Cricket Far North: Dream Team: Kev Maher pick the best players he’d love to coach
Queensland cricket stalwart Kev Maher picks his dream team he would love to coach since 2000.
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You don’t even have to be around cricket in Cairns to know the name Kev Maher.
The current president of Queensland Country Cricket has been actively involved in the game for more than half a century.
The Queensland cricket life member has been the jack of all trades over his cricket lifetime, ranging from player to coach to selector and even a healthy stint as administrator.
Over a lengthy playing career, spread between Far North Queensland and Brisbane from 1967-68 to 1988-89, he played first grade in Brisbane for QCA Colts, Wynnum-Manly and Norths and against India and England while representing Queensland Country in the late 1970s.
Since calling stumps on his time in the middle, Maher has continued to give back to the game.
The legend known around the region now picks his dream team of players who he would have love to have coached since 2000.
1. Robbie Colville (Atherton (junior) and Norths)
Robbie Colville was a high-calibre player during his career in the Far North.
The left-handed batsman was selected on multiple occasions to represent Queensland Country team at the National Championships and a player Maher said he admired for his workrate and skill.
2. Gerard Fox (Atherton) (WK)
Gerard Fox was a player capable of turning the game on it’s head with electrifying shots and powerful performances. Not the biggest batsman, but used his level head, supreme patience and fortified technique to graft out runs. A consistent wicketkeeper who rarely missed opportunities to punish the opposition with stumpings and tough catches.
3. Matt Wilkins (Mulgrave)
Recently leading Mulgrave to the CFN first grade premiership, he was astounding in the grand final against Rovers. the 18-year-old prodigy showcased maturity beyond his years, smashing an unbeaten 46 runs off just 42 balls, including three huge sixes that stormed his side home.
It capped off an extraordinary season after helping steer Queensland Country Open to the Australian Country Cricket Championship and earning selection for the 2024 Australian Country Cricket team.
4. Wade Frazer (Mulgrave) (C)
A brilliant top order bat who was never troubled by any bowler throughout the late 90s and early 2000s.
A club legend at Mulgrave, Frazer was a rock at the top of the order. The fearless batsman would punish the best bowlers in the Far North with ease.
5. Barry Weare (Mulgrave)
Barry was a gifted all-rounder who represented the Far North at all levels and also had a successful time in Brisbane with the Norths and Wests Clubs.
Weare also was chosen to play in the Prime Ministers XI in Canberra and represented Queensland Country on several occasions.
A trailblazer in the Far North who would bash the ball around with ease. An entertaining player to watch capable of pitching in with spin on the flip side of the innings.
6. Jake Roach (Mulgrave)
Jake Roach is arguably still the best cricketer in the Far North, the all-rounder rises to the top in the biggest moments and matches. He was sensational in the final game of the Australian Country Cricket Championships this season claiming 5-29 and demolishing ACT’s top and middle order. The Mulgrave machine then backed it up with the bat, showcasing his experience and knocking 35 runs from 53 balls.
He bowled superbly earlier this month in the CFN first grade grand final to add another premiership to his name. One of the Far North’s greats.
7. Brenton Edwards (Tully, Innisfail and Rovers)
Feared with both bat and ball, Brenton Edwards is a force who can turn the tide of the contest at any moment. He finished this season with the most wicket in CFN first grade (27 wickets) and has had a remarkable career to date with Tully, Innisfail and now Rovers.
8. Thomas Maher (Norths)
A top-quality cricketer during his career, Maher helped Norths to five straight two-day premierships. He was selected on multiple occasions for Queensland Country cricket and was renowned as a strong competitor and premier player across the competition.
9. Darryl Bridgeman (Atherton)
Another Queensland Country representative, pace bowler Bridgeman helped Atherton to a period of dominance in the 1990s that netted multiple premierships. He later became a strong mentor, ushering through the next generation of gun cricketers, solidifying himself as a club legend.
10. Ben Cust (Barron River and Norths)
A lethal pace bowler for both Norths and Barron River, Ben Cust was a menace with the new ball and became a regular for Queensland Country cricket and a key part of their unbeaten 2005 romp in Lismore.
11. Shane Legge (Atherton)
Several years ago, Atherton was the strongest team in the Cricket Far North competition, blitzing through the season and winning the T20, one day and two-day titles. Atherton local Shane Legge was a huge factor in their success in the competition and is a legend of the club.
12. Mick Salerno (Atherton, United, Barron River and Rovers)
Salerno had a feared presence at the crease and will go down as one of the most admired spinners in the Far North.
The left arm orthodox was a consistent danger at the crease and had the ability to use variations of pace to rack up valuable wickets.
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Originally published as Cricket Far North: Dream Team: Kev Maher pick the best players he’d love to coach
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