He just didn't think it'd come this early.

The 23-year-old will work closely with newly-appointed coach Simon Harkness in his first season as Heytesbury Rebels skipper.

Moriarty, who is based in Ballarat, will travel back to play for the Timboon-based club this summer.

"I never wanted to leave (the club) even when I moved to Ballarat," he told The Standard.

"I'm just keen to get into it. I'm cricket mad at the moment. It's been the long-term goal (to captain) and to work the way up through the ranks but I didn't expect it to happen this early.

"The timing more than anything has been good though and has just worked out well."

Numbers were an issue for Heytesbury Rebels this past season and the club crashed to a last-place finish in the South West Cricket Association. But with several former players returning ahead of this season, the club has mustered two teams and is primed to climb up the ladder.

Moriarty said the addition of Harkness, a talented opening batsman, as well as fellow recruits Chris Dendle and Bayley Thompson, would bolster the Rebels' depth.

Paceman Adam Doak has also returned after a stint with Warrnambool and District Cricket Association powerhouse Russells Creek.

"There's a lot of guys that've played here before who've come back," he said.

"Harko is obviously coaching, Chris and Bayley are good inclusions and Adam Doak is another we've been able to get back."

Spreading the leadership load is another key focus, Moriarty said.

"That was one of the things we looked at because you can get a bit burnt out with one guy doing everything," he said.

"We've split it up. Harks will run trainings and help players improve or work on anything specifically and I'll be a game day captain."

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