EDITION 27 January 2010 www.auscricket.com.au

THIS ISSUE

Johnnie Walker ACA All*Stars narrow loss to Australia

• 2009ACALegendsGolfDay• FemalecricketersjoinACAasfullmembers• StuartClarkelectedtoACAExecutive

2 ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010

After the disappointment of the Ashes series, Australian cricket has bounced back in terrific fashion with wins to our teams in the ICC Champions Trophy, inaugural Champions League T20 event, the ODI series in India and the recent home Test series against the West Indies and Pakistan.

Paul Marsh

Whilst all in Australian cricket acknowledge that we are currently going through a transition period, the future is looking bright. The emergence and performance of a number of young players has been particularly encouraging and it should hold us in good stead for what is a critical upcoming 18 months.

The Australian international domestic season kicked off with the second All*Star Weekend featuring a match between the Johnnie Walker ACA All*Stars and the KFC Australian XI, an exclusive gala cocktail party and a family day.

The weekend was again a huge success for the ACA and I thank the players involved for their time and commitment, Johnnie Walker for their continuing fantastic support, and Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket for their partnership.

The ACA also held its Annual General Meeting and an Executive Meeting in Brisbane during the All*Star Weekend.

There were three decisions of note made at these meetings.

At the AGM the members’ ratified the ACA proposal to change the Constitution. The most significant outcome from the change is the recognition of current women cricketers as ordinary members of the ACA. This is a ground breaking decision in world cricket and we are looking forward to growing the services available to our women members in the coming year.

With the resignation of Matthew Hayden from the ACA Executive, we formally welcomed Stuart Clark as his replacement at the AGM. Stuart’s background as a 12 year first class cricketer and qualifications through a Masters of Commerce as well as being part way through a Law degree, position him very well to make a significant contribution to the ACA.

At the Executive meeting Greg Mail was unanimously decided as the 2009 Kerry Packer Award recipient for his outstanding contribution to the ACA over the best part of a decade. Greg has served on the ACA Executive and as the NSW Delegate throughout his time as a contracted player and has been a genuine leader within the player group. He recently announced his retirement from first class cricket to pursue a career in the finance industry and is a most deserving recipient.

CA recently advised that it was in the process of developing a domestic cricket strategy to encompass an expanded Big Bash competition. The ACA has been involved in discussions with CA on this issue which will continue over the coming months. This is a big opportunity for Australian cricket and its players as we try to secure part of the club Twenty20 market.

Inevitably there will be some changes required to the current domestic structure to maximise this opportunity. We will work with CA to try to find the best balance between what has made Australian cricket so strong historically and what’s best moving forward. We will keep players informed as to the status of these discussions.

On the commercial front, our Deutsche Bank / ACA Cricket Legends Golf Day was again a huge success raising approximately $70,000 for our Player Hardship Fund. Many thanks to Chum Darvall, Carolyn Bol and her team for yet another outstanding event. Our partnership continues to strengthen.

The Johnnie Walker ACA All*Star program continues throughout the season and congratulations to Scott Walter, George Bailey and Michael Klinger as the first three ‘Player of the Month’ winners for season 2009/10.

Our ACA Masters program has kicked off again for 2009/10 with tours to Lismore and Ipswich in October, Devonport and Canberra for the Australian Defence Forces Challenge

in November and Albury for the Australian Country Cricket Championships in January. Upcoming tours will be held in Alice Springs for the Imparja Cup in February, Orange and Shellharbour in March and Warnambool and Horsham also in March.

The tours have again been very successful and a lot of fun and we encourage any member who wants to be involved to advise us of your interest.

Our 2009/10 membership drive is going strong, however there are still a number of members who have yet to renew. We are providing our members with greater value than ever so I urge you all to get your renewals back to us as soon as you can.

On a sad note, our longest serving employee Tarryn Paten has advised that she will be leaving the ACA at the end of February. Tarryn and her husband Kyle are expecting child number three and she has decided that she can no longer put up with me as well as having three kids! She has made a massive contribution to the ACA and our membership over more than ten years and she will be missed by all.

I hope all members enjoyed the festive season and I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible during the rest of the year.

