St Kilda champion Michael Beer retires from Victorian Premier Cricket

After a dazzling career that took in Test and Sheffield Shield cricket, St Kilda’s Michael Beer has confirmed his retirement ahead of the Victorian Premier Cricket finals.

Michael Beer celebrates his first test wicket in 2011. The spinner has now called time on his career.

Three cheers for Michael Beer.

The former left-arm Test spinner last night confirmed his retirement from Victorian Premier Cricket after 164 matches for St Kilda.

Beer, 35, had been named in the finals-bound Saints’ XI for the match against Kingston Hawthorn.

The first day was washed out and last night he opted out of the second.

“It got to Wednesday and I didn’t want to play Saturday,’’ Beer said.

“I’ve been fighting it. I’ve been pretty tired, no energy, my work commitments are stepping up at Wesley College (where he is head of cricket) and other things are happening in the world.

Michael Beer receives his baggy green cap from Shane Warne ahead of his Test debut in 2011.

“I haven’t trained all year. I tried to hang around for finals but I haven’t got the motivation. I just know it’s time to give it up. Work and family have got to be the priority now. I feel like I’ve been a bit here, there and everywhere.’’

He added with a laugh: “I did say to ‘Shagger’ (Saints coach Glenn Lalor) last Saturday when I was moving the covers that I was out of here.’’

Beer played two matches for the Saints this season, a Super Slam on December 10 and then a Premier Firsts game against Essendon.

Michael Beer played 164 matches for St Kilda in Premier Cricket. Picture: Chris Eastman

He can say he went out on a high: he nabbed 5-44 off 20.2 overs against the Bombers at the Junction Oval, bowling in partnership with St Kilda’s Under 19 World Cup representative Todd Murphy.

“I think we’ve got a really good bowling group,’’ Beer said.

“That was a reason too (for his retirement). I don’t think it will make a huge difference if I’m playing or I’m not playing. I would have liked to have more impact this season around the group – that was probably my biggest regret.’’

His main focus has been with his coaching roles with the Melbourne Stars teams and developing Wesley’s cricket program.

Beer emerged from Sub-District club Malvern, where his father, Tony, played more than 400 games.

He made his debut for a strong Saints team in 2003-04 and in 164 matches collected 324 wickets. He assumed the captaincy from Rob Quiney last season, passing it on to Adam Crosthwaite this season as he pursued his coaching roles.

Ignored by the Victorian selectors after a dazzling haul of 62 wickets in Premier Cricket in 2009-10, Beer took off for WA and rose to 30 first-class appearances.

And he joined St Kilda’s roll-call of Test cricketers when he played for Australia against England at the SCG in January, 2011 and against the West Indies at Port of Spain in April, 2012.

“It was a great honour, going on a few tours with Australia and being around that group of players,’’ he said.

Beer in action for the Melbourne Stars in the BBL. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“At that time they were sorting things out from an Australian point of view but it was amazing to be involved. Really, it was just as much an honour to play first-class cricket for WA. That was a lot of fun. Being a professional cricketer, that was something I was striving for when I was at St Kilda. They gave me that opportunity.’’

After his Test matches Beer became a leading short-format bowler, putting the squeeze on Big Bash batsmen, first for Perth Scorchers, then the Stars, for whom he played until last season.

“I’ve been lucky, very lucky with cricket,’’ he said. “I owe St Kilda more than most, for the way I learned to play the game. Watching the guys around me when I first got to the club, that was pretty huge. I’m very thankful for the opportunity I got. It helped me achieve some dreams, took me to some amazing places in life and cricket.’’