By Roy Ward
AS a teenager, Heinz Southern Districts cricketer Daniel Doran was rejected for the state under-16 Dowling Shield side.
That setback became the major motivation behind a move to Queensland. A decade later Doran is returning to Melbourne as a Sheffield Shield-winning player and accomplished first-class cricketer.
Doran was announced last week as the newest addition to the Dandenong Panthers for next season’s Premier Cricket competition.
As a middle-order batsman, respected leg-spinner and former captain of leading Queensland side Gold Coast Dolphins, the 30 year old fills three major voids in the Panthers first XI, who have lacked a legitimate spinner for several seasons and will be without captain and batting mainstay Darren Dempsey after his retirement.
Doran, who moved back to Melbourne three weeks ago, said the Panthers stood out as the best situation for him after several clubs expressed interest in his services.
“There was no batting or bowling in the interview process,” Doran quipped. “It was much better; we sat down at a pub and sorted it.”
Coming home to the Greater Dandenong area was something important to Doran, who plans to leave a legacy at the Panthers when his time with them finishes.
“One of the things I’ve been told is that we haven’t had a long-term spinner at the club,” he said. “That is where I might be able to help out and pass on some of my lessons. Hopefully by the time I leave I will have three or four all breathing down my neck for a spot in the side.”
Doran, who has led the Dolphins for several seasons, made it clear he wasn’t after the Panthers captaincy. But he will lend a hand to whoever ends up leading the side.
“Darren Pattinson, Brett Forsyth – whoever is in charge will have a fair bit under the belt in terms of leadership in the side. If I see something I won’t hesitate to say something but I’m looking forward to not being captain.”
Doran has returned home after a promotion to national business development manager with Albion Sports.
Even after three weeks Doran has already picked up a cold, so he will spend the winter getting reacquainted with the colder southern weather.
He joked that Albion could also look at a line of hand warmers to help his spinning fingers stay warm during the season.
“I might get them onto that,” Doran said. “For me, playing at Dandenong is a good opportunity to give something back to the local area.”
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