Regards,

Paul Marsh Chief Executive

Cover – ACA All*Stars, Doug Bollinger

ACAWelcome

ACALegendsGolfDay -supportingthe PlayerHardshipFundThe ACA and Deutsche Bank celebrated our tenth year of partnership with another fantastic Legends Golf Day at the Australian Golf Course in Sydney on 10 November.

The golf day is our major annual fundraiser for the Player Hardship Fund, a Fund established to assist past and present players in times of genuine hardship.

We were again lucky enough to be supported by some of our high profile members both past and present, in addition to some other well known cricket personalities.

Golfing honours were taken out by Tony Greig and his team, with David Gilbert leading his team to second place and the Darren Lehmann led group taking out third place. A special mention must go to Greg Blewett’s team who tailed the field and were accordingly awarded with children’s sports set as a reflection of their golfing skills. Lastly a special mention to young Victorian Jon Holland who registered the longest drive for the day.

The day was followed by an enjoyable dinner at the Australian, with highlights including entertainment provided by artist Brad Blaze and Wayne Phillips’ highly amusing interview with Joel Garner.

Thanks to the generosity of the players more than $70,000 was raised for the Player Hardship Fund, which will go a long way to supporting the ongoing work of the Fund.

Special thanks must be extended to the current Australian players who took time out of their very short break between Test matches to support the ACA and the Player Hardship Fund.

The ACA and its members thank Deutsche Bank for their ongoing support of the ACA and the Player Hardship Fund, a relationship we believe is one of cricket’s strongest.

2009KerryPackerAwardpresented toGregMailGreg Mail has received the Kerry Packer Award for 2009 in recognition of his outstanding service to the ACA in his role as both Delegate and Executive member over ten years.

ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010 3

Greg’s nomination was unanimously ratified by the ACA Executive and James Packer and ACA Chief Executive Paul Marsh will officially present Greg with the award at the next ACA Executive meeting to be held in Melbourne in February.

“Greg is a thoroughly deserving winner of this year’s Kerry Packer Award,” Paul Marsh said.

“Throughout his ten years as an ACA Delegate and Executive member, he has been an outstanding leader of the player group and an invaluable contributor to ACA strategy and policy.

“The Kerry Packer Award is for outstanding contributors to the ACA and Greg epitomises what the award is all about,” Marsh said.

ACA President, Darren Lehmann also commented on Mail’s service to the ACA.

“Greg has contributed a lot to cricket on and off the field in his role as an ACA Delegate,” Lehmann said.

“He is highly respected by all State Delegates and players and is a deserving winner of the ACA’s most prestigious award,” he said.

The Kerry Packer Award takes the form of honorary Life Membership of the ACA and is open to members and non-members who are deemed to have served the ACA in an outstanding capacity.

Potential recipients of the award must be nominated by an ACA member or staff member for exceptional service to the Association. Nominees are then judged by the ACA Executive and James Packer.

Previous winners of the Kerry Packer Award winners:

2006 Tim May and Chum Darvall

2007 Ian Healy

2008 Matthew Hayden

Thanks to all members and cricket personalities who participated in the day and supported the ACA Player Hardship Fund:

Terry Alderman

Richie Benaud

Michael Bevan

Greg Blewett

Doug Bollinger

Michael Clarke

Joel Garner

Jason Gillespie

Tony Greig

Nathan Hauritz

Ian Healy

Jon Holland

Simon Katich

Darren Lehmann

Greg Mail

Glenn McGrath

Mark Nicholas

Wayne Phillips

Shaun Tait

Shane Watson

Mark Waugh

David Gilbert

Golf Day attendees

Carolyn Bol, Chum Darvall & Paul Marsh

Greg Mail

The Johnnie Walker ACA All*Star team was made up of the best performed State talent from the 2008/09 season as voted by the players, in addition to legends Shane Warne (captain), Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden.

Under the watchful eye of Coach Dennis Lillee, the Johnnie Walker ACA All*Stars got off to a great start, winning the toss and sending Australia in to bat.

Under lights and in front of a crowd of more than 16,000, Glenn McGrath had best figures of 3 for 18 off his fours overs including the amazing dismissal of opener David

Warner. McGrath and Warne, (miked for the broadcast) described in full detail how the next ball would be delivered and how it would result in a dismissal.

Freakishly, the ball played out as described resulting in the dismissal of Warner. The All*Stars seemed to have the match under control towards the end of the Australian innings; however some impressive late hitting from George Bailey and Cameron White helped their side’s total to 5-173. White top scored for the Australian XI with 44 not out, Bailey also not out made a quick fire 30 and Brad Haddin a valuable 33.

