We rank country Victoria’s best cricketers since 2000
Regional Victoria has been the breeding ground for international cricket stars and local heroes since 2000. We rank the very best. See who came in at number one.
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Over the past two decades Victoria has been among the best when it comes to producing talent and beating the rest of the country.
Multiple Sheffield Shield titles, One Day Cups and T20 titles have established the state as a leader.
It’s also produced quality talent, especially from the country.
From Australian captains, to test stars to those who have led Victoria to glory, country cricket has produced it all.
It’s also produced a plethora of local legends who have taken their respective competitions by storm.
This list looks to recognise them all, the best players from country Victoria this millennium.
If you want to see who has done well this year, head here to see the leading run scorers and wicket takers.
Here is the list, which includes a ranking of the top 20 to have come from the area from 2000 to now.
Mick Allen, Riddell and Gisborne (Gisborne and District)
A dominant player in recent years with bat and ball after previously playing Subbies cricket. Allen has scored almost 2000 runs in the past four seasons, despite Covid interruptions, and has taken 72 wickets. In 2019/20, Allen was player of the year.
Stuart Anderson, Collegians (Sale Maffra)
One of the leading players of the past two decades in the Sale Maffra Cricket Association. The fast bowler has won the player of the year award at least half a dozen times and has the most wickets, according to MyCricket. Anderson is still playing as well, taking five wickets this season in seven matches to take his tally to more than 500 in all competitions.
Kaushik Aphale, Latrobe (Latrobe Valley)
A two-time player of the year who impressed during his five years in the competition. The all-rounder took more than 50 wickets and made almost 3000 runs.
Hamish Bailey, College (Hamilton)
Last season at the age of 42, Bailey was named in the Victorian Country Cricket League team of the year. The batter guided his team to the premiership in the Hamilton District Cricket Association, scoring more than 700 runs. Bailey is currently second on the list of runs scored in the competition on MyCricket, amassing more than 7000 runs. He’s ageing like a fine wine.
Nic Baird, Youth Club (Grampians)
A fast scoring, dynamic batter who has made more than 4000 runs in Grampians cricket. Baird has won the Greg Goldsmith award as the best player in the competition three times and has represented GCA several times. The Youth Club star has also won multiple batting awards.
Simon Baker, Bookaar (South West)
Baker is a four-time player of the year and the leading run scorer in the competition in the past two decades. According to MyCricket, he has more than 5800 runs. Baker can also bowl, taking more than 200 wickets in the top grade. The all-rounder might be in his mid 40s but he’s still playing the game, making three appearances this year in A-grade.
Jayaweera Bandara, Russells Creek (Warrnambool)
A two-time player of the year, Bandera scored more 4700 runs in his career in all competitions. A handy batter who previously played top cricket in Sri Lanka.
Sam Batson, Western Park (Warragul)
The all-rounder is the leading wicket taker in A-grade according to MyCricket and is closing on 500 wickets in all competitions. Batson has also made 5000 runs in the Warragul District Cricket Association. In 2021, Batson was close to winning a competition to become a Melbourne Renegade.
Taylor Beard, Echuca (Goulburn Murray)
One of the greats of Goulburn Murray cricket. Beard is a five-time player of the year, winning the coveted prize again last season. He’s scored more than 4000 runs in all competitions in the past decade and shows no signs of slowing down. This season, Beard has already scored 570 runs at an average of 70. Beard is also just as destructive with the ball and has claimed more than 250 wickets including more than 40 this season already.
Rob Bedford, Frankston YCW (Mornington Peninsula)
Regarded by many as the best batsman to come from the Peninsula. The left-hander hit the ball hard and was prolific at both club and Country Week level.
Terry Beks, Dennington (Warrnambool)
The medium pacer is one of the stalwarts of the competition, playing more than 400 matches for Dennington, Bek is one of the leading wicket takers in the top grade with more than 700. Beks might be in his late 50s but it doesn’t stop him still playing Division 1 most weekends.
Heath Behrens, Bendigo United (Bendigo)
The leading run scorer in the history of first grade in Bendigo and the leading century scorer. And he did most of it this millennium. Behrens also has the highest ever score in the competition. The first drop batter also won two premierships with the club before retiring in 2017.
Jarrod Blandford, Tatyoon Cricket Club (Grampians)
A dynamic batter, leader and fielder who could run out the best in the competition. Blandford has scored more than 5000 runs including more than 10 centuries. The all round player won five A-grade premierships and has represented the GCA multiple times.
Rohan Blandford, Meerlieu (Bairnsdale)
Well on his way to becoming one of the leading runscorers in the competition. He’s made more than 4500 runs in A-grade and has hit eight centuries including one last weekend at an average of 32. By the time he’s finished, Blandford could be the number one on MyCricket for most runs.
Gavin Bowles, White Hills (Bendigo)
The leading run scorer for his club during the past two decades and one of the best batsmen in the competition. Has made more than 10 centuries in his career in the first grade. He’s still playing top level cricket now despite being almost 40.
Ben Boyd, Russells Creek (Warrnambool)
One of the leading bowlers this decade for club, region and Victoria Country. Boyd has taken more than 300 wickets in Division 1 for Russell Creek. He’s also captained Victoria Country and represented the team on multiple occasions.
Kent Braden, City Colts (Wangaratta)
The all-rounder is one of the leading runscorers in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association. The stalwart, with more than 300 appearances, has scored more than 5700 runs in all A-grade competitions but only one century in that time. Braden has also taken plenty of wickets, with more than 480 o date. There is no stopping the City Colts player, who is still playing to this day.
Marc Brilliant, Swifts/Great Western (Grampians)
A seven-time premiership winner who knew how to perform on the biggest day. Brilliant has taken more than 650 wickets in his career in the Grampians with more than 50 of those coming in grand finals. The bowler is a three-time grand final best on ground medallist.
Gavin Britt, Wonthaggi (Leongatha)
A hall-of-fame player at Wonthaggi. Britt has the second most runs in Leongatha District Cricket Association history with more than 6800 runs and 14 centuries. The talented batsman has won the batting award twice and was named in the Victoria Country Cricket League team of the year in 2013.
