THERE are personnel changes at St George District Cricket Club on the eve of the 2013-124 grade season.
The Sydney Cricket Association grade competitions start Saturday, September 28.
Former St George first grade captain, and now club chief executive, Jon Jobson said there were a few changes in the player line-ups for this summer.
The reigning premiers, always a power in Sydney grade cricket, will have a new captain this summer.
Last season's captain Kevin Pillay has changed clubs, joining Easts.
"This year we have a new captain, Chris MacDougal," Jobson said.
He said MacDougal would do a fine job as they prepared to defend their title.
"We've won four of the last six first grade competitions and we are always a strong club," Jobson said.
The St George District Cricket Club was formed in 1911.
MacDougal, the all-rounder, averaged 24 with the bat last summer and took 16 wickets at 29.81, proving his worth to the team.
Jobson said MacDougal's leadership skills and respect among his peers made him an automatic choice for the Dragons.
Jobson said other key departures are: Steven Green, who has retired; Blake Fitzgerald, who has moved on; and Chris Hunt, who has moved to Newcastle.
Green had a mighty season in 2012/13, taking 49 wickets at just 14.
"We are negotiating with an overseas player from England and we will announce this signing soon," Jobson said.
Jobson wouldn't elaborate on the identity of the player and was guarding the name like he did with a stoic defence when he batted in the top order for the club.
The right-hander scored 5776 runs in his career at the Saints, averaging almost 31.
The former schoolteacher has been the full-time chief executive for several years and is based at the club's home ground at Hurstville Oval.
Jobson said pre-season training had begun.
He said the attitude and work ethic of the players had been first-class and the players were determined to defend their title.
Jobson said despite the departures, it would give new opportunities for players rising through the lower grades.
The Sydney Cricket Association
will release the season draw soon.