The Allansford leader is bullish about the youth coming through the Gators’ ranks as they prepare for the 2018-19 Warrnambool and District Cricket Association season.

Boyd, who has been appointed head coach, said Ben Fary, Damon Dews, Charlie Blacker and Noah Keane would all play key roles.

The quartet was part of Allansford’s division two premiership.

Fary, Dews and Blacker also featured in the division one team at stages.

“They’re readymade to take on positions,” Boyd said.

“Some were excellent in the division two final and we hope they can impact in the division one team.

“Charlie is a top-order bat, Ben and Damon are all-rounders and Noah is a top-order bat and wicket keeper.”

Boyd said Allansford was placing an emphasis on its youth.

He said junior boys and girls were embracing the Gators’ program.

Allansford is entering the season with high expectations after falling to Russells Creek in the division one two-day grand final.

Boyd said some established players were weighing up their playing futures but the list was otherwise settled.

Top-order batsman Chris Bant, who scored 527 runs last season including two centuries, will captain the side for a second year.

Allansford has appointed Michael Smith (division two) and Simon Walker (division three) as its other skippers.

Boyd, who encouraged the club to look outside for a coach before committing, said the Gators were focused on success at all levels.

“Our expectation is to put our three senior grades into finals again which we achieved last year,” he said.

“I think we’ll find our junior teams will push for finals berths as well.”

The Warrnambool and District Cricket Association draw, which will include twenty20s, one-dayers and two-day fixtures, is yet to be confirmed.

Nirranda has withdrawn from division one and Koroit has opted to spend another year in division two developing its squad rather than join the top tier.