Chris Burkett, Romsey (Gisborne and District)
One of the best all-rounders to play in the competition. Burkett has made more than 5000 runs in the association and also taken more than 150 wickets. In 2016-17, he was named player of the year after scoring more than 640 runs and taking more than 20 wickets.
Adrian Burgiel, Maffra, Collegians, Bundalaguah, Boisdale-Briagolong (Sale Maffra)
Has won the player of the year award at least three times in his career. Was also named in the team of the decade from 2000-10. A dominant player at four clubs, the top order batsman has made more than 5000 runs with 15 centuries. A handy bowler as well, Burgiel has taken more than 100 wickets in the competition.
Nick Butters, Woodford (Warrnambool)
One of the leading batters in the past decade. Butters has scored more than 7000 runs in all competitions but in the past few years has thrived in the top division. The Woodford player scored more than 500 runs in six of his past seven years with a highest season score of 791. His overall runs have him third on MyCricket.
Patrick Caldwell, Swan Hill RSL (Swan Hill)
The leading wicket ticker in A-grade this millennium in the Swan Hill District Association. Caldwell has taken more than 380 wickets in his career to date, according to MyCricket, with more than 360 coming in A-grade.
Nat Campbell, Traralgon Imperials, Gormandale (Traralgon)
A leg spin bowler who has taken the most wickets in a season on four occasions. In those four seasons he took 160 wickets. Overall in the past nine season he took more than 230 wickets.
Matt Cape, Darley (Ballarat)
A two-time player of the year, back-to-back, in 2012-13 and 2013-14. A fine all-rounder who was one of the leading players for Darley in the Ballarat competition for the past decade. In the seasons he won the medal, he averaged more than 500 runs and took almost 40 wickets during the two years.
Luke Carter, Strathmerton (Murray Valley)
A Victorian Country representative who has starred with the bat in the Murray Valley Cricket Association. The batter scored more than 6500 runs in a decade from 2005 to 2015. In two seasons, Carter scored more than 900 runs. Handy with the ball as well the Strathmerton star took more than 250 wickets during the period he dominated with bat.
Davin Charleston, Morwell (Latrobe Valley)
A four-time player of the year including a run of three in a row. A talented batter and bowler, Charleston has been playing for more 20 years. The Morwell gun has scored more than 7000 runs in his career, including five centuries and 30 half centuries. With the ball, Charleston has taken more than 500 wickets.
Richard Clark, Colts Phelan (Maryborough and District)
The best bowler of the past decade and is probably the best this millennium. Clark has taken more than 250 wickets over the past 15 years. This included a 55-wicket season in 2014-15. In six seasons the fast bowler averaged more than 20 wickets a season and he had three seasons of over 40.
Jack Craig, Wodonga (Albury Wodonga)
A two-time player of the year award winner. Craig is an all-rounder who is a versatile batsmen and more than capable off spinner. He’s made more than 3000 runs in Albury Wodonga Cricket and taken more than 140 wickets. Recently, he’s joined Williamstown to play Subbies cricket.
John Crawford, Grampians (Hamilton)
The leading wicket taker, according to MyCricket, in the competition in the past two decades. In all grades, Crawford took more than 500 wickets. A prominent player in the 90s and 2000s, the bowler played until 2019 but played in the lower grades in the final few years of his career.
Sam Cocks, Swifts Great Western CC (Grampians)
One of the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the competition for the past two decades. Cocks has had nearly 200 catches with the gloves and scored more than 5500 runs in the Grampians competition. He’s also a seven time A-Grade premiership winner and represented the GCA on several occasions.
Dylan Cuttriss, Rochester (Goulburn Murray)
An all-rounder who has scored almost 4000 runs and taken almost 400 wickets. Cuttriss won the Goulburn Murray Cricket Association player of the year in 2014-15 and was the man of the match in the grand final, which Rochester won, in 2018-19.
Greg Daniel, North Albury (Albury Wodonga)
A three-time player of the year in Albury Wodonga. An all-rounder who is among the best with both bat and ball. Daniel is fifth in the competition all time with wickets and eighth in runs. He has taken more than 270 scalps and made more than 4300 runs.
Levi Dare, Stoneyford (Colac)
A two-time Bill Johnston Medallist and premiership player. An all-rounder who has made more than 3000 runs and more than 200 wickets in the competition.
Joe Dare, Stoneyford (Colac)
A premiership player and three-time Bill Johnston Medallist. According to MyCricket, he has more than 3000 runs in the past few years at just under 30.
Simon Dart, Red Hill (Mornington Peninsula)
At Red Hill they call him “The GOAT’’. The former Victorian player and District cricket star joined Red Hill in 2012 and has steered the club to three premierships. He made 133no in the 2016-17 grand final and has churned out over 5000 runs, at an average of 58, with 13 centuries and 33 half centuries.
Martin Dell, Maryborough (Marybrough and District)
One of the most consistent batsman in the competition over the past decade and a half. Has scored more than 3600 runs at an average of 37. In 23 of his innings, he has been not out and Dell has averaged more than 40 in seven seasons.
Peter Dell, Outtrim Moyarra Kongwak (Leongatha)
Has the chance to take his 400th A-grade wicket in the Leongatha District Cricket Association over the next few weeks with the bowler currently on 398. He’s taken 10 wickets this season. Dell was the leading bowler of the competition in 2015-16 and has taken more than 550 wickets in his career.
Ben Devanny, Strathfieldsaye (Bendigo)
One of the best all-rounders in the competition this millennium. Devanney can bat, bowl and be a wicketkeeper when needed. Devanney has scored almost 6000 runs and taken 300 wickets in his time in the competition. He’s also been the player of the year in the competition.
Dwayne Doig, Cardinia (West Gippsland/Casey Cardinia)
The leading wicket taker in the West Gippsland Cricket Association this millennium. Doig has claimed more than 600 wickets for Cardinia in First XI cricket. The spinner is a life member at the club and in time will be remembered as a great of WPCA and Casey Cardinia Cricket Association.
