Premier Cricket: Dandenong opener Brett Forsyth wins Ryder Medal

Prolific opener Brett Forsyth has achieved history, becoming the first Dandenong player to claim Premier Cricket’s highest individual honour.

Brett Forsyth has been rewarded for another prolific season at Dandenong. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dandenong Cricket Club finally has a Ryder medallist.

Brett Forsyth was last night awarded Premier Cricket’s highest individual honour, becoming the first Panther to win the Ryder Medal.

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The prolific opener started the count as one of the favourites and polled 35 votes, finishing two votes clear of Casey South Melbourne import Luke Wells.

The 30-year-old was Dandenong’s first Ryder medallist since the merger with Waverley in 1989-90.

He hit 962 runs in home-and-away season, including three unbeaten tons and six half-centuries.

Taking in T20s and finals, he punched out 1297 runs at 51.88.

Forsyth trailed Wells by five votes after Round 12 but polled the maximum six votes in the following two games after back-to-back centuries.

It took him to 35 votes and an unassailable lead as Wells missed the final round. Footscray batsman Dean Russ finished third on 30 votes.

Dandenong batsman Brett Forsyth watches the ball closely. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“I guess I’m really proud to win the award as a Dandenong Cricket Club player — as a Panther,” Forsyth said as he accepted the award.

“I’ve played with the club for close to 16 years now, so more than half of my life.

“I’ve been really lucky to play with some of the greats of Dandenong, including Warren Ayres, who’s been a great mentor for me, Darren Dempsey, Tim Hooper.

“The list goes on and on, especially some of the more famous players we’ve had in (Peter) Siddle, (Darren) Pattinson and (James) Pattinson.

“That’s maybe part of the reason why I’m the first one because they’ve gone on to higher honours … I’m really proud to bring this medal back to our cricket club.

“I’m very proud to play for Dandenong (and) represent not only our city but all the individuals within it.”

Winners are grinners! Congratulations @brett_forsyth and @Amybeechyates 😃📸 pic.twitter.com/Q0icPp8ZZy

— Vic Premier Cricket (@vicpremcricket) April 3, 2019

Forsyth spent four seasons as a Victorian rookie and last summer hit 825 runs in a premiership campaign.

“He (opening partner Tom Donnell) did mention before our first game that good players have one good season and I was lucky enough to do that last year but the really great players go on and push on to have that second good season,” he said.

“I guess that was part of the motivation — to make him and my club proud in the way I do play my cricket.

“I guess I’ve always prided myself, like many players, on my consistency but I guess this year it was not getting 30 or 40 or even a 50 and getting out, but it was about trying to influence games.

“Those two little things I guess were part of the reason why I was able to contribute and try play matchwinning innings.”

Forsyth also noted the contribution junior club Springvale South had made on his career.

“I’ve always been lucky to come from that particular club and their support has been fantastic along the journey,” he said.

“They have a great culture and a really helped me progress as a young player … I really hoped I’ve made them proud playing for all the different teams I’ve been able to play for.

“I love playing Premier Cricket and playing with some of the best players in the state. Hopefully that continues for a little while longer.”