Melbourne’s best local cricketers since 2000
Local cricket is full of players who have created their own history. Now we've revealed our top 25 since 2000.
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Melbourne’s local cricket grounds have been blessed with an array of talent over the years.
From club stalwarts to those who made opposition players want to tear their hair out, these are the best metro cricketers since 2000.
In compiling this list, similar to our best country players story from late last year, we’ve left the Victorian Premier Cricket and Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association competitions out.
Here are the best local cricketers of the last two decades with the top 25 ranked at the bottom of this story.
Did you make the list?
Peter Atkinson, Dandenong West, Parkmore (Dandenong District)
Big “Atko’’ carried the bowling attack for two clubs, in Turf 1 and 2, and did it well — and well into his senior years as a cricketer. There were some impressive aggregates along the way, including 46 wickets for Parkmore in Turf 2 in 2008-09. On the MyCricket vault, Atkinson is credited with 343 scalps in 14 seasons for Dandy West. A popular and talented paceman.
Mario Auciello, Altona North (Victorian Turf)
The fiery quick is still rolling the arm over today but, in his prime, was one of the most feared bowlers in local cricket. MyCricket records unfortunately don‘t stretch back far enough to cover his 2000-01 Paxino Medal winning season. What is know is he took all 10 wickets in an innings for the club’s Second XI in 2015-16 and made his last First XI appearance last season.
Jack Berry, Bulleen Templestowe (Box Hill Reporter District)
Thousands of runs for the club stalwart has him among the BHRDA’s best this century, piloting the Bullants to two top-flight flags. More than 4500 runs to his name.
Leigh Booth, Hallam Kalora Park (Dandenong District)
Booth, a former Premier player with Frankston Peninsula, where he had 30 First XI matches, has been the heart of the Hawks’ team for 15 years. He’s in the veteran class now, but still contributing with bat and ball.
Sean Bramstedt, East Burwood, Templeton (Box Hill Reporter District, Ringwood District)
Key batsman for East Burwood over many years, and his eight-time club champion awards attest to his influence. A major part of the club’s two top-flight flags in recent years, Bramstedt is among the BHRDCA’s best for runs scored in the past 15 years, totalling more than 5200. In fact, at the end of the 2021-22 season, he sat second for runs scored – behind only Blackburn North/Vermont South’s Luke Davis.
Darrel Brown, Keilor (Victorian Turf)
In five seasons between 2002-03 to 2006-07, Brown scored 2337 runs with a high score of 135 against Youlden Parkville for Keilor. He also took 93 wickets for the club in the 58 matches he played with best figures of 8-45 against Doutta Stars.
Marshall Bunting, Elwood (South East)
Elwood often hollered for Marshall when it was in trouble. And Marshall Bunting often came to the rescue, with the bat and, in his earliest seasons, with the ball. He joined the club in 2006-07, setting off with 33 wickets and 243 runs. His aggregates with the bat improved considerably in the next few years as he peeled off five centuries. Won back-to-back Knight Sports Medal as best player in the top grade of the South East association.
Gavin Carusi, Box Hill North Super Kings (Box Hill Reporter District)
The son of club legend Steve Carusi has forged his own legacy in the Super Kings’ history, featuring as one of the BHRDCA’s top bowlers of the past 15 years. Has taken in excess of 200 wickets in that time. More than handy with the bat as well.
Steve Carusi, Box Hill North Super Kings (Box Hill Reporter District)
Thousands upon thousands of runs for the seasoned performer and long-time servant of the Super Kings. Premierships form a long line of career honours – but his influence hasn’t just been confined to the field. He’s also been a legendary administrator and president of the club, winning the BHRDCA’s RJ McIntosh Award in 2013-14 for outstanding service to the association.
Troy Cashman, St Mary’s (Dandenong District)
The great St Mary’s batsman was probably at his best in the 1990s, but he continued to churn out runs in an aggressive and elegant style well into the new century. Cashman was an inaugural inductee to the Dandenong and District association’s hall of fame in 2016. By that stage he had made 7505 runs in Turf 1, with 14 centuries. The Damien Fleming Medal as player of the match in the 2002-03 grand final was another accolade for the right-hander.
Steve Chapman, Hallam Kalora Park (Dandenong District)
“Chappy’’ arrived in the Dandenong and District association from the UK in 1996-97 and made himself right at home. He stayed on for many seasons, amassing thousands of runs with his correct but powerful right-hand batting. His spin bowling was handy too. Chapman won two Wookey Medals as the best and fairest player in the Turf 1 section and the Hawks named him in their team of the century. He went on to coach Premier clubs Dandenong and Footscray.