Shaun Downie, Cobram (Murray Valley)
The all-rounder returned to Cobram this year after leaving the club at the end of 2017 to play for Numurkah and Katandra in Cricket Shepparton. In Murray Valley, Downie is a gun with bat and ball. He is second in most runs scored, according to MyCricket, and third in wickets taken. The Cobram player is 56 away from 6000 runs in what has been a decorated career so far.
Bryan Doyle, Central Park-St Brendans (Shepparton)
A former first class cricket for Victoria who returned home in the 2000s to dominate with the ball in Shepparton. Doyle was part of Central Park-St Brendans seven premiership dynasty from 2004 to 2010, taking more than 100 wickets in that period. He represented Victoria Country and Cricket Shepparton as well and was named in CS’s team of the century.
William Dundon, Tallarook (Seymour)
One of the best bowlers this decade who has one of the best averages on MyCricket. Dundon has more than 230 wickets in his career with more than 140 coming in A-grade. He took his best figures, 7-37, in a grand final as Tallarook won its second title in a row in 2020.
William Fary, Merrivale (Warrnambool)
The all-rounder is in the top three runs scorers and wicket takers in the competition over the past 20 years. In first grade the leg spinner has taken more than 500 wickets and overall in his career almost 1000. When you add his more than 5000 runs scored in first grade and more than 10,000 overall it is clear Fary is one of the best in recent times.
Stephen Field, Grampians (Hamilton)
The leading run scorer on MyCricket for the competition and one of the best players in the competition in the 90s and 2000s. Field is now working with Cricket Victoria and the Western Waves, helping to develop the next talented athletes in that area of the state.
Daniel Fisk, Riddell (Gisborne and District)
One of the leading batsmen in the competition for the past decade. Fisk made more than 4000 runs for Riddell, including eight centuries and helped guide the side to multiple McIntyre Cup wins. Was capable of playing an innings that took contests away from the opposition.
Simon Gardiner, Drouin (Warragul)
The second leading wicket taker in A-grade according to MyCricket with more than 310 wickets. Overall, Gardiner has more than 450 in all competitions.
Matt Goonan, Mount Clear (Ballarat)
A two-time player of the year who dominated the competition for years with the bat. In 2009-10, he led the competition in runs with 725. Goonan is still playing, despite being over 40, and has made more than 3500 runs in the past decade for the club.
Dean Gray, St Leonards & Portarlington (Bellarine)
A three-time player of the year in the competition. Gray holds the record for the most wickets in the season, with 63 set in 1998, but he’s been a valuable players in the 2000s and even in the 2010s and recently. Capable of batting well too.
Ben Grinter, Jan Juc (Bellarine)
A batsmen who has dominated the competition over the past few years. Grinter has scored more than 8000 runs in more than 220 matches. This includes nine centuries in the past eight years. Grinter is now playing in the Geelong Cricket Association with Bell Park.
Zac Guilfoyle, Wangaratta (Wangaratta)
One of the leading bowlers in the competition for the past few years. Guilfoyle has taken almost 400 wickets in all competitions and almost 300 wickets in A-grade. A leading player for his club who has won the A-grade player of the year multiple times. In six seasons he’s taken more than 20 wickets in A-grade.
Benjamin Gunn, Golden Square, Strathfieldsaye and Bendigo United (Bendigo)
Another gun batsmen who destroyed teams, especially from 2010-19. He scored the most runs during that period with more than 5000. This included 15 centuries and a player of the year award in 2015-16.
Brent Hamblin, Kangaroo Flat (Bendigo)
One of the best fast bowlers in the competition. Hamblin has taken more than 250 wickets during his time at Kangaroo Flat. The fast bowler is also a Bendigo representative on multiple occasions and has won the best-and-fairest at club level.
Kent Hammond, Gormandale (Traralgon)
The leading run scorer in the competition this millennium. The top order batsman has made more than 6400 runs with 10 centuries at an average of more than 41. The Gormandale star has been the best player in the competition three times.
Simon Harman, Gisborne (Gisborne and District)
One of the best cricketers and leaders in the competition. Harman scored more than 4000 runs for Gisborne during his career in the McIntyre Cup. The batsman has also won multiple premierships at the club. Harman was also the best player in the competition in 2008/09. A previous coach at Gisborne too.
Simon Harkness, Heytesbury Rebels (South West)
In the top-five in leading runscorers in the South West Cricket Association. Harkness has represented South West and was captain of the team last season. The talented batsman has one of the highest averages in the competition, at 35, and has made eight centuries.
Gerard Hickey, Alvie (Colac)
A three-time Bill Johnston Medal for Division 1. Averaged more than 30 with the bat in the past decade and took more than 110 wickets with the ball.
David Hogarth, Workers Gol Gol (Sunraysia)
A three-time player of the year from 2003-09, the all-rounder was one of the best in the first part of the millennium. With the bat, Hogarth made more than 2200 runs in all competitions and took more than 100 wickets.
Chris Hopper, Homers (Horsham)
The former Premier Cricket player returned home to Horsham to dominate with bat and ball in the 2000s and 2010s. Hopper is second and third respectively in runs and wickets in the competition. Hopper has scored more than 4000 runs and taken more than 250 wickets.
Simon Hopper, Homers (Horsham)
Leads the Horsham Cricket Association statistics in runs and wickets this millennium. The all-rounder has taken more than 280 wickets and scored more than 5000 runs. An opening batsman and an off-spinner, Hopper has won Horsham’s highest honour, the player of the year, on multiple occasions.
Craig Howard, Sandhurst, Strathdale-Maristians (Bendigo)
One of the best spin bowlers in the competition for the past 20 years. Howard played 16 first class games for Victoria, taking 40 wickets, before retiring and returning to club cricket. The talented player dominated at local level, winning premierships and being the best player in the competition multiple times.
