Jacques Augustin reflects on his 199-match Premier Cricket career

Ahead of his 200th Premier Cricket career game, Jacques Augustin refers to himself as a “battler” alongside some of Victoria’s greats. See his reflection and his favourite teammates.

Jacques Augustin describes himself as a “battler” who has scraped through to 200 First XI Victorian Premier Cricket games.

The old-fashioned keeper, who has been involved in multiple premierships at Fitzroy Doncaster and Dandenong, hasn’t always had it easy.

He’s faced critics and difficult times, but as sure as his glovework, he has reappeared on the other side, often with a cheeky grin.

That diligence, his First XI flags and his famous unbeaten 71 from 56 balls after entering at 6-82 in Dandenong’s semi-final against Geelong still sit there as his proudest moments.

“That’s how I would describe myself, a wicketkeeper-batsman, in that order,” he said.

“There’s been times where I have been down the order, but having that not out or a quickfire score, especially in finals, I think I have been as competitive if not probably more than the rest of the season.

“Getting that hundred back in 2013-14, then the semi-final, it was probably one of my proudest achievements bar winning those grand finals.

“At times it hasn’t come easy in terms of being dropped a couple of terms, whether it was at Fitzroy or that last year at Dandenong.

“I think it’s about that perseverance and persistence to keep going and knowing you’re good enough at that level to get back to where you need to be even if people don’t think you are.”

Augustin in one of his many grand final appearances. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Augustin has often enjoyed the best seat in the house behind the stumps over his dependable career, so he enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on those who have gone with him.

“I think it was quite nice to sit back look at the players I have played with at Fitzroy, Dandy and now Frankston,” he said.

“There’s some Test players in there, guys that have played for Australia and then some guys that have played Premier cricket for a long time.

“I would describe myself as a battler who has scraped through to 200 games, but it has been nice share the journey with some of those guys and some of those have sent me text messages this week, it’s been a nice accomplishment.”

Across his 199-match journey, Augustin has crossed the white line alongside some stars of Victorian cricket.

In his words, here are the best he has played with and why…

Fitzroy Doncaster

2008-09 to 2015-16 – 95 matches

Dirk Nannes: I kept to him as an 18-year-old and he remains the quickest I’ve kept to bar James Pattinson. He bowled quicker uphill against the breeze than down the hill with the breeze.

Lloyd Mash: He always had so much time. He carried the drinks far too many times for Victoria – he should’ve played much, much more.

Peter Dickson: He was a genius. A very good batter but an equally as crafty bowler. He still has the best cut shot I have ever seen.

Glenn Maxwell: An unbelievable skillset with bat, ball and in the field. He made hundreds for fun while often hitting balls into the houses at Schramms.

Ben Waterman: He was just the ultimate competitor with the ball.

Dandenong:

2016-17 to 2020-21 – 79 matches

Brett Forsyth: He is so good at his craft and knows his game better than others. He has the patience of the little master.

Tom Donnell: Has the ability to take the game away from an opposition in a session. He’s a great clubman and would catch anything in the slips.

James Pattinson: This speaks for itself, he’s the ultimate cricketer. His 140 against Ringwood in a T20 was some of the cleanest hitting I’ve ever seen.

Darren Pattinson: He was still applying his trade at an older age at the same standard as when he started. He bowled a heavy ball that rushed batters.

Suraj Randiv: He was always a couple of balls in front of the batters. He knew exactly what he wanted to do and nailed it every ball. Another one who span it big.

Frankston Peninsula:

2021-22 to now – 25 matches*

Brodie Symons: There’s big things in the future for him if he can take game to next level. A very talented cricketer.

Jon Holland: A great fella who has applied his craft for a long time. He’s always thinking and outsmarting batters. He turns it sideways.

James Nanopoulos: A genius with the ball. His record speaks for itself, he has so many tricks.