The appointments follow the decision of premiership captain Kal Winnell to step down from the A-grade captaincy as he prioritises family commitments.
Winnell led Tallarook to the 2025-26 A-grade premiership and has been a member of nine top level premiership teams during an outstanding career with the club.
Tallarook Cricket Club president Mitch Itter said the club fully supported Winnell’s decision and thanked him for his leadership.
“Kal has given an enormous amount to Tallarook Cricket Club over many years, and last season he had the honour of captaining the club to another A-grade premiership,” Itter said.
“We are also really pleased that Kal intends to remain involved with the senior program where he can, while continuing his important work coaching and supporting our junior players.”
The club has appointed Watts and Irving as co-captains, bringing together two of the most experienced and decorated players in Tallarook’s recent history.
Watts is a seven-time A-grade premiership player, three-time SDCA Frank Zanelli medallist and six-time Tallarook A-grade champion. He has also won three club A-grade batting awards and an A-grade bowling award, as well as three SDCA A-grade all rounder awards and two SDCA A-grade batting awards.
He previously captained Tallarook’s A-grade side for six seasons from 2019-20 to 2024-25.
Irving is a nine-time A-grade premiership player and former club champion. He has twice won the club’s A-grade batting award and twice won its bowling award, as well as claiming the SDCA A-grade bowling award in 2019-20. He has previously served three seasons as A-grade captain and four seasons as club president.
“Lachlan and Leigh have exceptional records, but what makes them particularly well suited to the role is how much they understand this club and what it means to represent Tallarook,” Itter said.
“They have 16 A-grade premierships between them, have both captained the club previously and have been central to the success of our senior program over a long period.
“They know what is required to maintain the standards that have been built within the group, and we are fortunate to have two leaders of their experience taking the side forward together.”
Dundon will return as senior coach for a fifth consecutive season after overseeing an extraordinary period of sustained success for Tallarook.
His first four seasons in the role have coincided with four consecutive A-grade premierships from 2022-23 through to 2025-26, with Dundon also taking the field as a player in each premiership side.
“Andrew’s record over the past four seasons speaks for itself, but his contribution goes well beyond premierships,” Itter said.
“He has helped build a strong senior program and a culture that has consistently brought the best out of the group.
“To have Andrew commit for a fifth season gives us important continuity, while the appointment of Lachlan and Leigh provides experienced leadership on the field as we begin another new season.
“We are incredibly proud of what this group has achieved, but 2026-27 represents a fresh challenge. Nothing is guaranteed and the focus now is firmly on doing the work required to give ourselves the best opportunity to compete again.”