Lee Carseldine lifted for the All*Stars in an innings of 41 runs off 31 balls, including an outstanding six rocketing well into the stands. He had limited support as the Johnnie Walker ACA All*Star wickets fell rapidly, however Travis Birt provided a short spell of entertainment in his time at the crease with two sixes adding to his total 26 runs.

Clint McKay, lead the Australian charge with the ball taking 3 for 18 off his four overs. Shaun Tait, Peter Siddle and Steve Smith all picked up a pair of wickets each.

The crowd was treated to some spectacular commentary from Shane Warne throughout the evening and was equally as excited when he walked out with the bat. Warne finished out the final overs knocking 12 from four balls.

The Australian XI took the match in the end, winning by 17 runs. Glenn McGrath won the Johnnie Walker Shining Moment award for his remarkable spell with the ball.

Despite fielding a legendary line-up, the Johnnie Walker ACA All*Stars were defeated by a Michael Clarke led Australian XI in a Twenty20 match held at the GABBA on Sunday 22 November.

Australiadefeats the Johnnie Walker ACA All*Stars

4 ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010

JohnnieWalkerACAAll*StarsvAustralianXI-22November2009

Inningsof:AustralianXIBatsmen HowOut Bowler ScoreD.A Warner Ct. Gilchrist McGrath 15

B.J Haddin Ct. Warne Rimmington 33

M.J Clarke Ct. Manou Reardon 27

D.J Hussey Ct. Krejza McGrath 22

C.L White Not Out 44

A.C Voges Ct. Manou McGrath 0

G.J Bailey Not Out 30

Sundries 2

Total Score 5/173

Did not bat: A.B McDonald, S.P.D Smith, C.J McKay, P.M Siddle

BowlingJohnnieWalkerACAAll*StarsBowler Overs Runs WicketsJ.J Krejza 4 43 0

G.D McGrath 4 18 3

N.J Reardon 4 30 1

N.J Rimmington 4 48 1

S.K Warne 4 33 0

Overs 20

Inningsof:AustralianXIInningsof:ACAAll*StarsBatsmen HowOut Bowler ScoreA.C Gilchrist Ct. White Siddle 21

M.L Hayden St. Haddin Smith 25

D.J Harris Ct. White Siddle 0

L.A Carseldine Ct. Haddin Tait 41

T.R Birt Ct. Haddin McKay 26

N.J Reardon Ct. White McKay 7

R.J.G Lockyear Ct. McDonald McKay 7

G.A Manou Ct. Haddin Tait 3

J.J Krejza Ct. Clarke Smith 5

N.J Rimmington Not Out 3

S.K Warne Not Out 12

Sundries 6

Total Score 9/156

BowlingAustralianXIBowler Overs Runs WicketsS.W Tait 4 26 2

P.M Siddle 3 35 2

C.J McKay 4 18 3

D.J Hussey 2 15 0

A.B McDonald 2 14 0

S.P.D Smith 4 34 2

A.C Voges 1 9 0

Overs 20

Shane Warne bowling for the All*Stars

All*Star team members celebrate a wicket

New South Wales and Australian pace bowler Stuart Clark was elected to the ACA Executive Committee at the 2009 Annual General Meeting held in Brisbane on 20 November.

The 34 year-old has represented Australia in 24 Tests, 39 ODIs and 8 Twenty20 Internationals in addition to an outstanding first class career with the Blues. Clark began his tenure with the ACA immediately.

ACA President Darren Lehmann commented on Clark’s election.

“I am delighted that Stuart Clark has been appointed to the Australian Cricketers’ Association Executive,” Lehmann said.

“The role of an ACA Executive member is important and influential within Australian cricket and Stuart will bring a wealth of experience to the ACA in relation to issues both off and on the field.

“As a player still in the game, Stuart will not only bring a current player perspective to the Executive but also legal expertise from his chosen field of study.

“It is pleasing that current players are so willing to dedicate meaningful time to being involved with the ACA,” Lehmann said.

Stuart Clark also commented on his appointment to the ACA Executive.

“As a part of my role on the ACA Executive, I want to ensure the relationship between the ACA and Cricket Australia remains as strong as ever,” Clark said.

