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Will Sutherland Calls Sheffield Shield Glory His Main Motivator Ahead of Victoria Final
25 Mar 2026, 4:30 pm
Will Sutherland has described Sheffield Shield success as his “main motivator” as Victoria prepare for a high-stakes final against South Australia at the Junction Oval, with the captain determined to end years of near-misses and disappointment in domestic cricket’s premier competition.
The Victoria all-rounder enters the decider carrying the weight of previous final heartbreaks, having been part of two losing campaigns against Western Australia in consecutive Sheffield Shield finals. Those defeats in 2021–22 and 2022–23 still linger, particularly as Sutherland experienced both the emotional and tactical pressure of championship cricket at the highest domestic level.
For Sutherland, the opportunity to finally lift the Shield in front of a home crowd adds an extra layer of significance. Victoria have been the most consistent side throughout the 2025–26 season, finishing top of the table after a dominant campaign that included seven home-and-away wins, placing them firmly as the benchmark team.
Sutherland’s record in Shield finals has been individually strong, despite Victoria falling short as a team. He has taken a five-wicket haul in each of his previous finals and also contributed crucial runs, including a top score of 83 in one of those contests. However, the lack of silverware continues to define those performances in his mind.
The Victoria captain admitted that losing finals has left a lasting impact, particularly after experiencing defeat away in Perth on both occasions. This time, however, the advantage shifts to Melbourne, where Victoria will host the decider at Junction Oval for the first time in seven years.
Sutherland believes that playing at home could be a decisive factor, especially given Victoria’s dominant record this season. The team’s consistency has also reinforced confidence within the squad that they are capable of converting their form into a championship victory.
Victoria’s path to the final has been built on sustained dominance rather than isolated performances. Their ability to win seven matches in a single season places them among the most successful Shield sides in history, and their 16-point lead at the top of the table reflects their control across formats and conditions.
Sutherland has emphasised that the squad’s strength lies not just in experience but in continuity. Many of the current group have developed together over several seasons, building an understanding that now translates into on-field stability and confidence.
Only a small number of players in the final squad are over 30, including Peter Handscomb, Scott Boland, and Marcus Harris, but Sutherland believes the blend of youth and experience gives Victoria a long-term competitive edge beyond just this final.
Ahead of the final, Victoria confirmed a key selection decision, with fast bowler Sam Elliott edging out Mitch Perry for a place in the XI. The return of Fergus O’Neill after rest is expected to be the only other change, underlining the stability of the squad heading into the decider.
Sutherland acknowledged that selection calls at this stage are always difficult, but stressed that the squad environment remains unified and focused on performance rather than individual disappointment.
The final, to be played from Thursday at Junction Oval, is expected to feature two closely matched sides, although Victoria’s home advantage and season-long dominance position them as slight favourites.
Sutherland’s own form heading into the final has been a major boost for Victoria. He recently struck his first first-class century in nearly three and a half years during a dominant win over Western Australia, a performance that effectively sealed Victoria’s place in the final.
In addition to his batting resurgence, Sutherland has also been effective with the ball, taking wickets consistently across recent matches. His all-round contributions have strengthened his leadership credentials at a crucial stage of the season.
The Victoria captain credited head coach Chris Rogers for technical adjustments that helped him regain batting rhythm, including refinements to his trigger movement and hand positioning. Those changes have played a key role in restoring confidence at the crease.
Chris Rogers and assistant coach Ben Rohrer have been central to Victoria’s preparation throughout the season, with Sutherland highlighting their attention to detail and structured approach to improvement.
The coaching staff’s focus on incremental technical adjustments and role clarity has helped Victoria maintain consistency across a long campaign. Sutherland noted that the environment encourages continuous improvement, even during periods of strong team performance.
This structured approach has contributed to Victoria’s ability to sustain results and remain competitive in high-pressure situations, including knockout scenarios like the upcoming final.
Victoria’s last Sheffield Shield title came seven years ago, making this final a defining moment for the current group. For Sutherland, the match represents more than just another fixture; it is a chance to convert years of progress into tangible success.
He has repeatedly emphasised that while past defeats have been painful, they have also shaped the team’s resilience and competitive mindset. The opportunity to finally lift the trophy at home adds emotional weight to what is already a high-pressure encounter.
As Victoria prepare to face South Australia, Sutherland’s focus remains fixed on one outcome: turning past heartbreak into championship redemption at Junction Oval.