Jason Chapple, Chelsea, Bonbeach (Cricket Southern Bayside)
The fierce competitor was always up for a battle, and a chirp, and excelled in tough situations, standing up in grand finals. A talented all-rounder who’s regarded as Chelsea’s finest-ever player.
Simon Cormie, Old Mentonians, Mentone (Cricket Southern Bayside)
Cormie likes to face the first ball of the innings and get the scoreboard ticking over, which he’s done regularly and consistently over the past 15 summers. He did well at Old Mentonians, grabbing headlines with a knock of 237no in 2015. But his past seven seasons at Mentone have been outstanding, scoring 3602 runs, at 40.
Stephen Cotter, Clifton Hill (Eastern)
A stalwart of Clifton Hill. Cotter, who still regularly features in the club’s First XI, has scored over 8000 runs. Not afraid to roll the arm over either with more than 300 wickets to his name.
Andrew Cullen, Yarraville Club (Victorian Turf)
In 178 games for Yarraville Club since 2008-09, Andrew Cullen has scored 4729 runs with a high score of 160 against Hoppers Crossing. He has notched up five centuries and 22 half centuries. He has also taken 111 wickets at an average of 23.9 with best figures of 4-14.
Luke Dallas, East Sandringham (South East)
Was being described as the “Mr Medals’’ of local cricket after playing in his 11th First XI flag with East Sandy in 2018-19. His first came in 2001-02. Dallas was more of a middle-order batter early in his career but gradually assumed the off-spinning duties.
Michael Davies, HSD, Springvale South, Buckley Ridges (Dandenong District)
Another long-serving player in the south-east. His head spun to “Slick’’ and he could put down his influence on the match with his vigorous batting or clever medium-fast bowling. Was a popular winner of his association’s Wookey Medal in 2017-18 after hitting 468 runs and capturing 35 wickets.
Rob De Haan, Elwood (South East)
The leg-spinner has been on the South East association scene for more than a decade. In terms of wickets, he was at his peak in 2012-13, when he scalped 42 batters. He took 37 wickets the previous season to win the player-of-the-year award.
Sean de Kretser, Heatherdale (Box Hill Reporter District)
More than 7100 runs and counting for Heatherdale to sit among the club’s greatest-ever, and undoubtedly among the BHRDCA’s best, ending last season among the top-five for runs scored in the past 15 years (4218). Plundered 291 and 488 runs in his past two campaigns.
Bradley Downe, Doveton (Dandenong District)
The son of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Graeme, Downe was for a long time the wicket all bowlers coveted in the Doveton team. He made them earn it. He had a fine technique, a ton of patience and much determination, and it brought him a pile of runs, many club awards and the 2007-08. Wookey Medal as best and fairest player in the league.
Andrew Downs, Ferntree Gully, Norwood (Ringwood District CA)
A champion at Ferntree Gully through the ‘90s and early 2000s, and a Ringwood District Cricket Association hall-of-famer. Downs excelled with both bat and ball driving club records with 6555 runs and 436 wickets. Eight-time club champion (three this century) among a string of All Star team honours. Averaged of 74.29 with the bat in 2001-02. Seven association medals to his name and a stack of premierships.
Anton Duddy, East Sandringham (South East)
Part of the group of players behind East Sandy’s long run of success in the South East (formerly City of Moorabbin) association. Duddy often made vital runs – he scored two centuries in Longmuir Shield – and was a staunch figure and leader behind the stumps.
Michael Edwards, Montrose (Ringwood District CA)
The Wolves’ most-capped First XI player in club history with more than 200 appearances to his name. But he’s also the club’s all-time First XI leading run-scorer, a club hall of fame member and an ex-captain among an extensive list of career honours. Closing in on 7000 career runs and still going strong with more than 250 so far this season.
Con Gorozidis, Brighton Union (South East)
Yes, by 2000 “The Champ’’ was far closer to the end than the start of his achievement-filled career at Union. But he could still take hold of a match, particularly with the bat. He yanked back the clock by hitting 580 runs in 2003-04, winning the competition medal, and sailed past the 500-mark again in two seasons. A legendary local cricketer.
Simon Gray, North Ringwood (Ringwood District CA)
One of only five players in the Bulls’ near-century-long history to amass 6000 career runs, and the only player in the club’s 88 years to play in four First XI premierships. Rare air for the brilliant Bull.
Cameron Hare, Pascoe Vale Central (North West Metropolitan)
Since 2002-03, Cameron Hare has played 253 matches and has scored 9221 runs at an average of 50.11. He has a high score of 126 not out and has scored 12 centuries including three in one season in 2017-18 to his name. Hare has also taken 78 wickets at an average of 19.31.
