Harper Sercombe
Footscray may just be home to the best and brightest opening pair in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition.
While the successes of rising star Dylan Brasher have been well publicised of late, with the star batsman having a breakout year which includes four hundreds and an average of 71.3, his 17-year-old opening partner Aiman Naddem has gone somewhat under the radar.
Nadeem made his first XI debut in the Bulldogs’ round four clash with Essendon and has not looked back since. Nadeem has scored 355 runs in his 10 knocks and the pair has averaged an opening stand of 74.89.
The teenager’s young career hit an early climax when Footscray played Greenvale in round 15, with Nadeem scoring 116. Half of a massive 220 run partnership with Brasher.
A couple of weeks on from this feat, Nadeem said it was something that has been ticked off his bucket list.
“I wasn’t looking for a big 100 but I was looking for more consistent runs and better opening stands with Brasher, to get the Dogs off to a good start,” he said.
“But I think something just clicked. I wanted to bat more time and take more singles and I started enjoying it so I was like why not just do it until the end of the 50 overs.
“It was amazing because not everyone played first XI cricket and not many get 100, so to do what people haven’t done is incredible.”
Nadeem said he has been able to learn so much from his batsman at the other end, who recently played against Pakistan making an unbeaten 79 in a tour match. Brasher has a rookie contract with Victoria.
“It’s been incredible watching him (Brasher) from the other end, currently he’s probably the best batsman in the state and I think he deserves higher chances at the Vic level,” he said.
“It’s incredible to see how he bats from the other end, you can see stuff from outside but it’s so different when you bat with him.”
This is Nadeem’s fourth season of calling Merv Hughes Oval home, but he said the jump up to the firsts this season has been a rewarding experience.
“It’s been really fun, because the level is so challenging,” he said. “I’ve been enjoying the challenge.
“It’s something that I look forward to, facing professional bowlers who play for Victoria or in the BBL (Big Bash League).”
Not only is Nadeem playing with the firsts on a Saturday but he also loves to help out with the under-18s on a Sunday. He has even put the pads on four times this season, where he gets to play alongside his younger brother, Aayan, who is a frequent member of the Dogs’ second XI and under-18 team too.
“On Sunday I just help out my coach (Hanni Harb), it’s a way to give back to what my coach has done for me throughout my whole cricket career,” he said.
“It’s so much fun playing with friends and Hanni too. It’s something I enjoy, it’s less serious (than first XI) but more fun. There’s a good balance between seriousness and fun on Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s incredible because not many people have brothers who they can practise with. Because we’re only a year different it really helps training wise, not many people have the luxury to do that.
“In the backyard it’s challenging because he’s really good as well so it makes it competitive and makes us want to get better.”
In December, the brothers were both a part of the Under-19 National Championships, Aayan with Victoria Metro, while Aiman was overlooked and played with the Northern Territory.
Despite not playing for his desired team, Aiman said the experience was invaluable.
“It was great fun to play with the Northern Territory boys even though I would have liked to play with Vic Metro but it was a good experience and I was just happy to be at the carnival,” he said.
“I think when things don’t go your way at selection, for me it’s been a better thing, it makes me work harder and be hungrier to do better and prove them wrong.”
This is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and fruitful career for Nadeem, and while he isn’t looking too far ahead just yet, there is something he said he would love to do.
“I’d just love to get more games in the ones and do well for the ones,” he said.
“Try to knock down Ringwood and Casey and get Footscray in the top eight so we can play finals.”