Brendan Huf, St Andrews (Hamilton)
A Vic Country representative and one of the finest batsmen to play in the Hamilton District association this millennium. Huf scored 21 centuries in all competitions for St Andrews and more than 7000 runs. To show he’s still got it, Huf has already scored a century this seasonon. The top order batsman, for a period of time, also player Premier Cricket in Melbourne.
James Hughes, Sunbury United (Gisborne and District)
One of the leading wicket takers this millennium in the competition. The fast bowler has taken almost 300 wickets for his club and made more than 2000 runs. Importantly, Hughes has guided Sunbury United as captain to multiple titles in the early 2010s.
Thomas Hussey, Tooradin (Casey Cardinia)
Has made the most centuries in the millennium with 12. Hussey averages 45 with the bat and has made almost 5000 runs.
Jon Hyde, Rovers United Bruck (Wangaratta)
A dynamic figure for his club, Hyde has delivered with both bat and ball for the club over the past 20 years. He’s made more than 5000 runs and taken more than 350 wickets in all competitions.he all-rounder has also won cricketer of the year for the competition in A-grade.
Robert Jackson, Wodonga/Lavington (Albury Wodonga)
The leading run scorer in the history of Cricket Albury Wodonga. Jackson has scored more than 7000 runs and has 14 centuries, including a high score of 241. Still playing cricket now, despite nearing 50, Jackson is also an assistant coach at the Melbourne Renegades.
Al Jenkin, Glengarry (Traralgon)
The best player in the Traralgon Cricket Association competition in two of the past three seasons. The top order batsmen is already carving his way to being one of the greats of the competition. Jenkin has made almost 1900 runs for his club in seven seasons and was the leading run scorer in the competition last season.
Paull Jeffrey, Mount Clear (Ballarat)
A talented player in the first part of the millennium. He won the player of the year in 2001-02 and was the leading run scorer in the same season. Jeffrey has played more than 350 games for Mount Clear and has scored more than 9500 runs. Both are among the best for the team.
Eamon Johnson, Wendouree (Ballarat)
A two-time player of the year. The paceman was the leading wicket taker in the competition for four seasons. Johnson could also bat, providing valuable contributions lower down the order when needed.
Chris Keady, Karramomus (Shepparton)
A middle order batsmen who was a more than handy bowler. He scored more than 5000 runs, made seven centuries and also took more than 450 wickets. His form was good enough to be selected for not only Cricket Shepparton but for Vic Country. The batsman also won six Lightfoot Medals as the best player in the competition. He was named in the team of the century for Cricket Shepparton.
Andrew Kent, Kyabram Fire Brigade (Goulburn Murray)
A two-time medal winner in Goulburn Murray Cricket and a five-time premiership player. Dynamic with the bat during his career.
Daniel Kent, Kyabram Fire Brigade (Goulburn Murray)
The leading run scorer in the last decade in the competition with more than 4000 runs. Kent, who has two other brothers in the competition, has made five centuries during that time. The Kyabram Fire Brigade player has won seven premierships in his time.
Dale Kerr, Anglesea (Bellarine)
A five-time premiership player and four-time player of the year in Bellarine. In recent years, he’s been the best player in the competition, winning the award in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. Kerr has represented Victoria Country as well during his career. An all-rounder, Kerr has taken more than 350 wickets and scored more than 3500 runs. He is currently playing with North Geelong.
Nathan King, Collegians, Bundalaguah (Sale Maffra)
Won the player of the year award in the Sale Maffra Cricket Association on at least five occasions. Great with bat or ball, King also played in multiple premierships. King was particularly dominant from 1998 to 2005 when he won four player of the year awards during that time.
Gamini Kumara, Yarragon (Warragul)
The leading run scorer in the competition this millennium. Kumara hit more than 7500 runs for Yarragon and hit 13 centuries. He also took almost 300 wickets. Kumara won the player of the year award twice and was named in the Victorian Country Cricket League team of the year twice.
Andrew Lade, St Patricks/Tallangatta (Albury Wodonga)
A star of the competition. Lade won five player of the year awards in Albury Wodonga. The talented all-rounder made more than 500 runs a year in at least 11 seasons and took five wickets in an innings on more than 20 occasions. His feats earned him a position in the Albury Wodonga hall of fame.
Todd Lamont, Mortlake (South West)
A Victoria Country representative who is among the best in South West with bat and ball. Lamont has made more than 5500 runs and taken more than 280 wickets. With the ball, Lamont consistently had seasons of more than 20 wickets taken.
Rohan Larkin, Central Park-St Brendans and Stanhope (Shepparton)
The former Victorian first class player dominated attacks in Shepparton once he moved back home. For Central Park-St Brendans he scored more than 6000 runs, which included more than 15 centuries. Larkin also took more than 100 wickets with his off-spin. His performances were rewarded with Larkin being named in the team of the century.
Damien Logan, St Andrews (Hamilton)
Played more than 300 games in the competition for St Andrews and has been one of the best with bat and ball. Logan has taken more than 300 wickets with the ball and made more than 4000 runs.
Fraser Lucas, Bookarr (South West)
The leading wicket taker in South West over the past 20 years. Lucas has more than 330 wickets at almost two a game. Lucas is also inside the top six in runs, scoring more than 4000 in his career so far and making seven centuries.
Greg Luscombe, Mooroopna (Shepparton)
One of the most talented batsman to come from Shepparton, Luscombe was a star in the 90s and early 2000s. He scored more than 6000 runs, and made seven centuries. Luscombe was named in the team of the century for Cricket Shepparton.
Sean Lynch, Colac West (Colac)
A left-handed batter who was a run machine in the Colac and District Cricket Association. Lynch, who was also a premiership player, played in the 90s and 2000s.
Justin Maley, Barooga (Murray Valley)
An all-rounder who has been one of the best bowlers in the competition this millennium. Maley is second in wickets with more than 300, which has included 14 five-wicket hauls. The Barooga player has represented his region on a few occasions.
Andrew Matthews, Ex-Students (Traralgon)
A six-time premiership player who is the leading wicket taker in his local competition. Matthews has taken more than 400 scalps, including nine five-wicket hauls.