“Additionally, I want to help secure the future for current players and future generations of Australian cricketers.

“To be part of the body that represents the players is a privilege and something I am looking forward to,” Clark said.

All other Executive members were re-elected unopposed to the Executive Committee for another two-year term.

The ACA Executive is as follows:

Darren Lehmann (President)

George Bailey

Stuart Clark

Damien Fleming

Ian Healy

Michael Hussey

Simon Katich

StuartClarkelectedtotheACAExecutive

ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010 5

Johnnie Walker All*Stars12thManPromotionFor the first time in sporting history, Johnnie Walker ran an on pack promotion to find the 12th man for the Johnnie Walker ACA All*Stars team. To enter consumers simply had to spend $20 or more on Johnnie Walker at participating retailers and SMS or call with their details.

The final of the 12th man promotion took place on Friday 20 November at the Gabba indoor nets where Dave Cameron from Burleigh Heads, in Queensland, beat nineteen other hopefuls from around the country to secure his place. Dave and his uncle both entered, and his uncle was lucky enough to win a place as one of 20 finalists. Knowing Dave’s passion for cricket, he passed over the glory to his nephew, who was delighted at the prospect of taking on the challenge.

Dave proved to selectors Darren Lehmann, Damien Fleming and ACA Chief Executive Paul Marsh, that he could mix with some of Australia’s finest cricketers.

Sunday night’s All*Stars match, broadcast live on Channel 9 saw the 12th man take to the field at the Gabba and perform duties alongside the likes of Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Glenn McGrath, as part of the Johnnie Walker ACA All*Stars Team.

The official season launch party, held in association with the Australian Cricketers’ Association and Cricket Australia was next up on Monday night, and an A list crowd that included Ricky and Rianna Ponting, Shane Watson, Lee Furlong and Michael Clarke walked the black carpet. Dave and his girlfriend Lara also had the honour of walking the carpet along with the cricketing greats, before enjoying Johnnie Walker cocktails and live entertainment from Wes Carr.

Dave’s experience was captured by a camera crew throughout the weekend and can be viewed online at the JOHNNIE WALKER YouTube channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnnieWalkerAus

All*Star 12th man competition winner, Dave Cameron

Newly elected ACA Executive member, Stuart Clark

SimonKatich &SteveSmith shareCLT20 insights

The Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) tournament brought together the best domestic Twenty20 teams from seven nations to fight for the title of best domestic Twenty20 team in cricket. The competition was held from 8-23 October 2009 in India (Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore).

The teams were divided into four groups and initially played each other member of their respective groups. The top two teams from each group then qualified for the second stage and four teams from the second stage made it to the semi finals. A total of 23 matches were played over a 16-day period in the inaugural CLT20.

The Victorian Bushrangers and New South Wales Blues represented Australia, the Blues going on to win the tournament and share in winnings of US $6 million. On their way to claiming the title, the Blues eliminated the Victorian Bushrangers in the semi-finals.

New South Wales representatives, Simon Katich and Steven Smith spoke to the ACA’s Sharn Best about their experiences in the tournament.

SIMONKATICHHow did the CLT20 compare to your international cricket experiences?

The CLT20 was a fantastic experience and an amazing opportunity for all our players and support staff to play for NSW on an international stage. It was right up there with all of my international experiences.

How important was it to you and your team to win the tournament?

It was extremely important for us to win the tournament for a number of reasons. Obviously the financial impact of winning was great for both the players and Cricket NSW. However, the pride we gained from winning the inaugural title for NSW is something everyone will always remember.

What was the standard of the competition like?

As expected the competition was fierce as every team competing was deservedly there after winning their respective competitions.

How did you rate the overall experience from an organisational perspective?

The tournament went very smoothly and was very enjoyable to be a part of. Our players were very grateful to play in such a big tournament.

What could Australia take from the CLT20 and apply to our domestic competition?

Our domestic Big Bash competition is getting bigger and better each year so I think we have a fantastic platform to build on. The CLT20 has provided the added incentive for all the States to try and take out the domestic Big Bash competition.

6 ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010

“I think every State is

eyeing off a place in

the CLT20 and the KFC

Big Bash has become a

great competition with

the added interest of

overseas players.”

