ADCA 2025-26: Defending premiership a tough task as Mt Barker look to prosper after losing key figures

Mt Barker’s balance book of gains and losses is firmly in the red as four key players will not be part of the side’s premiership defence when the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade season starts on Saturday. The reigning premiers face Collingwood Park in their opening fixture and will have to get used to life without Mitch Jackson, Nathan Crosby, Jonte Eastough and Max Osborne. Jackson and Osborne have opted to play in Perth while Crosby has retired and Eastough has moved away. Jackson and Crosby dominated the middle order in the grand final triumph over Railways last season, Jackson scoring an unbeaten 63 as well as tying down the Railways batsmen, conceding 26 runs from his eight overs. In better news, all-rounder Tyler Crommelin has come to them from Royals and Englishman Sam Keeling-Wright, a right-arm quick from Birmingham, who has returned to Australian shores after playing with Collingwood Park in 2023-24. Captain Jeremy Wood, who skittled the Railways top order on his way to becoming player of the match in the 2024-25 title decider, said he was expecting a harder campaign than the one which ended in glory last year. “Training has been good, but it has been hard to get numbers there when it has been wet and we train outdoors,” he said. “I think as far as the season goes, we will likely come back to the pack a bit because of the people we have out but I’m hoping we can make finals and that will be our aim for the summer. “We can look to find some growth from within the squad and see how we go.” Wood has high hopes for talented leg-spinner Lucas Baker and said he was one to watch during this campaign. After opening against Collingwood Park they go to Denmark’s hard wicket in round two the following week. The highly anticipated grand final rematch will headline round three of the season. Captain: Jeremy Wood Last season: Premiers Most runs: Neil Ferreira (518) Most wickets: Ryan Gaerth (26) Inclusions: Tyler Crommelin (Royals), Sam Keeling-Wright (UK) Omissions: Mitch Jackson (South Perth), Nathan Crosby (retired), Max Osborne, Jonte Eastough, Jack Pope