Ash McCafferty, North Ballarat, Wendouree (Ballarat)
The leading wicket taker in recent years. McCafferty has led all comers in four of the past five years, averaging more than 30 a season. The fast bowler has taken more than 230 wickets in his career.
Jason McGann, Sunbury (Gisborne and District)
He might have only played a couple of seasons but McGann left a massive mark on the competition. The all-rounder took more than 200 wickets including three seasons of more than 50 wickets. McGann also won the player of the year award twice.
Paul McGrath, Portarlington (Bellarine)
A four-time premiership player and player of the year winner four times in the Bellarine Peninsula competition. A gun batsmen and bowler who is among the all-time leaders in both runs and wickets over a career spanning more than 20 years. Could be argued he is the best player ever to come from the Bellarine.
Clinton Midgley, Rup-Minyip (Horsham)
One of the leading all-rounders in the competition in the past decade. Midgley has taken more than 200 wickets and made more than 2000 runs in A-grade.
Jordan Moran, Grovedale (Geelong)
A Jack Sing medal winner who has represented both Victoria Country and NSW Country multiple times. A top order batsman who has averaged more than 500 runs in the past three seasons. In 2019-20 he was named as the best in the competition.
Paul Morgan, Rup-Minyip (Horsham)
A few years ago at the ripe age of almost 50, Morgan came in at number eight and smashed 137 in a few overs as he hit 15 sixes. That’s how good Morgan is. He’s been one of the best batters of the past four decades. Morgan has won an incredible 17 A-grade premierships, according to the Horsham Cricket Association, with six of those coming as captain from 1999 to 2006. In 2015 he was named in the hall of fame.
Dean Morpeth, Woorinen (Swan Hill)
The leading run scorer this millennium in the competition. Morpeth has made more than 5500 runs in all competitions, including nine centuries.
David Murphy, Pomborneit (South West)
A leading batter in the South West competition the Pomborneit player is one of the best this millennium. He’s made more than 5000 runs and recently helped his team to win the T20 competition. Capable of scoring quickly, and batting for long periods, Murphy has done it all in the South West.
Mark Murphy, Brierly Christ Church Cricket (Warrnambool)
One cricketer to win three player of the year awards in the Warrnambool and District competition. According to MyCricket, the talented top three batsman has scored more than 6000 runs.
Nathan Murphy, Brierly Christ Church (Warrnambool)
One of the finest batters in Warrnambool over the past two decades. Murphy has made more than 10,000 runs in all competitions. Murphy also knows how to take a wicket, claiming more than 300 in his career. The talented all-rounder is still playing to this day and has represented Warrnambool at Country Week on multiple occasions, including as captain of the team.
Darcy Murray, Wy Yung (Bairnsdale)
The second leading wicket taker in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association this millennium. Murray is about to bring up 400 wickets in the competition. The bowler can also bat, making more than 2500 runs in his career.
Travis Nicholson, Navarre and Swifts/Great Western (Grampians)
One of the most dominant batsmen in the Grampians over the past two decades. He has scored more than 7000 runs in the competition, although the figure is higher with stats not kept for some years. Nicholson has also take more than 150 wickets, and had more than 120 catches. The stalwart is also an eight time grand final winner in the competition and represented the GCA in rep cricket multiple times.
Chris O’Hara, Koo Wee Rup (Casey Cardinia)
Still playing A-grade, well into his 40s. O’Hara has been a stalwart of Kooweerup, helping the team to multiple premierships in the West Gippsland Cricket Association, now Casey Cardinia Cricket Association, over the past decade. O’Hara has made more than 6000 runs in A-grade in the competition, making eight centuries. A star of the competition.
Callum O’Hare, Tooradin (Casey Cardinia)
Top two in both wickets and scoring runs in the competition according to MyCricket. O’Hare has also been part of the competition for the best part of 15 years. An all-rounder, he’s taken more than 250 wickets and made more than 5500 runs. This has included seven centuries.
Ben Oliver, Castlemaine
The former Victorian first class and List A player made almost 20 appearances for the Bushrangers during the early 2000s. The bowler, who was also a lower order big hitter, struggled with injury throughout, which limited his opportunities to progress his game. In later years he became involved in the behind the scenes of the game and is now the executive general manager at Cricket Australia.
Sean O’Neill, East Belmont (Geelong)
A multiple Jack Sing Medal winner and multiple premiership player. The only batsmen in the history of the competition to make 1000 runs in a season. O’Neill achieved the feat in 2018-19 and almost did it again in 2020-21.
Darin Ohlsen, Tongala (Goulburn Murray)
One of the best bowlers in the past decade but the all-rounder can bat too. Ohlsen has made almost 2000 runs in the past decade of playing and taken almost 200 wickets. He was named as the best in the competition in 2018-19. The all-rounder is now playing in Cricket Shepparton.
Richie Oliver, Geelong City (Geelong)
An English import and a Jack Sing Medal winner. Oliver is arguably the best import to have landed on these shores. In eight seasons playing for Geelong City, Oliver played 97 matches, scored more than 5100 runs and hit 21 centuries.
Jeff Parker, Alvie (Colac)
A five-time Bill Johnston Medal winner and a gun batsman who excelled in the 90s and the early 2000s.
Steven Paterson, Gisborne and Riddell (Gisborne and District)
The only three-time player of the year in the Gisborne and District competition this millennium. He did it with two clubs, Gisborne and Riddell.
Greg Pearse, Bamawm-Lockington United Cricket Club (Goulburn Murray)
An all-rounder who has been one of the best in the competition for almost two decades. Pearse has made more than 6000 runs and taken more than 180 wickets.
Jason Perera, Port Fairy (Warrnambool)
One of the leading all-rounders in the competition for the past few years. An opening batsmen who can terrorise opposition bowlers, Perera was also a leading wicket taker in the competition. In two seasons he was the best player in the competition. Perera is still playing Division 1.
Sahan Perera, Leongatha Town (Leongatha)
The best player in the competition the past three years. Perera last season scored more than 1000 runs and took more than 20 wickets in the top grade. Perera has more than 3000 runs in all grades since he started playing for the club in 2018-19.