Mark Jones, East Burwood (Box Hill Reporter District)
An out-and-out legend of not only East Burwood, but local cricket. The super spinner played more than 400 games in a career which spanned across more than four decades taking in excess of 1000 wickets – topping the comp with 315 as of the end of last season for wickets taken in the past 15 years. Took the club to great heights as a premiership player and coach.
David Johnson, Warranwood (Ringwood District CA)
Who could forget the all-rounder’s blitz of all 10 wickets in an RDCA Trollope Shield match in 2015? One of the Sharks’ greatest, with his six club champion awards a testament to his influence in a career which has produced well in excess of 5000 runs across a handful of clubs, close to 400 wickets and a stint at Premier.
Ben Joseph, Heatherdale (Box Hill Reporter District)
Around 5000 career runs for the Heatherdale skipper and counting to sit among Heatherdale’s greatest-ever. Still producing standout performances this season, which included a ton against Forest Hill in November.
Terry Keays, Bundoora and Lalor Stars (Diamond Valley)
One of the greatest players the DVCA has ever seen, Keays won three Ray Christensen medals — two at Bundoora and one at Lalor Stars — during his storied career. At his peak, Keays was a devastating bowler highlighted by his 41-wicket season in the 2008-09 Barclay Shield.
Michael King, South Croydon (Ringwood District CA)
Considered one of the greatest to have played at South Croydon, if not the greatest, having been a dominant force for the Bulldogs since making the switch from his lofty Premier Cricket stay more than a decade ago. Captained the Dogs to two First XI flags in the space of six years and is the club’s all-time leading run-scorer with more than 5000 to his name – the first Bulldog to achieve the feat in some 60 years of club history. Winner of the RDCA’s Bill Dean Medal in 2017-18, and a two-time recipient of the Trollope Shield’s All Rounder of the Year honour to go with a string of All-Star team selections. Champion.
Wade King, McKinnon (Cricket Southern Bayside)
If he’s not taking wickets, he’s making runs. The gun all-rounder has built a splendid record in five seasons with McKinnon, scoring 1598 runs, at 25, and taking 140 wickets, at 13. The match-winner took 41 scalps in 2021-22. He’s also represented Victoria with distinction at the national indigenous championships.
Brad Kruger, McKinnon, Murrumbeena (Cricket Southern Bayside)
The former Netherlands World Cup representative was a dominant figure in CSB. In 2016, he announced himself as a star with a blazing 203 for McKinnon against Murrumbeena, the team he joined the following season. And it was at the Beena where Kruger excelled, smacking 2944 runs, at 48, in five seasons, highlighted by a drought-breaking flag in 2020.
Darian Kuzma, Brighton Union (South East)
Has hit eight centuries for Union — five in Longmuir Shield, three in Woolnough Shield — and 48 half-centuries during his long stay at Hurlingham Park, proof of his consistency in the top-order.
Adam McGinty, Research Eltham Collegians, Hurstbridge (Diamond Valley)
Despite just a three-year stay in the northern suburbs competition, McGinty made his presence felt with two league medals, which came in successive seasons. He found his best form at Hurstbridge where he consistently troubled the opposition with bat and ball. In 18 games for Hurstbridge, he took 56 wickets at 10.29.
Troy McGown, Wantirna South (Ringwood District CA)
More than 100 First XI matches, four flags and a man of the match honour in 2017-18 puts the Devils stalwart among the competition’s best. Has more than 4000 career runs.
Drew McKay, Wantirna South (Ringwood District CA)
Part of a powerhouse era at the Devils with four premierships, and a crucial part at that. Has been a consistent standout with the ball for years and is fast closing in on 500 career wickets across more than 350 games.
Russell McManus, Forest Hill (Box Hill Reporter District)
The former Zebras skipper won a club record number of best and fairest awards (six) in a powerhouse era which took in multiple premierships, to go with a Len Toogood Medal as the best and fairest in the BHRDCA’s top-flight in 2015-16. Close to 5000 career runs, and ending the 2021-22 season, he sat third for most wickets (264) in the past 15 years, averaging 15.82.
Lewis Mildenhall, South Caulfield (Cricket Southern Bayside)
The run machine has been an integral part of South Caulfield’s golden era. Five centuries and 3151 runs, at 43, underpin his class. And he’s always stepped up in the big moments, such as last season’s grand final when he was man-of-the-match for his 53 and 3-11 performance.
Daniel Mueller, Bonbeach (Cricket Southern Bayside)
The former St Kilda paceman has been a mighty player in CSB, and was the competition’s inaugural winner of the Championship division MVP after stacking up 60 wickets in 2016-17. He also had a 46-wicket season. All up for Bonny, he’s taken 223 scalps in 97 games.
