It was the third Shield final appearance in five years for Victoria under Rogers, who took over as coach in late 2020. Victoria also made the One-Day Cup final in 2024-25 but lost to South Australia there too, at Adelaide Oval.

Rogers cut a frustrated figure at the end of the Shield final this season but was excited about what lay ahead. “It’s been a privilege to coach Victoria and continue building on the strong history of this programme,” Rogers said. “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.”

Despite a domestic title proving elusive, Victoria’s hierarchy has been pleased with Rogers’ performance as the state coach, having developed a group that is almost exclusively homegrown.

Victoria only had two players in their three Shield finals, Marcus Harris and Nic Maddinson, who were not a product of Victoria’s pathways or premier cricket system.

“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 on Chris Rogers

Victoria’s general manager of cricket performance Graham Manou praised Rogers for the work that he has done so far. “Chris has done an outstanding job leading this group during an important period for Victorian cricket,” Manou said. “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 forward, and back effort with action. Chris embodies those values every day.

“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, not only in reaching successive finals, but in continuing to develop and produce players capable of succeeding at the highest level.

“Chris has also played a key role in a number of our players recommitting to Victoria, which speaks volumes about the belief and connection within the programme.”