Andrew Philip, Moe (Latrobe Valley)
A three-time player of the year in the competition. The talented batsman has made the most runs for Moe in the past two decades, and is almost at 10,000 in all competitions. Philip has made 24 centuries and more than 50 half centuries in his career to date. The Moe player is also a leader, captaining the club for the past 10 years. This year, Philip is the leading run scorer at the club, making more than 200 runs already.
Scott Phillips, Hastings and Long Island (Mornington Peninsula)
Was a star of the Mornington Peninsula association for the best part of two decades. A quality left-handed batsman, Phillips scored thousands of runs but it was his deeds as a fast bowler that were unparalleled. With zip and swing, he ripped through batting line-ups regularly, and in 2008-09 captured 10-44 against Sorrento in a Provincial First XI game.
Robert Phoenix, Moe and Mirboo North (Latrobe Valley)
A player of the year not only in the last decade, from 2010-2019 but from 2000-10 as well. Phoenix is a four-time winner and the only player this millennium to win the award with two different clubs. He made more than 6000 runs for both clubs, making more than 10 centuries and took more than 250 wickets in his career.
David Puls, Jung Tigers (Horsham)
A medium pacer who is still taking wickets in A-grade more than 15 years after his debut. Puls is second on the list of most wicket takers in the Horsham Cricket Association. Puls has taken 20 wickets or more in eight of the past 14 years.
Ashley Quinn, Nathalia (Murray Valley)
A destroyer of top orders across the Murray Valley. Quinn is the leading wicket taker this millennium, according to MyCricket, claiming more than 450 scalps. He is 100 clear of the next best player. Quinn is a player of the year award winner and has the best figures of 9/34 in a game. On 25 occasions he’s claimed a five-wicket haul. A talented bowler who can also bat. Quinn averages 43 in A-grade and has scored more than 5500 runs.
Luke Quinn, Nathalia (Murray Valley)
Quinn has represented Murray Valley multiple times in representative cricket. He’s one of the leading batsmen in the competition, making more than 5300 runs in his career. This has included eight centuries.
Michael Rantall, Wesley Yambuk, Dennington (Warrnambool)
One of the best bowlers in the competition in the early 2000s. Rantall won two player of the year awards, back-to-back. In those years he took 45 and 43 wickets respectively.
Amila Ratnaike, Leongatha Town (Leongatha)
In a four-year period in the 2010s, Ratnaike was the best player in the competition. The Leongatha Town all-rounder was the best player in the competition in 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17. In that time he made more than 500 runs each season and took more than 25 wickets in three of the four season. A talented player.
Jake Reed, Mildura
A fast bowler who played T20 cricket and a few first class matches for Victoria. Reed played for the Melbourne Renegades and the Hobart Hurricanes. From Mildura, Reed is currently playing for Footscray in the Victorian Premier League.
Cole Roscholler, Wendouree (Ballarat)
The leading runscorers on MyCricket and has dominated with the bat in recent years. The Wendouree top order batsman led the scoring last year with more than 800 runs. He’s scored more than 6000 runs in his career.
David Sharpe, Drouin (Warragul)
One of the leading batsmen in the competition for the past two decades. Sharpe has made more than 5500 runs and has 14 centuries including a double century. One of the stalwarts of the competition who is still playing but now in the lower grades.
Tom Shippen, Toongabbie (Traralgon)
A fast bowler who has taken more than 380 wickets in the Traralgon Cricket Association during his career. Capable of taking key wickets, while also batting well down the order, Shippen has made more than 3300 runs in his career so far.
Nathan Smith, West Bairnsdale (Bairnsdale)
The leading wicket taker in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association this millennium. The fast bowler has taken more than 400 wickets including 18 five-wicket hauls. Smith has also made almost 3000 runs with the bat. In 2013, his performances saw him named in the team of the year for the Victorian Country Cricket League.
Geoff Stewart, West Bairnsdale (Bairnsdale)
The leading run scorer in the association with more than 6000 runs this millennium. Stewart has hit 10 centuries and has an average of more than 36. Stewart also took more than 100 wickets in his career in the competition.
Lee Stockdale, Ex Students (Traralgon)
An all-rounder who is one of the leading run scorers in the Traralgon Cricket Association this millennium. Stockdale has made more than 6300 runs in his career, according to MyCricket, including 10 centuries. The Ex Students gun has been the best player in the competition three times.
Brenton Surrey, Wangaratta/Beechworth (Wangaratta)
One of the leading batters and leaders of the competition, captaining Beechworth for more than a decade. Surrey has made more than 6000 runs in A-grade for two sides and won multiple premierships as well. The stalwart has also been named as player of the season in the competition.
Tony Taig, Kangaroo Flat (Bendigo)
Taig has the second most centuries since the millennium. A dominant player in the early 2000s for Kangaroo Flat, Taig also led the leading runscorers in the competition on multiple occasions. A fine top order batsmen.
Glen Talarico, Geelong West, Murgheboluc and Bell Post Hill (Geelong)
A Jack Sing medal winner who is a classy all-rounder and a premiership player. The left arm fast bowler and handy batter excelled at three clubs in his time in the Geelong Cricket Association.
Dale Tassone, Kilmore (Seymour)
The leading runscorer in the past decade with more than 4500 runs to his name and eight centuries. Tassone was named as the best player in the competition in the 2020/21 season.
Cameron Taylor, Strathdale-Maristians (Bendigo)
A star of the Bendigo competition. Taylor has won the best player award in the competition five times. A talented batsmen who can also bowl leg spin, the Suns player is the leader in runs and wickets on MyCricket. He has scored more than 4500 runs and taken more than 350 wickets in his time in the competition.
Ryan Thomas, Wonthaggi (Leongatha)
Is the leading runscorer in the Leongatha District Cricket Association, according to MyCricket. Thomas has scored more than 8000 runs, in all grades, including five centuries and more than 50 half centuries. The all-rounder is also third in the wicket with more than 380. Thomas was player of the year in 2012-13.