Wes Nicholas, Buckley Ridges (Dandenong District)
The left-arm spinner has served Buckley with great distinction for almost two decades, taking more than 400 wickets across all formats. Had a memorable match in Turf 1 in 2007-08, taking 6-21 off 21 overs in the first innings and then 8-33 off 14.4 in the second. Nicholas also nabbed six wickets in a Turf 1 grand final.
Matthew O‘Brien, Holy Trinity (North Metro)
A fantastic servant of Holy Trinity, the North Metro Cricket Association and local cricket in general. O‘Brien is the heart and soul of his club having been a mainstay for more than 20 years. Helped Holy Trinity win promotion to Jika Shield in 2007-08 – ending a near decade-long drought – scoring a career-best 172 in the preliminary final win over Fairfield. However, O’Brien had his best season in 2020-21 when he smashed 731 runs at 60.92, scoring nine 50s. Club captain and club president in a decorated career.
Leigh Odermatt, Vermont, Blackburn North, Heatherdale (Box Hill Reporter District)
The quick has been a key contributor at local level across a number of clubs, taking in excess of 450 career wickets. This season alone he’s taken 15 at an average of 12.40 for Heatherdale in the Box Hill Reporter competition. At the end of last season, he sat fifth overall for wickets taken in the BHRDCA since the 2008-09 campaign, averaging 15.33 and taking nine five-fors. The champion also took 10 wickets in a match in that stretch.
Danny O’Shea, East Box Hill (Box Hill Reporter District)
Key contributor to East Box Hill with bat and ball, and so consistent in recent years. Enjoyed a 57-wicket season in 2019-20 to go with more than 400 runs, and currently has 19 wickets at 15.26 alongside more than 200 runs this season. His previous two campaigns have yielded 19 and 27 wickets respectively.
Nitesh Patel, North Balwyn (Eastern)
One of the finest players of the last decade in the Eastern Cricket Association. Since arriving for the 2013-14 season, Patel has plundered over 6000 runs in all competitions at an average of 45.78. He’s also more than handy with the ball having taken 73 scalps.
Craig Park, Mackie
A big-hearted cricketer who played his 350th game for Mackie two years ago. Was always good for runs in the middle-order and took a stack of five-fors after launching the attack with the new ball.
Paul Payne, Templeton, Wantirna South (Ringwood District CA)
Where do we begin? Two-time winner of the Bill Dean Medal as the best and fairest in the RDCA’s top comp, 10-time RDCA All-Star team in the premier grade, eight First XI club championships and four First XI premierships. Topped the Devils’ First XI for the bowling average eight times and the batting twice.
Matthew Perri, Rivergum (North Metro)
A key player in Rivergum‘s five NMCA Jika Shield premierships in the last decade and a two-time Bill McFarlane Medallist. Perri was also a member of the club’s Quick Shield flag in 2009-10 to earn promotion to the top flight. Made his senior debut in 2003-04 and has made 6,684 runs and taken 303 wickets since. Like a fine wine, got better with age, Perri smashed a career-best 690 run at 69 in 2018-19 after taking a personal best 30 wickets at 11.27 the season before.
Michael Scott, North Ringwood (Ringwood District CA)
Recently became just the 12th player in North Ringwood’s near-century history to reach 300 senior wickets, and has been consistently good with the ball and bat over several years. Took out the RDCA’s Trollope Shield bowling average award in 2016-17 with 26 wickets at 8.38, adding to around 5000 runs across more than 200 matches, four club champion awards, a host of RDCA All Star team honours and four premierships.
Luke Ridgwell, North Ringwood (Ringwood District CA)
Still going strong in a career which has claimed 364 wickets at an average of 14.80, alongside two First XI flags. Has made multiple RDCA All Star teams and remains one of the Bulls’ most important players.
Dan Schuppan, Keilor, Spotswood (Victorian Turf)
The opening fast bowler took 219 wickets in six seasons for Keilor from 2011-12 to 2016-17. He played 85 matches for the club with best figures of 8-31 against Yarraville Club and taken 18 five-wicket hauls. One of his best performances was the 2015-16 Division 1 grand final against Druids where he took 11-99 for the match with 5-43 in the first innings followed by 6-56 in the second to inspire his team to the premiership. Joined Spotswood in 2018-19 as the club was relegated but bounced back with 31 wickets the following season and the Woodsmen made the Division 1 grand final, going down to Aberfeldie. Has been a key member of Spotswood‘s Subbies team for the past two seasons.
Cameron Smith, Wantirna South (Ringwood District CA)
The Devils’ coach is revered as a club great at the RDCA power through a highly successful premiership era, with more than 100 First XI matches to his name. Won the RDCA’s Bill Dean Medal in 2018-19 and has continued to produce. Led the club to a premiership in the RDCA’s top grade in 2015-16 in his first season at the helm and took out the First XI club champion award in 2018-19.