Simon Katich

New South Wales captain, Simon Katich (Left), Steve Smith in action during the KFC Big Bash competition

SimonKatich &SteveSmith shareCLT20 insights

Do you view the KFC Big Bash with renewed enthusiasm since the introduction of the CLT20?

I think every State is eyeing off a place in the CLT20 and the KFC Big Bash has become a great competition with the added interest of overseas players.

What was your main highlight from the CLT20?

Winning the tournament and seeing the excitement it brought to all of our players and support staff to reward all our hard work and preparation.

STEVESMITH

Was this the first time you’ve travelled to India? How did you enjoy the experience?

This was actually my third trip to India. I really enjoyed playing cricket over there in different conditions to ours in Australia. It was a fantastic experience.

How did you enjoy playing on the international stage?

Playing on the International stage was amazing. We were playing against some of the best players from around the world and people that I have personally looked up to for a long time.

Did you feel more pressure than interstate cricket when playing in the CLT20?

I don’t think there was any added pressure. We had a good side and we backed all our players to do a job. Everyone contributed at some point throughout the tournament and I think that is what made our campaign a success.

How did you cope with playing against some of cricket’s superstars?

I loved coming up against the superstars of the game. It was a big challenge but I took it as a learning experience. Just seeing how some of these players approach the game and how they handle different situations in the game is priceless.

What could Australia take from the CLT20 and apply to our domestic competition?

I guess our domestic competition is a little bit different. Seeing how cricket mad they are over there and the publicity they get is amazing. I’m sure that as the Big Bash has been around for a few years now and has been pretty successful, that the crowds are only going to get bigger.

What was your main highlight from the CLT20?

The biggest highlight for me was winning the tournament especially when Phil Hughes took the catch to get the last wicket off Stuart Clark. It was amazing to be a part of it. The celebrations were pretty good too!

ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010 7

WellbeingandHealthServicesCounselling Services – a Partnership with Relationships Australia

The ACA and CA provide confidential and professional counselling services to all members and their families through a partnership with Relationships Australia.

Relationships Australia is one of Australia’s largest community based organisations providing support to nearly 90,000 Australians per year. Services are available to members 24 hours a day with face to face professional assistance (psychologists and life coaches) available in all State capitals, major regional centres and in some overseas countries.

Confidential welfare services available include but are not limited to:

• Relationshipcounselling• Familyplanning• Depression• Gamblingandalcohol• Generalmentalwellbeing

These counselling services are made available by the ACA and CA for members who may not feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues with their State Association or the ACA.

The ACA is also a member of the Australian Psychological Society. As a member, the ACA has access to a national database of psychologists who specialise in wellbeing counselling services including gambling, drugs and alcohol and making the right decision.

Members can contact Ben Smith at the ACA on 03 9698 7216, call Relationships Australia direct on 1300 364 277 or email aca@ransw.org.au

The Career and Welfare Program has been providing these services to members for the past four years and the member uptake has increased year on year. The ACA will continue to build on its counselling network throughout the next MOU period.

Members should be aware that all calls and contact in relation to this service will be treated confidentially.

“I’m sure that as the Big

Bash has been around

for a few years now

and has been pretty

successful, that the

crowds are going to get

bigger.”

Steve Smith

8 ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010

Venom was established in time for the 2009/10 season as Geeves and Anderson look to establish themselves in what is a very competitive market.

National Manager Player Development and Wellbeing Ben Smith recently spoke with Brett Geeves about the new venture.

Brett, you and Dane Anderson have recently started up a small business venture, can you tell the membership a little bit about it?

We have started a cricket brand called Venom Cricket. It has been an extremely funny process as anyone that knows Dane and I will know that we are both pretty easy going chaps. Dane brings amazing business smarts to our partnership and a whole heap of swear words. I bring good looks (Men of Cricket Calendar) and having given it some serious thought - that’s about it.

The idea came about after a conversation on the price of gear for guys who aren’t sponsored players. Cricket equipment is getting more and more expensive, especially for mums and dads, so from that we have started up a business that offers “players” quality gear that everyone can afford.

What differentiates your products from other suppliers?

Without sounding like a car salesman, we offer quality gear at a price that is affordable to everyone. Our bat maker has made bats for a number of the big name brands and

players including the little master himself (Tendulkar).

We are also set apart from

other brands because

customers are dealing directly

with First Class players who

are up to speed with the way

cricket equipment is evolving.