Dale Tormey, Pakenham (Casey Cardinia)
Well on his way to being one of the best to ever batsman in the competition. Tormey has only played 60 A-grade matches but is already in the top 15 of run scorers ever in the competition. He’s made six centuries and averages more than 60 in the competition. The best average of those who have played more than 20 games. Tormey is a former Victorian under-23 and under-19 player and has played in multiple competitions in his career, including Premier Cricket.
Barry Tsitas, Grovedale (Geelong)
A multiple premiership player who is a gun leg-spinner. One of the leading wickettakers in the history of the Geelong Cricket Association, with more than 500 scalps. Tsitas retired at the end of the 2018-19 season.
Paul Trevaskis, Karramomus (Shepparton)
One of the leading scorers in the competition and the leading run scorer for his club. Trevaskis made more than 7000 runs in his career, scoring nine centuries. A prominent player in the 90s and the early to late 2000s.
Tom Vadlja, Mildura East, Irymple (Sunraysia)
The Mildura East and Irymple star dominated in not one decade but three during his career. The batsman leads MyCricket in runs scored but he has plenty more than the 6262 recorded there. Vadlja is a great of Sunraysia cricket.
Corey Walter, Collendina (Bellarine)
A three-time player of the year in the A-grade competition. Walter is also a two-time premiership player. An opening batsman who averaged more than 60 in the eight years from 2010-18, Walter was one of the best batsmen in the competition. He was named as captain in the team of the decade by the BPCA.
Daniel Warwick, Baxter (Mornington Peninsula)
Has racked up 17 centuries and nearly 10,000 runs for Baxter in the past two decades – including a headline-grabbing 305 not out in a Provincial 1st XI match in 2007. Also led the MPCA Country Week team with distinction.
Ben Way, Romsey (Gisborne and District)
A star of the competition in recent years with the bat. Way is a two-time Gisborne and District player of the year. In 2017-18, he was also named captain in the Victorian Country Cricket League team of the year. Way was recognised after smashing 175 for GDCA during Country Week. The farmer has hit nine centuries in the past eight seasons and has made more than 3000 runs.
Cameron White, East Albury (Albury Wodonga)
There’s already one Cameron on this list, (below) why not make it two? This White is a fast bowler who is the leading wicket taker in the Albury Wodonga competition, taking 357 wickets. This includes two 10-wicket hauls in the two-day format. In five seasons in the past decade, White has taken more than 28 wickets.
Tim Wightman, Nerrena (Leongatha)
The leading wickettaker in the Leongatha District Cricket Association for the past two decades with more than 400 wickets. The fast bowler has won the bowling title in A-grade on multiple occasions and also won the player of the year in 2010-11.
Chris Williams, Mildura West (Sunraysia)
A three-time player of the year in the Sunraysia Cricket Association, Williams has been playing for most of the millennium. A talented spinner and batsmen, Williams has made more than 5000 runs in his career and taken more than 250 wickets.
Simon Williams, Stratford (Sale Maffra)
A player who has dominated Sale Maffra for almost two decades but rose to prominence in the first 10 years of the millennium. The fast bowler has taken more than 450 wickets, according to MyCricket, and was listed in the team of the decade from 2000-10.
Bobby Wilson, Moorooduc and Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula)
An absolute run machine. In the past decade he’s twice scored a hat-trick of centuries (three tons in successive innings), achieving it at both Moorooduc and Sorrento. Has scored over 20 First XI centuries.
Damian Woodman, Central Park-St Brendans, Kialla (Shepparton)
A damaging fast bowler who was an imposing figure during the 90s and 2000s. Woodman represented Victoria Country and Australia Country while also winning the bowling award multiple times at Cricket Shepparton.
Ian Wrigglesworth, Boisdale-Briagolong, Wurruk, Bundalaguah, Sale (Sale Maffra)
One of the best with the bat over the past two decades after playing for Victoria in the 90s. Wrigglesworth, for four clubs, has made more than 6000 runs, including nine centuries and more than 35 half centuries. The top order batsman won the player of the year in 2011-12. He might be in his mid 50s now but it still hasn’t stopped him playing A-grade in recent seasons.
Eamonn Vines, Geelong
Vines played six games of first class cricket for Victoria, making more than 160 runs during his time as a Bushranger. In recent years he has played for the Geelong Cricket Club in the Victorian Premier League before recently moving to Tasmania to play cricket.
Nathan Yates, Mount Clear (Ballarat)
A four-time player of the year who was one of the best batters in the competition. Averaging almost 40, Yates made more than 4900 runs in his career at Mount Clear, including a knock of 219. Handy with the ball as well, Yates took more than 200 wickets. The talented player represented Victorian Country as well as Ballarat during his career.
Gareth Yelland, Grovedale (Geelong)
A three-time Jack Sing Medal winner who is a champion all-rounder and a premiership player. One of only a handful of players to make 4000 runs and take 400 wickets.
The top 20
1. Aaron Finch, Colac
Arguably the best white ballplayer country Victoria has produced this millennium. Finch, born and raised in Colac, has made more than 5000 runs for Australia in one day internationals and more than 3000 in T20 internationals. He captained Australia to the T20 World Cup last year and has won a ODI World Cup. Finch has also represented for his state at Sheffield Shield, One Day and T20 level.
2. Peter Siddle, Morwell
The greatest test player in this list. Peter Siddle is a fitness and bowling machine who is still playing to this day. The Morwell product played 67 tests in his career and took 221 wickets. He also made two half centuries. In the latter stages of his career, Siddle has become known as a handy first class bowler who can also play well in T20 sides. The fast bowler now plays for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield.
3. Cameron White, Bairnsdale
One of the finest Victorian batters this millennium. White is second to David Hussey for most runs scored this millennium. First recognised for his leg spin, he made his test debut for Australia through it, before being dropped and then reselected as a batter later in his career in one dayers and T20 internationals. White made more than 130 appearances in both formats, making two centuries and 16 half centuries. Later, for Victoria, he captained the team to three successive Sheffield Shield titles.
