Club Legends

The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club 'Legends' have been selected from the extensive list of Club Greats by a panel chosen for this purpose. Elevation to 'Legend' status is indication of an extraordinary playing career or administrative contribution to the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club throughout its long history. The who’s who of Ferntree Gully Cricket Club playing and administration greats (in chronological order) have been elevated to 'Legend' status, with the first 20 Inductees (1 - 20) announced at the commencement of the 2009/10 season and the next 10 Inductees (21 – 30) announced at the Premiership Players Reunion held in February 2010

Records complete to end of 2009/10 season, and where applicable includes Senior & Vets XI Records

# Incomplete playing record

1. 12 Batted by agreement

2. Also Took 6/0 in an Innings in a 1st XI Match

• 01. George James Williams
  Commenced 1883, star all rounder of the pre WW1 era? Set 1st XI record for Runs in a Season (910), 1st Wicket P/Ship with Fred Carrington (257) ? both still stand. Three 100\'s, 24 x 50\'s, 5 x 7 W/I, 16 x 5 W/I, 4259 runs,237 wickets from 151 games (recorded) says it all. Multiple Batting and Bowling Awards, Captain, Office Bearer, long time Committee Member. retired in 1915 after 32 seasons and moved from the area
• 02. Fred Stevens
  Commenced 1884, the great pre WW1 bowler? 11/19 (12 Batted by agreement), 9/34, Two Hat Tricks, Multiple Bowling Award Winner, Captain, Office Bearer and long time Committee Member ? retired in 1912 after 28 seasons, but continued to support the club on its post war resumption until he died, aged 59 in 1923
• 03. Henry Monk
  One of the most influential administrators in club history, President for over 14 years from 1899 (Records suggest he may have held office for 22 successive years!) Affiliated the Club in competition cricket after establishing the Ferntree Gully Recreation Reserve, helped re-establish both Cricket and Football clubs post War, Committee Member of both for over 30 years. Stepped away from club duties 1922
• 04. Frank Pickett
  Played pre & post World War One, 1st XI Captain, President 14 years and an Office Bearer for over 20 years, First Life Member (1934) after driving the clubs reformation in 1933/34 from a 6 year recess. The prime force behind the foundation of the FTGDCA in 1947/48 where he served as the inaugural President for the first 4 years, ?Pickett Reserve? named in his honour
• 05. Noel Sandford
  Only played a handful of matches post WW1, Shire Secretary at time of Recreation Reserve establishment and very influential in getting it developed. 1st XI Scorer and occasional player throughout 1920?s, and then assisted in reformation in 1930?s with financial and administrative support. 1st XI Fielding Award named in his honour, Life Member (1937)
• 06. Wally H Tew
  Arguably the most influential figure in club history. Played 1933 ? 1961, Administration role in some capacity ? 25 years, President 15 years, Life Member (1935), 1st XI Games Record Holder (219), over 3,000 club runs and over 400 club wickets, 6 x 7 W/I, 23 x 5 W/I, 5 Hat Tricks, Premiership Captain, Multiple Bowling Awards, Foundation and Life Member FTGDCA (President 12 years), Recipient of an MBE for services to local sport and community ? Mayor of Knox for five separate terms
• 07. R J (Bob) DeCoite
  Family links with club for over 80 years, Played 1936 ? 1991, Administration in some capacity ? 20 years, President 9 years, Life Member (1954), Senior games record holder (Over 400 recorded matches), Multiple Batting & Bowling Awards, Club Runs Record holder, 11 time Premiership player from 42 Final?s matches, FTGDCA Foundation and Life Member, Vice Pres 14 years and Patron a further 11, Recipient Australian Sports Medal for services to cricket, Association & Country Week Representative
• 08. Ian Ewart
  Life Member (1958), arguably the best home grown batsman ever, Association Representative ? member of first FTGDCA Country Week team, Played 1946 ? 1980, 7 x 100?s, 3 x 90?s, 25 x 50?s and scored over 6,000 runs. Served in Club Administration role in some capacity for over 12 years, President, Vice Pres & Treasurer, 11 Club Batting Awards and 8 time Premiership player
• 09. Barry Stuart
  Life Member (1959), Club record wicket taker (810 known) ? arguably greatest bowler in Club History, Played 1948 ? 1976, Administration role in some capacity ? 15 years, President, Vice Pres & Secretary and FTGDCA Delegate & Umpire. Won 10 Club Bowling Awards, 56 x 5 W/I, 7 x 7 W/I, 7 x 10 W/M, Hat Trick, Association & Country Week Representative
• 10. Barrie Joyner
  Life Member (1966), Youngest 1st XI Captain ever, changed culture of club in 1960?s and introduced a group of future stars ? Kirkpatrick, Hill, Sidebottom, Ballam, Rick Joyner, McRae etc, most of whom would maintain winning culture for another 20 seasons into the 1980?s? Dominant batsman of the first half of the 1960?s ? Association and Club awards and served FTGDCA Executive for 6 years
• 11. Malcolm (Mick) Kirkpatrick
  Life Member (1973), Still playing after over 50 years at the Club where he has filled many Club roles from President, 1st XI Captain to a leader in the Veterans ranks. Association Representative in matches played between teams over 60. In almost 450 matches (we are missing some of his playing record from the late 1950?s/early 1960?s) he has scored in excess of 8,500 runs, won countless Premierships and Averages and been a regular contributor to every facet of the clubs operation since 1956.