I understand a lot of your gear comes from India, how did you establish your network and have the cultural differences been challenging?

I’m not sure if this is common knowledge in Australia, but the majority of big brands have their gear made in India. All the factories are in the one street just outside of Delhi. I was lucky enough to visit these factories and they are an eye opener. All the gear is handcrafted. It takes a whole day for one person to hand stitch a pair of batting gloves. I guess this is the biggest difference as far as the cultures are concerned. The western world is so demanding of time that we would have created a machine to make 100 pairs of gloves in a day. This is why India is so prominent in the cricket gear industry. Knowing that the gear has been hand made by one person makes you appreciate the quality even more.

When I was touring India with the Delhi Daredevils I met our bat maker through Virendar Sehwag. He was supplying bats to him and I stopped him for a chat. He made me some bats (I had to pay for mine!!) and we stayed in contact. I am a bat nuffy so I have learned a lot from him about the different shapes and types of wood used to make specific styles for certain players. It is very interesting.

Brett and Dane, how can ACA members find more about your gear and most importantly will you look after them?

You can join our Facebook page by searching Venom Cricket - or you can look us up at www.venomcricket.com Any questions can be sent to brett@venom.com or dane@venom.com as we are more than happy to answer any questions ACA members may have about our gear.

If you are an ACA member and you mention this article we will give you 10% off any order from our website.

Tasmanian players Brett Geeves and Dane Anderson have recently established their own equipment brand and business called Venom Cricket. www.venomcricket.com is a new online cricket store with a business model based on supplying premium quality cricket equipment coupled with expert advice and excellent customer service.

VenomCricket-BrettGeevesandDaneAndersontakeonthebigbrands

(Left) Dane Anderson, (Right) Brett Geeves representing Australia

Female cricketers were first admitted as Associate members of the ACA at the AGM in 2007 following an overwhelming vote of support by members. Associate membership allowed the current women access to representation by the ACA and most membership privileges, but did not provide them with voting rights and certain Career and Welfare opportunities.

In acknowledgement of our women cricketers ever growing contribution to the game and increasing professionalism, male ACA members were asked to vote on amending the ACA Constitution to allow our women players to become full members. Again this motion was overwhelmingly supported by the membership and Australia’s elite women cricketers became the first in the world to receive equal player association membership.

Full membership provides female players with access to all of the benefits associated with ACA membership including access to education grants, counselling services, members’ functions, skin cancer checks, the member benefit program, the ACA Player Hardship Fund and general ACA support.

Additionally, current female players also have full voting rights which means they can now be voted onto the ACA Executive.

ACA chief executive Paul Marsh described the change as a big step forward for women’s cricket in Australia, one which would help players balance their sporting lives with jobs and education.

‘’Women’s cricket in Australia has undergone

significant development in recent years, and we hope ACA membership changes will help send a message out to girls that cricket is a sport they should be playing,’’ Marsh said.

‘’Only 15 years ago our male State players were in a similar position in that there were virtually no contracts at State level and the players were forced to balance semi professional playing careers with the need to work.

“Our ability to help them do that, to pay for their education and a whole lot of other things, is really important.

In the longer term it is not too much to expect that our female cricketers can become fully professional athletes,” Marsh said.

The ACA shall still be still be served by the ACA Women’s Executive comprising Karen Rolton, Shelley Nitschke, Lisa Sthalekar, Clea Smith and Jenny Wallace, which gives advice and feedback to the ACA Executive and management on the direction it should be taking in regards to the female membership.

Clea Smith believes full membership of the ACA for women cricketers is an important milestone that will go a long way to growing Australia’s favourite sport.

“Full ACA membership will help us all to be the best cricketers we can,” Smith said.

“There is no doubt that when our off-field lives are under control we perform so much better on-field. No one can perform at their peak when the pressures of Year 12, full time work, university exams or family commitments are not managed effectively.

“Often it is not realistic to

take a promotion at work

and also aspire to play for

Australia – the pressure is

too much.

“Education support will help us to keep developing, so we are not too far behind in the job market at the end of our playing careers,” Smith said.

Lisa Sthalekar believes full ACA membership is great news for women’s cricket in this country.

“Our relationship with ACA over this short period of time has enabled the profile and support to increase for the female players,” Sthalekar said.