Ryan Smith, Woori Yallock, Lilydale, South Croydon
The all-rounder won back-to-back Bill Dean medals in the RDCA across 2019-20 and 2020-21 in a career which has taken in five First XI flags among a long line of accolades. As damaging with the ball as he is with the bat, success has followed the star from club to club both individually and collectively.
Tom Smith, Bonbeach (Cricket Southern Bayside)
An explosive batter and tidy off-spinner, the former County all-rounder has achieved a lot in eight seasons with Bonbeach. In 125 games, he’s scored 3523 runs, at 32, and taken 184 wickets, as well as being an inspirational captain. He’s won league and club batting and bowling awards, and four consecutive club champion awards. And in 2021 was awarded Bonbeach life membership.
Matthew Stoikos, North Ringwood (Ringwood District CA)
More than 250 senior games for North Ringwood and recently shot past 6000 runs – becoming just the Bulls’ fourth in club history to achieve the feat. Renowned as a big-game player, standing up in finals and premierships.
Simon Surridge, Bentleigh Uniting (South East)
Champion left-arm fast bowler who played in Uniting’s Longmuir Shield team from 1991-92 to 2014-15 and by our count grabbed five wickets or more on 43 occasions, including a haul of 9-31 off 19 overs against Washington Park in 2001-02.
Aaron Taun-Henderson, Forest Hill (Box Hill Reporter District)
Think about the best bowlers this century in the BHRDCA and this star Zebra comes to mind. Sits among the most prolific wicket-takers of the past decade or so, piloting the club to premierships. Since 2008-09 alone, he’s taken well over 185. Multiple best and fairest winner.
Jarryd Taun-Henderson, Forest Hill (Box Hill Reporter District)
Critical part of the Zebras’ batting across several premiership campaigns. Starred with close to 7400 career runs, including no fewer than 342 runs across three consecutive premiership-winning seasons from 2017 to 2020.
Bradd Taylor, Vermont (Box Hill Reporter District)
Run-machine for Vermont across multiple decades, serving as a committee member, president, coach and captain. Four club champion awards, premierships aplenty and tons galore. In the past 15 years alone he’s plundered more than 4300 runs to sit among the comp’s greatest.
Wes Telford (Gladstone Park)
Telford has passed the 150-run mark three times since 2002-03. Telford first achieved the feat way back in 2002-03 for Buckley Park when he made 178 against Pascoe Vale Central. He has a high score of 196 which came against Northern Lions when he was playing for Buckley Park in 2016-17. All together he has played seven seasons for Gladstone Park, where he currently resides, and 13 seasons for Buckley Park according to MyCricket. He has scored a total of 8,479 runs including 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries.
Tony Tenuta, Rosebank (North Metro, Diamond Valley)
An incredible career that has delivered seven North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield premierships, a Heidelberg District title and a Mash and Money Shield flag in the Diamond Valley since 2000. That‘s 10 in 20 seasons for those playing at home. Tenuta has six centuries to his name with a high score of 156 not out in 2013-14, a campaign that produced 726 runs at 45.38.
Jason Thompson, Blackburn South, Forest Hill (Box Hill Reporter District)
Nicknamed ‘the wizard’, a testament to his prolificacy with bat and ball over many years, and a part of Forest Hill’s powerhouse era which won a host of flags. At the end of last season he sat fourth for wickets taken in the competition from 2008-09 (246) at an average of 15.18, to go with seven five-fors.
Glen Turner, Research Eltham Collegians (Diamond Valley)
A gun batsman who could spend hours at the crease, highlighted by his two unbeaten double centuries. Turner finished his career with over 5000 runs but also proved to be handy with the ball, taking 183 wickets.
Matthew Vaiano, East Doncaster (Eastern)
After coming through the club’s junior ranks, Vaiano has gone onto enjoy a fine career for himself. Quickly approaching 5000 senior career runs and has taken close to 200 wickets. A fine player who is now the club’s senior coach.
Blake Walter, The Basin (Ferntree Gully DCA)
Top-order batsman who has been a prolific run scorer at a number of clubs. Linked with The Basin in 2017-18 and scored more than 600 runs. He went past 800 the following season. Underlining his ability, Walter also put up good numbers in his three years in Subbies with Croydon, including two centuries.
Cameron Wheeler, Upwey-Tecoma (Ferntree Gully DCA)
The decorated pace bowler has collected several Jack Feaver medals in the FTGDCA for topping the bowling since joining Upwey-Tecoma some five or so years ago. Such has been his potency with the ball, he’s collected well in excess of 200 with hauls of 44, 56, 31, 29, 42, 17 and 16 so far this season. He’s also been a good contributor with the bat.