• 12. R.C. (Rick) Joyner
  Life Member (1977), Commenced playing juniors in 1956 and retired in 1984 leaving a legacy as one of the greatest players in club history. Holds the highest score record in junior ranks (220* in 130 minutes) and scored 4 other senior Centuries. Scored almost 5,000 1st XI runs with 4 x 100?s, 28 x 50?s, 9 Century Partnerships and won three 1st XI Batting Averages. As a keeper he stands at the top of the pack with over 200 dismissals and has won 5 1st XI Fielding Awards. A Vice President for three terms and served many more years on the Committee
• 13. Graham (Gus) Bull
  Life Member (1979), Commenced at the club in 1964 and has done everything possible since to make the club a success ? President for 5 terms, V/P for 7, and many years as a Committee Member. Played over 220 matches, Captained three 2nd XI Premierships, won 4 Club Batting awards and 2 Fielding awards, scoring over 3,000 club runs with 13 x 50?s and a highest score of 88. Steered the club into an era of great success in the mid 1980?s and has contributed too much of the ongoing success since. With Carol has provided off field support for over 30 years, scoring, cleaning, cooking, preparing nets, grounds, wickets etc.
• 14. Rob Sidebottom
  One of the dominant FTGDCA all rounders of the 1960?s and 1970?s, ?Sidey? could do it all, score runs and take wickets as well as apply his cricket brain at the crucial moment as an inspirational on field leader. The only player to win 1st XI FTGDCA Batting and Bowling Averages (as well as a couple of ?Feaver Medals?). Rob scored over 4,000 runs & took over 400 wickets for the clubs 1st XI, with 3 tons, 3 x 1st XI Batting Averages, 5 x 1st XI Bowling Averages and a record term of eight seasons as 1st XI Captain (3 Premierships). Announced as Captain of our ?50 year FTGDCA Team? at the 1997 FTGDCA Anniversary function.
• 15. Peter Clark
  Life Member (1991), Started in 1967, mainly in the lower grades and a very significant off field contributor. Scored over 4,000 runs at all levels and was astute enough to lead and run the club as a business in the 1980?s, with much credit for the management of the new Clubroom overheads due to Peter. President for 7 terms, 6 as V/P and also V/P of the FTGDCA. Administration leader in the successful 1990?s where his forthright nature always got the best (on & off the field) for the club. Oversaw the Centenary celebrations in 1990 and also took us to the RDCA with immediate success in the 1990s. Has participated in Vets cricket since its inception and is one of a handful to notch a century of Vets matches and retired with over 300 games on the field for the club.
• 16. Kim Mastertoun
  Life Member (1997), Alongside Barry Stuart one of the greatest bowlers in club history ? took almost 1,000 club wickets in all grades, with 748 in senior ranks inc 41 x 5 W/I, 7 x 7 W/I, 8 x 10 W/M. In 1970/71 & 1971/72 took over 130 wickets (Juniors & Seniors) each year and 8 times exceeded 40 wickets in a year. In the 1970?s and early 1980?s was up with the best bowlers in the Association, whom he represented on many occasions in Comp matches and Country Week carnivals. He has won 4 Club Bowling Averages and numerous other awards including 5 Premierships. Kim also scored over 3,500 runs inc. two centuries and 11 x 50?s, with a best of 148 in a 6th Wkt stand of 249 with Arnie Walters.