The Victoria all-rounder enters the decider carrying the weight of previous final heartbreaks, having been part of two losing campaigns against Western Australia in consecutive Sheffield Shield finals. Those defeats in 2021–22 and 2022–23 still linger, particularly as Sutherland experienced both the emotional and tactical pressure of championship cricket at the highest domestic level.
For Sutherland, the opportunity to finally lift the Shield in front of a home crowd adds an extra layer of significance. Victoria have been the most consistent side throughout the 2025–26 season, finishing top of the table after a dominant campaign that included seven home-and-away wins, placing them firmly as the benchmark team.
Past final heartbreak shaping Victoria’s captain
Sutherland’s record in Shield finals has been individually strong, despite Victoria falling short as a team. He has taken a five-wicket haul in each of his previous finals and also contributed crucial runs, including a top score of 83 in one of those contests. However, the lack of silverware continues to define those performances in his mind.
The Victoria captain admitted that losing finals has left a lasting impact, particularly after experiencing defeat away in Perth on both occasions. This time, however, the advantage shifts to Melbourne, where Victoria will host the decider at Junction Oval for the first time in seven years.
Sutherland believes that playing at home could be a decisive factor, especially given Victoria’s dominant record this season. The team’s consistency has also reinforced confidence within the squad that they are capable of converting their form into a championship victory.
Victoria’s dominant season and squad confidence
Victoria’s path to the final has been built on sustained dominance rather than isolated performances. Their ability to win seven matches in a single season places them among the most successful Shield sides in history, and their 16-point lead at the top of the table reflects their control across formats and conditions.
Sutherland has emphasised that the squad’s strength lies not just in experience but in continuity. Many of the current group have developed together over several seasons, building an understanding that now translates into on-field stability and confidence.
Only a small number of players in the final squad are over 30, including Peter Handscomb, Scott Boland, and Marcus Harris, but Sutherland believes the blend of youth and experience gives Victoria a long-term competitive edge beyond just this final.
Selection decisions and team balance ahead of final
Ahead of the final, Victoria confirmed a key selection decision, with fast bowler Sam Elliott edging out Mitch Perry for a place in the XI. The return of Fergus O’Neill after rest is expected to be the only other change, underlining the stability of the squad heading into the decider.
Sutherland acknowledged that selection calls at this stage are always difficult, but stressed that the squad environment remains unified and focused on performance rather than individual disappointment.
The final, to be played from Thursday at Junction Oval, is expected to feature two closely matched sides, although Victoria’s home advantage and season-long dominance position them as slight favourites.
Sutherland’s form surge ahead of crucial final
Sutherland’s own form heading into the final has been a major boost for Victoria. He recently struck his first first-class century in nearly three and a half years during a dominant win over Western Australia, a performance that effectively sealed Victoria’s place in the final.
In addition to his batting resurgence, Sutherland has also been effective with the ball, taking wickets consistently across recent matches. His all-round contributions have strengthened his leadership credentials at a crucial stage of the season.
The Victoria captain credited head coach Chris Rogers for technical adjustments that helped him regain batting rhythm, including refinements to his trigger movement and hand positioning. Those changes have played a key role in restoring confidence at the crease.
Coaching influence and team development
Chris Rogers and assistant coach Ben Rohrer have been central to Victoria’s preparation throughout the season, with Sutherland highlighting their attention to detail and structured approach to improvement.
The coaching staff’s focus on incremental technical adjustments and role clarity has helped Victoria maintain consistency across a long campaign. Sutherland noted that the environment encourages continuous improvement, even during periods of strong team performance.
This structured approach has contributed to Victoria’s ability to sustain results and remain competitive in high-pressure situations, including knockout scenarios like the upcoming final.
Final opportunity to end the drought
Victoria’s last Sheffield Shield title came seven years ago, making this final a defining moment for the current group. For Sutherland, the match represents more than just another fixture; it is a chance to convert years of progress into tangible success.
He has repeatedly emphasised that while past defeats have been painful, they have also shaped the team’s resilience and competitive mindset. The opportunity to finally lift the trophy at home adds emotional weight to what is already a high-pressure encounter.
As Victoria prepare to face South Australia, Sutherland’s focus remains fixed on one outcome: turning past heartbreak into championship redemption at Junction Oval.