Druids captain Michael Hay has described his experience on a cricket reality TV show, likened to a sports version of The Apprentice.
Hay left the Renegades Recruit last Thursday night after being one of 10 players statewide who got a chance to impress BBL club Melbourne Renegades.
The winner will take a pre-season trip to the Northern Territory with Renegades academy players, taking in a stop at the NT Strike League.
The show can be viewed on the Renegades’ social media platforms or streaming service Kayo Sports.
Hay and the other nine finalists were put through fitness and skills drills by Renegades women’s coach Simon Helmot and rising Victorian stars Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey and Will Sutherland.
“It started with a two kilometre time trial, which was a fitness aspect of the day,” Hay said.
“We got to bowl to the Renegades players, which was great and a good experience.
“It was a net session with them, which was a good challenge.
“After that … that’s when the three Renegades players as well as Simon Helmot had to send four people home.
“It was like Love Island, where you’re all lined up.”
Hay progressed to the second episode of the two-part miniseries before being eliminated.
The South African star said being the show had been a great experience.
“It was good to be surrounded by those types of players just so you can almost get a feel of what it would be like if you were a professional sportsperson,” he said.
As for the future, Hay said he was loyal to his Footscray club.
“I’ve been playing at Druids for seven years and I’m really enjoying it there, they’re a good club,” he said.
Druids president Warren Roach described Hay as a “fantastic kid around the club”.
“His season last year was exceptional.
“He won the the Paxino Medal in the VTCA Senior Division.
“He’s a fantastic leader around the place and it was a great opportunity for him to get that exposure.
“He’s certainly a capable player at a high level of cricket.
“We’re lucky to have him at our club.”
