Former Australia opening batter Chris Rogers will remain as coach of Victoria for the next two seasons after signing a contract extension following his side's third Sheffield Shield final appearance in five seasons.
Rogers coached Victoria to a record-equalling seven Shield wins in the 2025-26 summer. they lost a thrilling final to South Australia after a stunning collapse chasing a target of just 196.
It was the third Shield final appearance in five years for Victoria under Rogers. who took over as coach in late 2020. Victoria also made the One-Day Cup final in 2024-25 but lost to South Australia there too, at Adelaide Oval.
Rogers cut a frustrated figure at the end of the Shield final this season. was excited about what lay ahead. "It's been a privilege to coach Victoria and continue building on the strong history of this programme," Rogers said. "We've worked hard to create an environment where players can develop, challenge themselves and ultimately perform consistently for Victoria.
"I'm proud of what this group has achieved over the past few seasons, but there's still a strong hunger within the playing group to keep improving. ultimately bring more success to Victorian cricket."
Despite a domestic title proving elusive. Victoria's hierarchy has been pleased with Rogers' performance as the state coach, having developed a group that is almost exclusively homegrown.
Victoria only had two players in their three Shield finals, Marcus Harris. Nic Maddinson, who were not a product of Victoria's pathways or premier cricket system.
Rogers and Victoria have had a long-stated aim of getting more Victorian players into Australia's teams. Todd Murphy made his Test debut in 2023 on the back of helping Victoria reach two Shield finals, while Matt Short. Will Sutherland have also made their international white-ball debuts during Rogers' tenure. Ollie Peake is in line to make his international debut on the upcoming ODI tour of Pakistan, while Campbell Kellaway. Fergus O'Neill have both played for Australia A.
Victoria have also kept their men's squad together with Short. Glenn Maxwell the only notable absentees from the contracts' list for next season, but both are keen to play for Victoria when they do not have franchise commitments. Short is still keen to play Shield cricket as well as One-Day cricket for his state despite living in Queensland with his young family.
Victoria's general manager of cricket performance Graham Manou praised Rogers for the work that he has done so far. "Chris has done an outstanding job leading this group during an important period for Victorian cricket," Manou said. "What stands out most is the environment and culture he has helped create. Victoria is represented by people who work together, respect history, keep pushing forward, and back effort with action. Chris embodies those values every day.
"He has helped foster a genuine team-first mentality across the programme, while also maintaining a relentless focus on preparation, discipline. continual improvement. We're incredibly proud of the progress this group has made under Chris, not only in reaching successive finals, but in continuing to develop. produce players capable of succeeding at the highest level.
"Chris has also played a key role in a number of our players recommitting to Victoria, which speaks volumes about the belief. connection within the programme."
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