• 17. John Franchi
  Life Member (2004), Joined the club in 1974/75 as a junior player of some ability and then entering senior cricket graduated into the 1st XI before turning 18, where he became a fixture for the next 20 or so seasons. Playing over 300 games, John has scored 3 Tons, 28 x 50?s and over 7,300 runs for the club with almost half of these in the 1st XI, while he has also taken over 200 club wickets. In a glittering career his other highlights include 7 Batting Averages (3 in the 1st XI), and the extraordinary feat of playing in 7 successful 1st XI Premiership teams. In recent years John has been a force on the Committee where his experience and business acumen has been applied to the Club?s administration where he has spent 4 years as Secretary and another 4 as V/P, adding to a glittering 30 year contribution.
• 18. Steve Flemming
  Life Member (2002), Joined in 1976/77, blossomed in the 1980?s as a middle order batsman in the senior ranks. With over 100 1st XI matches and 4 1st XI Premiership Medallions, and a 5th from the 3rd XI when Captain, he scored in excess of 4,700 runs with 16 x 50?s and 3 tons including 155* - then the ?old ground? record. An early adopter of administration at the club; Delegate at 19, President, Treasurer and Secretary for 10 terms and has served the Club Committee for another 12 terms. His efforts after the 1986 discovery of the club?s earliest known photograph, led onto the Club?s 1989/90 Centenary. In the decades since he has continued to record the rich history of the FTGCC. Many of the Steve?s initiatives have become ?policy? ? e.g. Website, Club & Grade Awards, Fielding Votes Count and Life Membership recognition on Grade awards to name a few.
• 19. Andrew Downs
  In a glittering career, perhaps nobody has been a greater on field contributor. As a boom recruit he soon set the club alight in the ensuing seasons. The 1st XI Batting & Bowling record holder with over 6,500 runs and 400 wickets is just the start. Six Premierships head a list of 13 Centuries with a best of 234, 23 x 5 W/I, 7 x 7 W/I, 1 x 10 W/M with a best of 9/60 and many other performances, in most cases occurring when the team needed something special (5 of his 7 W/I hauls came in finals matches as did 6 of his 35 x 50?s). He often performed with the bat & ball together ? perhaps the 1992/93 Premiership should be the ?Andrew Downs Pennant? ? he scored 94 and took 7/66 to single handedly demolish Upwey. In a telling summary we missed the 1st XI Finals series just 3 times in Andrew?s 14 year career ? a record of success he had plenty of say in?
• 20. Graham (Dipper) Salan
  Life Member (2006), Recruited from Monbulk as a star all rounder in 1995/96, ?Dipper? continued to perform right through until his last triumphant 1st XI match in the 2009 Grand Final, when he collected his 4th 1st XI Premiership. Alongside Andrew Downs one of the great FTGDCA all rounders of the past 20 years with over 4,700 1st XI runs ? 3 x 100?s, 28 x 50?s (Inc a 99), over 280 wickets ? 11 x 5 W/I, 2 x 7 W/I with a best of 8/37 in the 1997/98 S/F, he possesses a huge will to win and often dominated matches with his sheer presence and on field psychology. Since arriving at the club he has been at the centre of the Administration as V/P for 6 seasons and is now entering his 4th as President where his business sense and desire to keep the Club at the top of the pack is continuing to deliver the best efforts for the club on and off the field.
• 21. Thomas Samuel Grimwood
  Tom Grimwood had not just been the \'King of Ferntree Gully\' but his contribution to the cricket club places him above the most influential leaders in our history. The man who started it all. After the failure of the initial FTGCC in 1887/88 hit home, when the effect of Grimwood luring its best two players to his ?Glenfern Cricket Club? resulted, he formally renamed his club (at the 1889 AGM) the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, which we still know today. He presided over the club from 1887/88 until the 1894/95 season ended. Just as the 1895/96 season commenced Grimwood passed away, (while in Office) however his influential contacts with the Melbourne business community had ensured many fixtured matches were already on our annual playing calendar and the club?s future was assured.
• 22. Ted Beaumont
  The star inter war all rounder, debuted in the 1926/27 season, then crossed to Boronia while the club was in recess until 1933/34 when he returned to dominate our first Premiership season. With a career disrupted by the recess and ending at World War 2 he won 1st XI Batting, Bowling & All Rounder awards & scored 1,323 1st XI runs ? 1 x 100 (only one from 1914/15 to 1953/54) & also scored a century for MDCA on MCG, 7 x 50?s, over 200 wickets ? 16 x 5 W/I, 2 x 7 W/I, 1 x 10 W/M with a best of 7/23 and 4 times >40 wickets in a season
• 23. George Tew
  Life Member (1969), Eldest son of a legend, dominated Club bowling, alongside Barry Stuart throughout the 1960?s and early 1970?s. Took over 360 wickets, 16 X 5 W/I & 4 X 7 W/I with a best of 7/26. Won Association Bowling in 1972/73 Premiership year & Club Bowling Averages as well as taking two Hat Tricks. On Committee for over 12 seasons ? Treasurer for 9 & Secretary for 2 terms, continuing on his family legacy.
