Premier Cricket 2024-25: Ringwood’s David King bolts to second Jack Ryder Medal

Five years ago, David King accepted Victorian Premier Cricket’s highest individual accolade from his living room in the middle of the day. A far cry from his second gong on Friday night, as the champion opens up on the honour.

David King won a second Ryder Medal on Friday night. Photo by Liz Vagg

FIVE years ago, casually clad in a T-shirt, shorts and UGG boots, David King accepted Victorian Premier Cricket’s highest individual accolade from the confines of his home in the middle of the day.

It’s a far cry from his latest triumph.

The Ringwood captain put a resounding full-stop on one of the great seasons on Friday night, bolting to a second Jack Ryder Medal in the equal second-biggest winning vote margin and equal second-highest polling for a winner in the history of the award.

Romping to 43 votes – 14 clear of Richmond heavy-hitter Jonathan D’Rozario – the 34-year-old’s 775-run, 29-wicket campaign also took in the highs of a 300th First XI match and an 11,000th career run.

But perhaps the biggest thrill for King came as the shackles of Covid’s 2020 lockdown – present for his last Ryder win – bore a distant memory to a buzzing Melbourne Cricket Ground dining room to toast his second crown.

“This time it was good to actually celebrate with people from the club, especially the volunteers and committee – they put a lot of time in,” King said, this time sporting the suit and tie.

“My mum and dad came, my wife (Olivia) was there so it was nice to have a bit more of a celebration, and chatting to players that I’ve played against for years, it’s a much nicer way than last time, but it was what it was at the time.”

David King took 29 wickets this season. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

King becomes just the seventh player to win multiple Ryder medals, joining the esteemed company of Warren Ayres, Brett Forsyth, John Grant, Graeme Rummans, Keith Stackpole and Warren Whiteside.

“To be alongside that group of names is pretty special,” King said.

“It’s always nice to win an award like that – there’s just so many great players that have won the award and have gone on to bigger and better things.

“You go into the year with that real team focus and at the end of the day, it’s still nice to get some recognition when I’ve had one of my better years.”

The former Australian under-19 and state representative became a father for the first time ahead of last season, and said the big life change had only improved his cricket since tying for the gong with Essendon’s James Seymour in 2019-20.

“I’ve sort of scaled back the amount of training I do and how many balls I hit because since I’ve had (son) Henley, my performances have been better,” he said.

“The last (Ryder) was a bit of a surprise – it wasn’t my strongest year and I wasn’t really thinking about it to be honest, but with this one, it probably was my best all-round year and we were able to make the semi-final but were affected by rain.

“My performances leading the team to another finals campaign makes it a bit more special.

“The recognition of being the best player in the comp is certainly something to be proud of.”

David King of Ringwood walks out for his 300th game. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

And Ringwood coach Sean Flynn – also a former captain of King’s – said Friday’s achievement was one of his proudest moments as a mentor.

“It’s been really cool (to watch), because he’s obviously been a champion player for a long time … even in his 30s he’s still striving to improve, he’s lifted his game again, playing with a bit more freedom and a bit more positivity which is really making him a really dominant player,” Flynn said.

“He’s (still) continuing to improve his game which is what the great players are able to do.”

Also named captain of the Team of the Year, King declared he would play on next season.

“I’ll take it year by year – I think we’ve got the side to compete for the ultimate goal and I’m hoping I can lead that team.”