Chris Rogers will stay in charge of Victoria for two more summers, the former Test opener agreeing a fresh deal that runs through to the close of the 2027-28 season. The extension comes barely a month after Victoria’s third Sheffield Shield final in five years – another near-miss that has left players and staff hungry rather than despondent.
Victoria won a record-equalling seven Shield matches in 2025-26 yet tripped up in the decider, tumbling in a tense chase of 196 against South Australia. One-day silverware has been elusive too: a Marsh Cup final loss, also to South Australia, in 2024-25. Those defeats sting, but they have not dented confidence in the coach who first took the reins late in 2020.
“It’s been a privilege to coach Victoria and continue building on the strong history of this programme,” Rogers said once the paperwork was done. “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 and ultimately bring more success to Victorian cricket.”
The hierarchy share that view. A domestic title remains the obvious gap on Rogers’ CV, yet the side he has moulded is largely home-grown – 11 of the 13 players used in Shield finals have come through local pathways. Only Marcus Harris and Nic Maddinson crossed state lines.
Developing national players was another stated aim. Todd Murphy debuted for Australia in 2023 after two straight Shield finals; Matt Short and Will Sutherland have since played white-ball internationals. Ollie Peake could join them on the ODI tour of Pakistan, while Campbell Kellaway and Fergus O’Neill have already featured for Australia A.
“He has helped foster a genuine team-first mentality across the programme, while also maintaining a relentless focus on preparation, discipline and continual improvement. We’re incredibly proud of the progress this group has made under Chris,” Victoria’s general manager of cricket performance Graham Manou said.
Manou later added: “Chris has done an outstanding job leading this group during an important period for Victorian cricket. 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.”
Keeping the squad intact has been a priority. Only Short and Glenn Maxwell are off next season’s contract list, both owing to franchise commitments rather than disinterest. Short, now based in Queensland with a young family, has told selectors he still wants Shield and one-day opportunities whenever his calendar allows.
On-field, Victoria’s bowling stocks look settled; the batting line-up is deeper than it was two seasons back, though converting starts into match-winning hundreds remains a nagging issue. Off-field, Rogers’ extension provides certainty at a time when several states are shuffling coaching staffs.
The coach knows good intentions need trophies. Avoiding a “one bad hour” scenario – their collapse in Adelaide is still fresh – will be central to pre-season planning. Expect plenty of scenario work, a little soul-searching, and, if fit, more miles into the legs of a bowling unit already respected around the country.
Shield windows keep tightening as franchise leagues sprawl, yet players still talk about lifting that big wooden trophy. Rogers does too. The contract now gives him two more cracks, maybe three if timing works. Another final without the prize would hurt, but for the moment Victoria back their man.
