Fogarty will coach the Dogs in his own right this season, having spent the past five splitting the role with all-rounder Dustin Drew.

Drew stepped back from the leadership role at the end of last season but will stay on as a senior player.

The Dogs are yet to appoint a captain, which could yet be a recruit. Batsmen, particularly an opener to partner Drew, are high on their wish list.

Fogarty, 40, said he was pleased Dogs officials backed him. The nurse and father-of-two described the club as “great for us”.

“I’ve enjoyed the role the last five years. I think we’ve still got a fair bit to achieve as a club that we haven’t achieved for a while,” he said. 

“There’s a fair bit of recruiting that needs doing and we’ve got some good young kids coming through we need to look after.

“I think there will be a lot of opportunities this year. The club asked me if I would continue in the role and oversee things.”

Fogarty said finding a replacement for teenage opening batsman Nick King, who has joined Prahan, was their most pressing recruiting priority.

The Dogs have young players who could “grow into that role” but their preference is to sign a ready-made batsman to partner Drew.

“Opening the batting is a bit like coaching. It can be a thankless task. One good ball on a good length and you’re out,” Fogarty said.

“It’s something we’re looking at. We need top-order batsmen, as simple as that.”

The club is also casting the net wide for an import, having parted ways with Sri Lankan Wannakuwatta Chamesh. “That’s something which has been great for Dennington and the district. We’re all over that. As to who it is, we don’t know,” Fogarty said.

Dennington reached WDCA divison one semi-finals last season but lost to eventual premier Woodford by three wickets, having been bundled out for 92.

That followed consecutive defeats in the grand final, to West Warrnambool in 2013-14 and Merrivale in 2012-13. Its last premiership was in 2005-06.

Fogarty said the Dogs had the group to mount another flag tilt. “We go into every game expecting to compete and compete well,” he said. 

“We know if we do the right things, the result will take care of itself, which will hopefully be a win.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve gone into a game of cricket thinking we can’t win this. Nothing changes there, that’s the Dennington culture.”

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au