Trevor named as Sydney Thunder Head Coach
Fresh from winning his second Kia Super League title, Trevor Griffin has been appointed Sydney Thunder Head Coach for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League.
Griffin has been the Western Storm Head Coach in the Kia Super League since 2016, where he has worked with the likes of England captain Heather Knight and India T20 captain Smriti Mandhana.
He led Western Storm to title victories in 2017 and 2019, as well as finals appearances in 2016 and 2018, making the side the most successful in the league’s history.
Griffin’s extensive coaching career has also seen him involved with the England Women’s national side and last season he joined Sydney Thunder as an Assistant Coach.
He replaces Joanne Broadbent who stepped down from the role in April after four successful seasons at the club.
Griffin’s signing follows the announcement that Australia vice-captain Rachael Haynes will take over captaincy of the side from Alex Blackwell.
“I loved my time working with Sydney Thunder as an Assistant Coach last season and being part of the Thunder Nation, and I’m really looking forward to working with the players again this season,” Griffin said.
“Last season I was primarily involved as a wicket-keeping coach, however I provided support across all disciplines, so I worked with a number of the bowlers and batters, including spending a bit of time with Rachael Haynes.
“Rach has got a wealth of knowledge and experience and she’s going to be a great leader. Alex Blackwell has done a great job as captain and put us in a great position, and I’m excited to work with Rach to continue to build on that.
“I think the success that I’ve had in the Kia Super League with the Western Storm has been primarily due to the environment that we’ve built which is very much like a family, just like Sydney Thunder, and I think that’s something that’s going to put me in a good position to support the team.”
Sydney Thunder Acting General Manager Chris Botherway is looking forward to welcoming Griffin back to the club as Head Coach.
“The calibre of applicants to be Sydney Thunder Head Coach was incredibly high,” Botherway said.
“We were impressed with not only Trevor’s passion for women’s cricket but also in developing players not just as cricketers but people too.
“Having spent time at the club previously he is well aware of the impact this role has in inspiring the next generation of boys and girls to fall in love with cricket.”
Griffin will be supported by Mark McInnes, who has been named Assistant Coach.
McInnes replaces Dominic Thornely who was appointed NSW Breakers Head Coach in July.
Sydney Thunder is set to open the first ever standalone WBBL season with a televised blockbuster match against the Sydney Sixers under lights at North Sydney Oval on Friday 18 October.
