Gillard back at the helm as Highton returns to GCA1

Highton is back in Geelong Cricket Association (GCA) top grade hunting more than just survival, with captain James Gillard confident his side can establish itself among the competition’s top contenders.

A strong 2025/26 campaign in the GCA2 that had the club’s firsts and seconds reach grand finals, along with premierships for its thirds and sixths, earned the Heat a promotion to the GCA1 after just one season away.

Gillard, who will take on the captaincy role for a second time in his career at the club, said the club was ready to be back in the region’s top division of cricket.

“We feel that that’s where we belong and we want to be playing our cricket,” he said.

The Heat have strengthened their squad over the off-season, recruiting Premier-level bowler Kieren Helwig and several other experienced players, while renowned local coach Barry Tsitas has taken the helm of the firsts.

The top-order batter said the club’s improved depth, combined with the development of its existing core, had given the group belief it could compete at GCA1 level.

“It’s another season in for that core group of guys that we’ve had all playing together,” Gillard said.

“They’re a couple of years older again and I think starting to realise that they can succeed at this level.

“Having the success that we did [last year] just promoted that sense even more – we got comfortable winning ugly and from some different positions.”

After being approached by Tsitas about the role in the pre-season, Gillard returns to the captaincy job after leading Highton’s firsts following the COVID-19 period.

“I definitely enjoy the tactical side of things,” he said.

“I guess it gives me something to do out there in the field as well [as a batter].”

Gillard said the timing was also right personally to allow him to commit more time to the role.

“I’m probably in a space now that the kids are a little bit older and I can give a little bit more to that role,” he said.

His first stint as captain came during a difficult period for the Heat, but he is hoping a stronger side can produce a very different outcome this time around.

“Hopefully win a few more games,” Gillard said.

“I think it’ll be a completely different outlook [this season]. There’s definitely a few different faces in the mix as well, so hopefully we can win a few more games and improve.”

With the Heat having been “there or thereabouts” two years ago, Gillard said the club expected to be challenging at the business end of the season.

That challenge begins against seven-time reigning premier North Geelong on Saturday.

“We’re super pumped – nothing like testing yourself against the best come round one,” Gillard said.

“They’re a quality side, they’ve been the benchmark and probably the blueprint for how to be a successful club over a long period of time.”

Highton will host the Magpies at McDonald Reserve in a one-day game on Saturday, 3 October, as local cricket returns to the region.