Beginning with the exploits of legendary all-rounder Ian, who forged a career as one of the best players to grace the region in the 1990s and 2000s, the Sartori cricket legacy is now experiencing an exciting rejuvenation at the hands of eldest son Daniel.
Currently plying his trade at Victorian Premier club Footscray, the aggressive opening batter is in the midst of a dominant 2022-23 campaign, with 375 runs from eight innings at an impeccable average of 75 having him announce himself as one of the top players in the state.
On Saturday Sartori showcased his supreme patch of form with a breathtaking 84 not out off 85 balls as his Bulldogs defeated Greenvale Kangaroos by seven wickets.
He served as the cornerstone of what was a brutal chase by Footscray, which stormed to the victory total of 133 in 28 overs, thereby solidifying a spot in what is a tight top eight at the midway point of the season.
His last hit before the Christmas break, Sartori reflected fondly on the knock and the confidence he is exuding out in the middle.
“It was really good, we’ve been chasing a lot this year, so I’ve sort of formulated a bit of a plan of attack when it comes to batting in the second innings,” Sartori said.
“Knowing what score your chasing, it gives you a good chance to really pace your innings which I like and knowing it wasn’t a big total on Saturday I was able to go out there and play with a bit of freedom.
“I’ve just got a bit of a clear head at the moment and the ball is coming off the middle of the bat, it was a very enjoyable experience batting out there on the weekend and to walk off the field unbeaten made the feeling all the more sweet at the end.”
The new season has offered a breath of fresh air for Sartori after a tough campaign in 2021-22.
From his 14 digs at Premier level last season, the Katandra product managed just 302 runs at an average of 23.2 ‒ a far cry from what he has been producing in the past two months.
When asked about the catalyst behind his rapid improvement he put it down to one simple thing.
“This year I am just playing with a lot more confidence, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“Looking back on last year I had a lot of thought going through my mind and was probably overthinking, while this year it is a very simple game plan of see-ball-hit-ball basically.
“I’m also pretty busy off the field with five-month old twins and my other daughter Isabelle, so I think having that distraction has really helped me simplify the game.”
Now perfectly placed from an individual and team perspective to achieve great things in the back half of the season, Sartori outlined what he hoped to get out of the next three months of cricket.
“Finals is the number one objective and I think that is very achievable for us and, hopefully, from there we can sneak into the top four and secure a double chance,” he said.
“From a personal point of view I’m not looking to change anything, just keep batting with confidence and hopefully there are more runs to come.”
Sartori was not the only Goulburn Valley product to have an impact in round nine of the Premier firsts division season.
Karramomus export Josh McDonald was in fine form for Geelong on Saturday, with his 62 off 65 balls helping guide it to a comfortable six-wicket win over Kingston Hawthorn.
While Tatura product Michael Archer was solid in Greenvale’s loss to Footscray, making a patient 16 in the first innings before taking the ball and finishing with figures of 0-24.
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