it ties in really well.”

McKinnon said all nine GCA clubs had expressed interest in playing A grade this season. Woolsthorpe was the only one unrepresented last season.

The situation could mean the grade has a bye, although McKinnon said that could actually be a positive for the association.

“The thing is nowadays with everyone being more mobile and more social than ever before, it doesn’t hurt to have a weekend off in the mid-season,” he said.

The under 15 competition is also poised to be more competitive. 

Seven clubs have indicated they will field a junior side, up from four.

“There was a lot of support from a lot of clubs for the juniors. It’ll stay at under 15s at this stage,” McKinnon said.