Rob Wise, Macleod (Diamond Valley)
A club and competition legend who is still giving the competition’s very best headaches every week. Has 315 wickets including 12 five-fors in 175 Barclay Shield matches at an average of just 19. Wise also has two league medals to his name. Across all grades, he’s taken more than 400 wickets.
Lincoln Wong, Templeton (Ringwood District CA)
Been a standout for Templeton at senior level across the past decade, having notched more than 200-games, a Bill Dean Medal (2014-15), and club champion award to go with 5000 career runs to sit among the club’s top run-scorers in its history, driving a string of centuries. He’s also among the best for catches. First XI premiership captain in 2019-20.
Tim Wright, Mont Albert (Eastern)
One of the all-time local greats in a career which spans 30 seasons. Wright is just over 150 runs away from reaching 9000 for his career. Started playing senior cricket alongside his father, Jack, as a 13-year-old. From league medals to senior premierships, Wright has one of the biggest trophy cabinets among those to have played the game. When he brought up his 300th senior game, he was as modest as ever.
Simon Young, Woori Yallock, Mooroolbark
Featured in multiple premierships in the Yarra Valley competition where he was consistently good with the bat and ball for seasons on end, claiming more than 40 wickets three campaigns in a row from 2014 before joining Mooroolbark, where he made a further mark in four seasons. Sits among the ‘Barkers top run-scorers of the past decade or so, and has more than 3000 career runs and in excess of 393 wickets at an average of 15.61.
OUR TOP 26
26. Chris Hall, Mackinnon, Highett, Beaumaris (Victorian Turf, Southern Bayside)
Claimed the first of two VTCA Paxino Medals in 2002-03 with a 374-run (at 41.56) and 14-wicket season but produced one of the greatest individual seasons in 2009-10. Hall‘s 641 runs (at 64.10) and 38 wickets (at 17.42) surely ranks highly among the best in local cricket this millennium. Had a couple of seasons in Premier Cricket at Frankston Peninsula before joining Beaumaris, taking 30 wickets in 2012-13, which saw him move to Casey-South Melbourne. Returned to Beaumaris for its final season in the VTCA before the shift to Cricket Southern Bayside and has captained and coached in multiple seasons since.
25. Damien Sampimon, Rosebank (North Metro, Heidelberg District, Diamond Valley)
In the conversation as Rosebank’s greatest player having won five Bill McFarlane Medals and seven Jika Shield premierships since 2000. An extraordinary career saw Sampimon score nine First XI centuries for Rosebank across two different competitions and amass more than 7000 runs since the turn of the century. Also claimed more than 350 wickets in 250 senior matches.
24. Ashley Russell, South Caulfield, Bentleigh United (Victorian Turf, Southern Bayside, South East)
Has been a run-scoring machine for more than a decade across two competitions. Dominated the Victorian Turf Cricket Association, scoring more than 500 runs in five seasons in eight seasons and claimed the Paxino Medal in 2004-2005. Russell knocked in 542 runs at 41.69 and took 24 wickets at 13.42 to win the award. Helped South break a 25-year Senior Division premiership drought, winning the 2015-16 premiership before the club broke with the VTCA and joined Cricket Southern Bayside. The club then won the Championship Division title in its first season as Russell took 29 wicket at 10.86. Also has a 500-run season with Bentleigh United in the SECA.
23. Mark Minney, Eltham (Diamond Valley)
Minney has scored runs for fun in the past two decades. Across all forms and grades, Minney has over 9800 runs at an average of 59.4. His record includes two Ray Christesen medals — awarded to the best player in the association’s top tier — and the Barclay Shield batting award for the 2002-03 season.
22. Lorenzo Ingram, Doutta Stars (Victorian Turf)
The West Indian bat has been a gun since arriving in the VTCA in 2015-16. Announced himself with 562 runs at 56.20 in his first season at Buckley Park. Ingram won his first of two Paxino Medals in 2017-18 thanks to 695 runs at 63.18 and followed it up with 726 runs the following season. Was named the best player in Senior Division again in 2019-20 with 419 runs to his name. Was forced to miss two seasons due to COVID but returned to his club in 2022-23 and has 302 runs at 43.14 after the Stars look to bounce back from relegation. One of three players to win two Paxino Medals since 2000.
21. Matthew Chasemore, Cranbourne, Berwick (Dandenong District)
A Cranny junior, Chasemore started out in Premier Cricket as a scrapper at Dandenong and finished as a star at St Kilda. He returned to Cranbourne in 2015-16 to feature in an improbable grand final win over Springvale South and nose his legendary teammate Steve Spoljaric out of the Wookey Medal. Chasemore crossed to Berwick in 2017-18 and continued to score runs consistently.