4. Ian Harvey, Wonthaggi
One of the best all rounders Victoria has produced. Harvey might not have played test cricket but he was a star in one dayers, making more than 70 appearances and played in Australia’s 2003 World Cup win. In 2004, he was named as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the year. The Bushranger made more than 160 appearances in first class cricket, making more than 8000 run and taking more than 400 wickets.
5. Andrew McDonald, Wodonga
An all-rounder who made more than 280 first class, list A and T20 appearances during his career for multiple teams. Most of them came for Victoria, who he played with for more than a decade. A medium pace bowler who could also bat, McDonald also played four test matches for Australia in his career. The former player is now the coach of the Australian men’s cricket team.
6. Shane Harwood, Ballarat
One of the quickest and in your face bowlers of the millennium. Harwood took until later in his career to make an impact, but he did when he got there. The fast bowler took a hat-trick in his first Sheffield Shield match. All up he took more than 130 wickets in 44 first class matches. In the shorter forms of the game, Harwood played for Australia, making one appearance in an ODI against South Africa in 2009 and playing three T20 matches as well. In his later years he played for Melton and Brown Hill in Subbies cricket and the Ballarat cricket competition.
7. Bryce McGain, Mornington
McGain played more than 30 first class matches and took more than 100 wickets with his leg spin. His success for Victoria in the late 2000s was rewarded with a selection and subsequent debut for Australia against South Africa in 2009. He’s still playing cricket now, playing for Mornington Cricket Club in the MPCA first grade.
8. Todd Murphy, Echuca
Touted as one of the next generation of players who could be playing for Australia soon. The off-spinner is regarded as Nathan Lyon’s replacement in the test side. He’s played 25 matches in first class, list A and T20 competitions. In first class cricket, he is averaging four wickets a game and has already taken three four wicket hauls in an innings. From Echuca-Moama, Murphy has played local cricket in Bendigo, helping Sandhurst to the Bendigo title in 2017-18.
9. Travis Birt, Sale
A destructive batsmen who made more than 5000 first class runs in his career with most of them coming for Tasmania. Birt made nine centuries in his first class career before moving to T20 competitions in the later stages of his career. Birt’s form for Tasmania earned him four international T20 caps for Australia in 2010. He also played in the IPL, the Big Bash, the Bangladesh T20 League and in New Zealand during his career.
10. Matthew Short, Ballarat
A big hitter who has adapted his game to the longer forms of the game as well as the short forms. Short is now a mainstay in not only the Victorian Sheffield Shield and List A teams but he is also a key player in the Adelaide Strikers T20 Big Bash side. At just 27 years of age, the part time spinner and destructive batter has got a big future in the game.
11. Aiden Blizzard, Shepparton
A player who flourished for Victoria and South Australia when T20 cricket became introduced into competition. Blizzard helped South Australia win their first ever T20 title and was one of the leading players for the Redbacks in 2010/11. Blizzard played almost 150 T20, first class and list A matches in his career. In the later years of his career he played for the Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder while also playing for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
12. Alex Keath, Shepparton
A talented cricket and AFL footballer. Before Keath dominated for Adelaide and more recently, the Western Bulldogs, he played at the highest level for Victoria in cricket. He made also 30 appearances in first class, list A and T20 matches and the all-rounder made one half century in a one day match. Keath was a member of the under-19 Australian team who won the World Cup in 2010.
13. Brad Knowles, Moe
Knowles played more than 30 games of first class, list A and T20 cricket for Victoria and Western Australia during his career. A fast bowler, he impressed more at first class level, taking 33 wickets in nine games at an average of 27. Knowles also played for Camberwell and Fitzroy Doncaster in the Victorian Premier League before playing in the Traralgon District Cricket Association competition in his later years of playing.
14. Clinton Peake, Geelong
The batsman holds the record for having the highest ever under-19 score in an international match. He hit 304 against India in 1995. Peake made 14 appearances for Victoria in first class and one day matches before he was dropped. In later years, Peake would star for Geelong in the Victorian Premier League, making more than 5000 runs in all formats.
15. Brody Couch, Warrnambool
The fast bowler made his debut in first class and list A cricket for Victoria last season while also playing for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash. The Warrnambool product is not contracted to Victoria this year or to a Big Bash side but is playing for Geelong in the Victorian Premier League.
16. Xavier Crone, Bendigo
Another player who recently got experience at First Class and List A level for Victoria while also making his Big Bash debut for the Melbourne Stars. Crone is currently contracted to Victoria and plays Premier Cricket for Carlton.
17. Blake Thomson, Ballarat
A leading player in the Premier Cricket competition, playing for Melbourne Cricket Club. Thomson has made more than 5000 runs in the competition has is averaging 60 in the competition. A former player for Victoria, Thomson made three appearances in their one day squad in the 2017-18 season.
18. Mark Cleary, Mildura Settlers (Sunraysia)
The former South Australian and Victorian first class and one day player had two successful stints in the Sunraysia Cricket Association. The first saw him selected for the Redbacks, when he dominated with the bat and ball, to be player of the season twice, in 1998-99 and 2001-02. In the latter years of his career, he returned, to create havoc to the opposition again. Cleary scored more than 3000 years in just over a decade, from 2011-12 to now, and took over 150 wickets. The all-rounder won another two player of the year titles in 2012-13 and 2015-16. A star of the competition, Cleary retired from first grade last season but is still playing with the Mildura Settlers in senior T20s.
19. Nick Jewell, Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula)
The former Victorian Shield opener has been a dominant force in the Mornington Peninsula competition since joining Sorrento in 2012. He hit eight centuries and more than 3200 runs (at 55) for Sorrento, as well as tons for both Main Ridge and Long Island, too.
20. James Seymour, Bendigo
A former Ryder Medal winner who has played first class and List A cricket for Victoria. The Bendigo product rose to prominence late, making his debut for Victoria in 2021. He also played for the Melbourne Renegades. This season, the top order batsman is playing Victorian Premier League for Essendon and has made 362 runs so far this season at an average of 72.
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