Photo Credit: LinkedIn Profile Photo of Trevor Griffin
Sydney Thunder’s WBBL Head Coach Trevor Griffin, who has played an indelible hand in the careers of some of Australian cricket’s most exciting young female players, has not had his contract renewed by the club.
Griffin, who is the only coach to have won the major domestic T20 titles in both Australia and England, leaves an enduring legacy.
After joining Sydney Thunder as an assistant coach in 2018, Griffin was named the team’s head coach the following year when Joanne Broadbent – who guided Thunder to its WBBL|01 victory – stepped down from the role.
Griffin will be remembered for coaching Thunder’s young team to the WBBL|06 title – the triumph was made even more remarkable because his youthful squad defied the disruption of the COVID bubble and its associated restrictions.
Griffin has also played a key role in helping to chart the likes of Hannah Darlington’s and Phoebe Litchfield’s ascent from outstanding teenage prospects to senior Australia internationals.
However, after the team’s last two seasons – it finished seventh in WBBL|07 and eighth in WBBL|08 – Thunder’s management concluded it was time for a change in direction.
Griffin said while he was disappointed his time at Thunder had ended, he’d cherish his many memories.
“It’s been an amazing opportunity and one I’m incredibly proud of: a huge honour, and I’ve built memories and friendships for life,” said Griffin of his time at Sydney Thunder. “I’m so sad we’re not able to continue our journey.
“The squad is so different from the one I inherited four years ago – whilst relatively young, the players have grown so much. I sincerely hope the work we’ve put into the squad leaves them in a great place to go on to achieve fantastic successes in the future.
“I’m truly proud to have been able to bring so many new young players into the Thunder squad by giving them their debuts. Seeing them flourish has been a real privilege; seeing Phoebe Litchfield and Hannah Darlington develop so much and make their debuts for Australia are clear stand outs – as, of course, is winning the trophy!
“Being the first overseas coach to win the WBBL and to be the only coach (currently) to win domestic titles in Australia and England are personal highlights. I’ll always be grateful to the Thunder team for the opportunity.
“I’d like to put on record my thanks to all the players for their commitment, determination, and professionalism. I also offer my thanks to the support staff at Thunder and CNSW – their countless hours of commitment, energy, and unwavering support has been incredible. I can’t thank everyone enough.
“Lastly to the Thunder Nation, thank you for welcoming me. I hope the team have made everyone proud during my stewardship, particularly winning WBBL|06 – it was a wonderful night and to be able to share it with so many even during COVID restrictions was an amazing feeling.
“I’m honoured to have been Sydney Thunder Head Coach and wish everyone well. I’m excited to see what the future holds for everyone.”
Head of Sydney Thunder Andrew Gilchrist said Griffin will forever hold a special place at the club.
“Trevor has given his heart and soul to Thunder during the five years he has been here,” said Gilchrist. “He’s an astute coach and a thoroughly decent person who has brought so much ‘good’ to the club.”
“Trevor gained the respect of all he worked with at Thunder and Cricket NSW, and he also enjoys the affection of Thunder Nation. They appreciate he understood what the team meant to them.
“Trevor’s time here may have ended, but he will always be a respected member of Thunder Nation. We wish him the very best for the future.”
Name of Author: Sydney Thunder
The Sydney Thunder is an Australian professional cricket team competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Based at Sydney Showground Stadium, the Thunder, along with the Sydney Sixers, succeeded the New South Wales Blues from the defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.