“It is exciting times for women’s cricket and by becoming full members of ACA demonstrates that women’s cricket is here to stay and we are all looking to increase all areas of the game,” she said.

Other approved changes to the Constitution include: the recognition of Kerry Packer Award winners as honorary life members under the Constitution, a more accurate reflection of the governance practices of the association and the recognition of the role and authority of the ACA to negotiate the MOU and other cricket collective bargaining agreements and to approve the use of player attributes in team-based licensed products and trading cards.

WomencricketersbecomefullmembersoftheACAFollowing the Annual General Meeting in November, elite women cricketers are now eligible to become full members of the ACA.

Members of the Southern Stars celebrate a wicket

ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010 9

ScottWaltervotedJOHNNIEWALKERACAPlayeroftheMonthforOctober

10 ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010

Queensland Bull and promising left-arm fast bowler Scott Walter was named the JOHNNIE WALKER ACA Player of the Month for October - the first award for the 2009/10 season.

Walter received 29% of votes, narrowly beating Victorian Brad Hodge with 28% and fellow Queenslander Lee Carseldine in third place with 11% of the vote.

Having only played one Shield game last season, the 20 year-old enjoyed a strong start to the season taking 13 wickets in three Shield appearances and five wickets in three Ford Ranger Cup matches.

Best figures in the longer form of the game included 6 for 141 in his side’s draw against Western Australia and 5 for 91 against Tasmania. In a standout performance, Walter took 4 for 34 in Queensland’s opening Ford Ranger Cup match for the season, helping his side take home the points.

Walter commented on the news of his win.

“The start of this season has been all that I could have asked for,” Walter said.

“To get an opportunity to contribute to some Queensland wins has been great and I am really honoured to be recognised by the playing group from around Australia,” he said.

Tasmanian captain George Bailey was the JOHNNIE WALKER ACA Player of the Month for November.

On the back of several standout performances in both the Sheffield Shield and Ford Ranger Cup, Bailey received 26% of votes. South Australian Cameron Borgas was second with 22% of votes and Western Warrior Wesley Robinson rounded out the top three with 14%.

During the month of November alone, Bailey scored a total of 38.67 MVP points and accumulated 206 Shield runs at an average of 51.50. Bailey also dominated in the Ford Ranger Cup competition with 179 runs from three matches.

Bailey commented on the news of his win.

“I feel lucky to have won the award this month - it is always great to be recognised by my peers,” Bailey said.

“It’s good to get some runs on the board and hopefully I can continue to do so for the remainder of the season,” he said.

Exclusively sponsored by JOHNNIE WALKER, the Player of the Month is voted for by all contracted Cricket Australia, State and Rookie players. The award is presented for the six months of the domestic cricket season from October to March and recognises the achievements of the best performed player in the Sheffield Shield, Ford Ranger Cup and KFC Big Bash competitions.

GeorgeBaileynamedtheJOHNNIEWALKERACAPlayeroftheMonthforNovember

Scott Walter charging in during a Sheffield Shield match at the GABBA (Above)

George Bailey plays a cut shot in the Ford Ranger Cup (Below)

The ACA also has over 500 past player members who enjoy the privileges of membership.

It is at this level that the ACA is presently focusing much attention. In rough terms, only just over half of all past players are ACA members. The major reason from our vantage point is that past players have slipped out of contact with the cricket fraternity, with their contact details no longer current.

ACA membership retention is rarely the issue in the past player group, with 95% of past players (from the recent past player survey) believing that the ACA cares about its past players. Just 3.5% of our past player membership would consider not renewing their membership at some point in the future.

So how can we best do this? We have launched a membership campaign, with the assistance of State Associations, aimed at engaging past players with the sport through ACA membership.

Through the generous support of many of our past playing members, we are aiming to target and recruit past players to ACA membership, and engage them with the sport. Early results are encouraging but it will be a long process.

Should you wish to help with this project please contact Peter Roach at the ACA.

The game stands to benefit greatly if past players are recruited to ACA membership. Presently, 67% of current ACA past player members are still involved with the sport in some capacity, be it coaching, administration, umpiring or volunteering. Locating lapsed member could see an infusion of additional people to cricket’s support network.

Just 1% of our past player

membership does not

believe an ACA membership

is good value for money.

As a reminder to members,

the major benefits of

membership are listed below.

