Cricket Victoria has announced its 2025-26 Victorian Men's squad, confirming a 27-player group that blends established leaders with the next generation of Victorian cricket stars.
Among the headlines are the elevations of two of Australia's most exciting young batters, with Harry Dixon being promoted to a full contract, while Oliver Peake has signed his first state contract, added to Victoria's rookie list.
Dixon enjoyed a breakout First-Class campaign in just his first year of senior cricket as a rookie in 24-25, with the powerful left-hander playing seven matches, scoring three half-centuries, including a dazzling 66 in his Sheffield Shield debut, and a match-changing 57 off 37 against NSW, helping Victoria reach inaugural the Dean Jones Trophy.
Peake continues his rise through the ranks following strong performances at the Under 19 National Championships and in Premier Cricket.
After gaining valuable experience on the Australian Men's Test tour of Sri Lanka, the 18-year-old went on to make his first-class debut in Victoria's final match against Western Australia, top-scoring with a fighting 52 on a challenging Day 1 wicket.
Blake Macdonald and David Moody have also earned full state contracts after their outstanding contributions in Premier Cricket and for Victoria's Second XI and Sheffield Shield teams.
Joining them is the emerging Jai Lemire, with the wicketkeeper batsman enjoying an impressive 2024/25 Premier Cricket campaign, scoring 658 runs at 47, including a memorable double-century for Carlton.
Victoria's squad will also include Cricket Australia-contracted trio Scott Boland, Matthew Short and Glenn Maxwell.
Five players from last year's squad will not return, including veteran Peter Siddle (retired), while Jonothan Merlo, Josh Brown, Reilly Mark and Will Pucovski, were not offered contracts.
Cricket Victoria Head of Male Cricket, David Hussey, said his squad was hungry and focused on maximising their potential in season 2025/26.
"We're really excited by the balance of our squad heading into the upcoming domestic season," said Hussey.
"We've got a strong core of experienced players like Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Todd Murphy and Will Sutherland, who bring leadership and high-level performance standards, while also creating space for the next generation of Victorian talent.
"Players like Campbell Kellaway, Harry Dixon and Oliver Peake represent the future of our program – they've come through our pathways, earned their opportunities, and we're excited to see them continue developing in a senior environment.
"It's also pleasing to see the likes of David Moody, Blake Macdonald and Jai Lemire be rewarded for their outstanding performances in Premier Cricket.
"It's a group with the right mix of experience, hunger and depth to compete strongly across both formats and we can't wait to get the work started."
2025-26 Victorian Men's Squad (Premier Club)
- Scott Boland (Frankston Peninsula)
- Dylan Brasher (Footscray)
- Ash Chandrasinghe (Casey-South Melbourne)
- Xavier Crone (Carlton)
- Harry Dixon (St Kilda)
- Sam Elliott (Fitzroy Doncaster)
- Peter Handscomb (St Kilda)
- Sam Harper (Melbourne)
- Marcus Harris (St Kilda)
- Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne)
- Jai Lemire (Carlton)
- Blake Macdonald (St Kilda)
- Glenn Maxwell (Fitzroy Doncaster)*
- Cam McClure (Prahran)
- David Moody (Melbourne)
- Todd Murphy (St Kilda)
- Fergus O'Neill (Melbourne)
- Mitch Perry (Richmond)
- Tom Rogers (Ringwood)
- Matt Short (Northcote)*
- Will Sutherland (Prahran)
- Doug Warren (Melbourne University)
Rookie Contracts
- Austin Anlezark (Richmond)
- Oliver Peake (Geelong)
- Tyler Pearson (Kingston Hawthorn)
- Callum Stow (Geelong)