20. Steve Goodwin, Glenroy (Victorian Turf)
Arrived at Glenroy in 2013-14 and proceeded to take wickets for fun, helping the club go from Division 4 to a grand final loss away from Senior Division. Goodwin claimed an amazing 404 wickets in 112 First XI matches, including two 69-wicket seasons. Took a double hat-trick in 2017-18 against Royal Park-Brunswick and a regular (if there is such a thing) hat-trick in 2013-14, had career-best figures of 8-39 and took 10 wickets in a match four times, with a best of 15-73.
19. Guy Martyn, East Sandringham (South East)
The right-hander was an outstanding and enduring player for a perennially successful club. Always looked to attack the bowling and his big scores invariably came in quick time. He figured in 10 first XI flags and hit a dozen centuries in Longmuir Shield, the top tier in the South East association.
18. Jason Disney, Templeton (Ringwood District CA)
Winner of the RDCA’s Bill Dean Medal in 2004-05, Disney is one of a mere handful to hold legend status at Templeton, winning 10 club champion awards at the Taipans – including eight this century and six in a row from 2003-04 to 2008-09. He’s ranked No. 1 at Templeton for runs and wickets – driving 8378 and taking 588 across 325 games. It’s little wonder the club’s First XI best and fairest award is named in honour of the champion.
17. Mark Unternahrer, Kilsyth (Ringwood District CA)
A match-winning all-rounder still plugging away. Thirteen-time club champion at Kilsyth in addition to 276 senior games and a First XI flag among a long line of honours, also winning seven senior flags at Croydon North. Has driven well in excess of 7000 career runs, and taken more than 600 wickets. Averaging 49.33 with the bat this season with 148 runs from five appearances in the RDCA’s John Springett Shield.
16. Luke Davis, Blackburn, Vermont South (Box Hill Reporter District)
More than 8000 career runs and close to 400 wickets to his name has earned this long-time Burner widespread respect across the cricketing community, with a Len Toogood Medal in his swag of achievements. Enjoying yet another big season, averaging 54.17 with the bat (325 runs) while claiming eight wickets at an average of 17.63. Sits first for runs in the BHRDCA across the past 15 years.
15. Brad Cullen, Vermont (Box Hill Reporter District)
Prolific run-scorer for Vermont featuring in multiple premierships having served the club for decades. Holds the club batting record for his 205-run effort against Nunawading in 2016-17 – in fact, he occupies four of the top five spots on the list. Remarkably, he peeled off 868 runs as a 42-year-old in the ’16-17 campaign including four tons (one was his highest score of 205), at an average of 86.8. Three club champion awards for a champion Eagle.
14. Tom Boxell, Knoxfield, Richmond, Long Island
The now Long Island cricketer was a prolific run-scorer in the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association, guiding Knoxfield to two premierships with grand final tons. Former Richmond opening batsman at Premier level.
13. James Binney, North Balwyn (Eastern)
One of the most dominant figures of the Eastern Cricket Association in the last 15 seasons. Binney, the North Balwyn coach, has taken over 500 wickets including two 10-for games while also seeing the club cement its place in the top grade. He’s also proven to be handy with the bat with 3750 runs to his name.
12. Adam Contessa, Royal Park-Brunswick, Yarraville Club, Pasce Vale Hadfield (Victorian Turf)
Contessa was a match-winner with bat and ball. Claimed his first VTCA Paxino Medal in 2006-07 with 541 runs at an unbelievable average of 90.17 as well as 29 wickets at 16. Scored another 456 runs at 50.67 and took 13 wickets to win it again in 2010-11. Produced a match-winning 144 to help Royal Park-Brunswick win the 2004-05 Division 1 premiership. Moved to Yarraville Club in 2012-13 and won four Senior Division flags as part of an all-conquouring Clubbers side.
11. Matt Daykin, Port Melbourne (Victorian Turf)
Scored a mountain of runs for Port in the VTCA after joining the club from the Sydney Grade competition in 2008-09. Cracked a double century in his first season, one of his 13 three-figures scores (he also hit 28 half-centuries). Finished at Port with more than 5000 runs and an average close to 53. What a cricketer.
10. Brendan Ricci, Mooroolbark (Ringwood District CA)
The former first-class Victorian cricketer dazzled with the bat, gathering thousands of runs to help Mooroolbark to multiple premierships. Also enjoyed a stint at Premier level with Ringwood, where he’s also revered among the greats.
