Fast bowler Luke Ryan and veteran all-rounder Brad Sheen have been unveiled as co-captains, completing a changing of the guard at Uebergang Oval.

Ryan, who arrived from Grassmere Cricket Association outfit Purnim four years ago, and Sheen, a multiple premiership player with the Gators, have taken the reins from star batsman Chris Bant.

Sheen said his venture into leadership had been "a long time coming" after a number of years at the club.

"I've played with some very good players and under some very good captains and coaches," the medium-pacer said.

"It's about trying to use some of that experience to pass on some knowledge because we've got some very good young cricketers."

The all-rounder, who top-scored with 33 as Allansford clinched the 2008/09 premiership, flagged "aggressive, attacking cricket" as key in his philosophy.

Sheen said he and Ryan would hand chances to young talent.

"We'll have plenty of roles for the younger guys to play. We'll give the new ball to a couple of younger guys," he said.

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"There'll be a couple batting up the order as well as we'll be challenging them to make the step up."

Ryan urged young talent to "try to take the (established player's) places" in the division one side.

"We'll be pretty young in the field too and we want to be aggressive as well as up and about early on," the 34-year-old said.

Allansford coach Jake Bloom thanked Bant for his leadership.

He expected Bant - the senior coach of Warrnambool and District football outfit Panmure - to play a key role with the bat.

"Chris has a big time commitment in his role at Panmure and he wanted to have more of a pure playing role," Bloom said.

"He'll focus on his batting and hopefully he can really dominate as he has done for a couple of years."

Bloom backed Sheen and Ryan to create a "fun" environment for cricket.

"They want an intense environment but one that is fun and enjoyable," he said.

"I think with their character, they'll hit both of those areas on the head perfectly as a team."

Bloom, a schoolteacher at Warrnambool college, said Allansford's second pre-season session would take place on Sunday.

He said junior cricketers from across the region were welcome to attend the session, which will kick off at 9am at Active Sportz on Mortlake Road.

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