TYLER Schafer feels ready to write his own chapter in Mortlake's all-conquering modern history.
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The top-order batsman has taken the captaincy reins from long-term skipper Todd Lamont, whose 11-year reign yielded six South West Cricket premierships and one Sungold Cup prize.
Schafer told The Standard he was relishing a formal leadership role ahead of Saturday's season-opener against Camperdown.
I was definitely thinking about the game differently.
- Tyler Schafer
"I started throwing a few ideas Todd's way last year and sort of let him know I was ready," Schafer said.
"I was definitely thinking about the game differently.
"I've put together a leadership group and (Todd's) involved. We'll be able to bounce ideas and pick the teams.
"He'll definitely be the first person I go to with an idea or for advice."
Schafer has secured the signings of former Port Fairy all-rounder Brad Parsons and star all-rounder Lachie Wareham, who has returned after a year off. He said Mortlake had more in the pipeline and was working to get them over the line.
Despite the Cats' recent premiership success, Schafer revealed his men were hungrier than ever after losing to Pomborneit in last season's decider.
"We want to strive for success in the Twenty20 format too," he said.
"It's not just about the 50 over stuff. We have a couple of handy inclusions that should help us.
"We haven't been out and tried to get an overseas player or anything, we're just backing our local guys."
Mortlake began training in its indoor facility in June.
Schafer hoped an extensive pre-season would translate into rust-free performances early on.
"We can get three people batting at once and one net with a bowling machine," he said. "We'll have a session outdoors this week and go from there."
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