9. Brad Erasmus, South Caulfield (Cricket Southern Bayside)
What a player. The Englishman has plundered 3264 runs, at 54, in CSB since joining South Caulfield in 2018-19, announcing his arrival with a 912-run campaign. There’s been eight centuries and one double ton. Throw in 49 wickets, multiple premierships, a league MVP and captaincy duties and Erasmus is a champion.
8. Sam Coates, Beaumaris (Cricket Southern Bayside)
The record-breaking Prahran wicketkeeper has been a superb player in CSB, peeling off 2849 runs, at 40, in six seasons with Beauie, including a golden 2020-21 summer when he was crowned the Championship Division MVP after hitting 707 runs at 58.9, including successive centuries. And, at 41, he’s still keeping as well as ever.
7. Daniel Watson, Buckley Ridges (Dandenong District)
With bat or ball, Watson has regularly won matches for Buckley, blasting out centuries with clean hitting in the top-order and skittling batting line-ups with his right-arm pace. Make no mistake, he bowled quickly before a back injury got the better of him. Has hit 13 centuries for the Bucks’ top team, including a helter-skelter 188 not out in the 2012-13 grand final against Mordialloc.
6. Justin Baker, Yarraville Club (Victorian Turf)
Arguably the best batsman in VTCA history, Baker scored runs for fun and led Yarraville to a 10 Senior Division premierships. Scored more than 500 runs in a season nine times with a best of 798 in 2006-07, averaging 61.38 and scoring three centuries, but was pipped for what would have been back-to-back Paxino Medals. He‘d won it the season before after scoring 729 runs at 60.75 with three tons. Scored 21 Senior Division 1 hundreds in a sparkling career. Knocked up 212 not out on debut for Buckley Park in the NWMCA in 2019-20 too.
5. Alex Jesensek, Rivergum, Thomastown, Camrea (North Metro)
A revered name in the NMCA as a four-time Bill McFarlane Medal winner – 1992-93, 2002-03, 2006-07 and 2013-14 – and one of the league’s all-time leading run-scorers. From 2002-03 to 2008-09 Jesensek scored 4820 runs for Thomastown, including 14 centuries with a high score of 199. He then proceeded to rack up another 4856 runs, scoring six tons and a high score of 170 not out at Rivergum. Enjoyed a career-best season in 2003-04, smashed 1010 runs at 112.22 but was pipped to the league medal by Damien Sampimon and Grant Turnbull.
4. Craig Slocombe, Springvale South (Dandenong District)
The left-hander had stints at Hallam Kalora Park and Parkmore in the Dandenong and District competition, but he’ll always be associated with Springvale South, where he was captain and coach, played in four Turf 1 premierships and cracked thousands of runs at the top of the list. He scored at a furious rate, playing shots to all parts of the ground with a pleasing technique he developed in the Bloods’ juniors. An easy swing of the bat was enough to send the ball scorching to the fence or quite often over it. Slocombe is in the DDCA hall of fame – and doubtless is in the memory of the bowlers he tore into, often from the first ball of the match.
3. Jason Fraser, Monbulk (Ferntree Gully DCA)
They call him “The Great Man’’, and Ferntree Gully and District association officials say Fraser is impossible to dislike, even among bowlers he has been putting on the rack for years. Fraser has scored more than 20 First XI centuries for his club, figured in premierships, won two top-grade best and fairest medals, piled up batting and bowling awards at club and competition level, and dominated Country Week carnivals. He also played some First XI Premier Cricket for Richmond in the 1990s. It’s probably inadequate to describe him as a great player. Legend is more accurate.
2. Nathan Walsh, Lysterfield (Ferntree Gully DCA)
Unstoppable batsman for Lysterfield in the Ferntree Gully and District Association following a decade at Premier level with Ringwood, knocking tons galore for the Beavers who’ve won four flags in a row. Champion.
- Steve Spoljaric, Parkfield, Cranbourne, Springvale South (Dandenong District)
The all-rounder won a Ryder Medal in Victorian Premier Cricket, so it was no surprise he had so much success at three clubs in the Dandenong and District association. By the time he had headed bush, he’d built a remarkable record and a reputation as arguably the best player seen in the competition. “Spolly’’ won six Wookey Medals as the best and fairest player in Turf 1, blazed 19 centuries and carried Parkfield and Cranbourne to premierships. Across nine seasons he scored 7234 runs and took 280 wickets. His standing at local grounds was clear-cut as his cover drive: he was a champion.
Country Week grand finals decided in thrilling circumstances
Melbourne Country Week drew to a close on Friday afternoon and there was a series of stunning grand finals including one which went down to the final. Here’s how they played out.
The issue plaguing Narre South ahead of relegation fight
Narre South captain-coach Jeevan Mendis has thrown down the gauntlet to his batsmen as a four-way DDCA Turf 1 relegation dogfight looms.