Victoria announce list of contracted players

Victoria have offered central contracts to 19 players for the 2005-06 season, with 11 other promising young players being given rookie contracts. Clint McKay, an allrounder from Essendon, and Dirk Nannes, a left-arm fast bowler, got their first central contracts, while Simon Dart returned to the squad after an excellent season of Premier Cricket for Hawthorn Monash University, in which he scored 1098 runs.

Announcing the list of players, John MacWhirter, the chairman of selectors, said: "The selectors are excited by the 2005-06 squad and we have much optimism about the season ahead. The Bushrangers continue to promote our emerging talent and we believe the eight rookie contracted players have the ability to develop into long term first-class players for Victoria."

The season begins with a training session at the Bob Rose Oval on July 4.

State Contracted Players
Jason Arnberger, Rob Cassell, Adam Crosthwaite, Simon Dart, Gerard Denton, Ian Harvey, Shane Harwood, David Hussey, Nick Jewell, Brendan Joseland, Michael Klinger, Brad Knowles, Andrew McDonald, Clinton McKay, Jonathan Moss, Dirk Nannes, Graeme Rummans, Tim Welsford, Allan Wise.

Rookie Contracted Players
Aiden Blizzard, Aaron Finch, Matthew Harrison, Cameron Huckett, Matthew Innes, Josh Mangan, Robert Quiney, Peter Siddle.