• Skincancerchecks – Held annually, this fifteen minute check could help save your life.

• Memberfunctions – Held annually at an international game in each State the functions give members the opportunity to catch up with old friends in a fantastic setting. Remaining membership functions in the 2009/10 season include:

- Sydney – Sunday 24/1 (ODI versus Pakistan)

- Perth – Sunday 31/1 (ODI versus Pakistan)

- Brisbane – Sunday 14/2 (ODI versus West Indies)

• AccesstoCareerandWelfareProgram– Access to counselling services and financial services, as well as the Player Hardship Fund

• AccesstotheAustralianCricketSuperannuation Plan – Low ongoing management fee, no contribution fee, administered by AMP

• ClubLifestyleProgram – Members have access to discounts on a wide range of products and services, including:

- Groceries- Clothing- Health and beauty - Sport and fitness- Cinemas - Theme parks- Travel - Audio visual- Car hire

The ACA has also secured exclusive arrangements with the following companies who all provide substantial discounts to our members:

- Callaway (golf equipment)- Oakley (sunglasses and clothing)- Choice Hotels- Flight Centre- Foxtel- 3 Mobile- Pacific Internet - Jim Bradley Speedball - Melbourne Business Golf Group- Automotive Fleet Management

The ACA is also proud to announce new arrangements with the following companies:

Members are entitled to 10% off any purchase, either on-line or by phone, from the following companies...

• RosesOnly• HampersOnly• FruitOnly

Members are entitled to 20% off the purchase price for any online order from the following company:

• DigiFrame

For details on how to access any of these benefits, please visit www.auscricket.com.au and log on to the Members section, or speak to Peter Roach or Sharn Best in the ACA office on 03 9698 7200.

The ACA is proud to boast that 100% of the current playing groups, male and female, Cricket Australia and State contracted, are ACA members.

Membership Update

PastPlayerMembershipBenefits

Beau Casson

ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010 11

CONTACTSCHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICERPaulMarshpmarsh@auscricket.com.au

LEGALCOUNSELMichaelAbrahamsmabrahams@auscricket.com.au

MANAGEREVENTS&COMMERCIALSERVICESSarahMitchellsmitchell@auscricket.com.au

MANAGERCOMMUNICATIONS &SPECIALPROJECTSTarrynPatentpaten@auscricket.com.au

MANAGERCRICKETOPERATIONS&MEMBERSHIPPeterRoachproach@auscricket.com.au

NATIONALCAREER&WELFAREMANAGERBenSmithbsmith@auscricket.com.au

OFFICEMANAGERGabrielleBortoligbortoli@auscricket.com.au

ADMINISTRATIONSUPPORTOFFICERSharn Bestsbest@auscricket.com.au

ADMINISTRATIONASSISTANTKeiraWillsadmin@auscricket.com.au

Australian Cricketers’ Association Inc.

Level 1, 2 Ross Place South Melbourne VIC 3205

Phone: 03 9698 7200

Fax: 03 9698 7299

Web: www.auscricket.com.au

Email: info@auscricket.com.au

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

12 ACA ONSIDE JANUARY 2010

ACAjoinsthe FacebookworldThe ACA has launched its own Facebook profile under the name ‘Howzat ACA’. This profile is currently for ACA members only however it may be extended to the general public at a later date.

The profile has been created to generate awareness of ACA activities, news and developments amongst our membership and provide yet another way to communicate with our members in a timely fashion.

Updates and information shared includes:

• ACAMastersscorecards• Playermilestones• Footytipping(recruitmentandresults)• Generalplayerreminders(squad

meetings, Education and Training Grant applications, membership, survey’s, Johnnie Walker Player of the Month etc)

• InformationvideosfromACAstaff

• ImagesfromACAevents• MastersFootage(playingandvoxpops)• MediaReleases• MostValuablePlayer(MVP)updates• Playerinterviews• Promotionofmembershipbenefits• Webstories

If you are not already a friend of ‘Howzat ACA’, we encourage you to add us to your friends and join us for some friendly banter on the wall.

UpcomingACAMastersTours

Imparja Cup, Alice Springs – 7-8 FebruaryOrange/Shellharbour – 4-8 MarchWarnambool/Horsham – 25-29 March

Members of the ACA Masters Darren Lehmann, Andy Bichel, Greg Matthews and Ian Healy