Dean Russ shone as a match-winner in 2021-22 to win the Ryder Medal
Footscray great Dean Russ reveals why he believes his Ryder Medal-winning campaign was the best of his career and opens up on what’s next.
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Dean Russ was The Finisher in 2021-22.
The star Footscray all-rounder’s match-winning exploits saw him rewarded with Premier Cricket’s Ryder Medal.
Russ finished not out five times this season and the Bulldogs claimed victory every time, an remarkable achievement in what has been a remarkable career.
“In terms of runs and wickets I’ve had bigger years but in all honesty I felt I impacted more games than I had previously,” Russ said.
“We bowled a lot first and had to chase so when you’re batting in the middle order you’re dictated to by the game and it felt like I was able to contribute and help win a few more games.
“Understanding the situation and reading when to drop anchor or go and take educated risks, that comes with experience.
“There’s been times in the past when I’ve butchered those situations but as you get older and wiser you learn you’ve got more time in a game than you think.”
A season-best 94 not out guided his team past Prahran, while there was also an unbeaten 79 in the win over Dandenong, 50 not out against Camberwell Magpies and a 76 not out against Northcote.
Russ (35no) combined with Travis Dean (106no) to beat Essendon in the elimination final at Merv Hughes Oval.
The middle-order batsman finished the campaign with 454 runs at 56.75 and 13 wickets at 28.54 as Footscray was knocked out in the semi-final by St Kilda.
He collected 30 votes to pip Geelong’s Hayden Butterworth and Carlton’s Harrison Smyth, while Jack Lalor (Northcote) and Tom Rogers (Ringwood) were another vote back.
It was just reward for Russ, who finished third by one vote in 2019-20, and breaks a 42-year drought for Footscray, who’s last winner was Barry Watson in 1979-80.
He was also picked in the Premier Cricket Team of the Year, at No.7.
“It’s funny, it’s an umpire’s award and I’ve been guilty of giving some umpires some grief over the years. I’m not the easiest bloke to umpire,” Russ said.
“I certainly didn’t have a speech ready, there were some guys that had really big years, so I’m just honoured, privileged and humbled to win.
“It all became a bit of a blur, I hope I thanked everyone I needed to.
“While it is an individual award I didn’t see it that way and I hope it’s recognition to everyone that’s helped me along the journey.
“Also to the people of Footscray … I’m very proud to be a one-club player and play 20 years for a club that I’ve spent my entire adulthood at.”
It was history-making season for Russ in multiple ways.
The Bulldogs great moved into 17th all-time on the Premier Cricket games list with 292 First XI appearances, equal with David Robinson.
Russ also jumped up to 15th all-time in Premier Cricket runs, taking his tally to 9019 and moving past 50 half-centuries, and overtaking the likes of Graeme Rummans, Clinton Peake and Tom Donnell.
While he’s long given up the wicketkeeping gloves Russ is one of just 33 men to have claimed more than 300 dismissals.
The off-season will be a time for reflection and contemplation.
“We’ll sit down, I’m in no rush to work all that (playing future) out,” he said.
“Fundamentally I love playing for Footscray and being around the club and thoroughly enjoy the competitive nature of Premier Cricket.
“I’ve been pretty lucky – to look back having won a flag with Footscray, which was the No.1 goal – and maybe the kids deserve a bit more time with me in summer.
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“I’ve definitely learnt to appreciate playing Premier Cricket a lot more.
“Things in life such as having kids puts things in perspective, you might nick off but then my oldest will want me to throw balls so you can’t really mull in your misery.”
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The Rams run-machine polled 33 votes to win ahead of Carlton’s Sophie Reid with Zoe Griffiths from Box Hill in third.
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