• 24. Greg Mastertoun
  Life Member (1983), A star in junior ranks who became one of the youngest ?A Grade? players in Club History. Played over 200 Senior & Vets matches, scored over 2,500 senior runs (>1500 in Vets), 2 100?s and took >200 dismissals as a keeper in a career that stretched over 40 years from 1965, with time off overseas travelling & working. The FTGDCA Junior?s first Secretary and long time Committee member of the Senior & Junior Club Committees, Greg continues to support the club with a passion rivalled by few.
• 25. Tony Goldsmith
  Life Member (1987), Started in 1967 and career spanned over 40 seasons, mainly in the lower grades. Scored over 3,000 runs, took over 100 wickets and 180 dismissals at all levels and ventured into the Administration when his brother in law (Peter Clark) took the reigns of the club in the 1970?s and 80?s. He was Club Treasurer for 6 years and also assisted when Peter Hamilton took ill in 1980. Illness forced his retirement in 2009 but Tony or ?Fred? is still a regular presence after Training and on match day.
• 26. Cliff James
  Life Member (1990), Commenced playing in 1973/74 and rose after a few seasons to become the backbone of the 1st XI bowling attack, alongside Kim Mastertoun. Served as a committee member for many years. A great outswing bowler who developed later as a batsmen when he dropped down the grades. Played over 280 Senior & Vets matches, scored over 3,500 runs (11 x 50?s, 2 x 100?s with a best of 122*). With over 500 wickets to his credit, including 26 x 5 W/I, 4 x 7 W/I & 2 10 W/M efforts with a best of 7/31 he has few peers. Best remembered for his 6/0 effort in A Grade and the major financial contribution he made in the 1980?s and 1990?s.
• 27. Brian Wright
  Life Member (1994), ?Doom? joined in 1976/77 and continues to support us avidly today. A correct top order batsman with orthodox offies as a fall back he played over 150 games, scoring over 2750 runs, 10 x 50?s, best of 89 & took 80 wickets with a best of 5/29. Committee member and coach for a number of years and chiefly responsible for maintaining focus on Junior development throughout club ranks. Many of his prot?g?s have gone onto success, which he continues to witness first hand as a regular follower of the Club?s Senior XI.
• 28. Wayne Pretty
  Life Member (2000), Joined the 6th XI in its 1979/80 Premiership season and had made a significant on & off field contribution ever since. A long time committee member, serving four terms as Secretary & now as Treasurer for the past five. Wayne has been a fixture in the lower grades, winning 7 Grade Championships, 9 Batting Awards & scoring over 5,000 runs from more than 250 games, with 27 scores over 50, including two tons and a best of 129*. A solid bowler when required with >120 Wickets (Best of 5/7) and over 80 dismissals ? some as a reluctant Keeper. Passionate about his beloved ?Saints? and perhaps if they showed the dedication Wayne has to the FTGCC then they may have mad success in his time ? Hope springs eternal?
• 29. Norm Butters
  Life Member (2006), Came to the club in 1984/85 and has been a key player and committee member ever since. A member of the 1984/85 1st XI Premiership team in his first season & in 2009/10 clocked up his 250th match (100 Vets games). A miserly bowler with over 350 wickets to his name, 1 x 5 W/I & a best of 6/19 from 23 overs! No slouch with the bat ? scoring over 1700 runs ? H.S. 59 and Captain of a Premiership team. Perhaps his most significant contribution has been his measured management approach while serving as a Committee member, President and Treasurer, particularly during the return from the RDCA and the process of amalgamating with the Bluebirds CC ? it occurred so seamlessly hardly anyone noticed ? just the way Norm is.
• 30. Dean Glare
  Life Member (2007), Joined the seniors in 1984/85 after starring as a junior. Rose quickly as a classy medium pacer, has taken >550 wickets (>450 in the 2nd XI), 20 x 5 W/I, 2 x 7 W/I, 1 x 10 W/M, best of 7/24. He has won a 13 Club Averages, a couple at Association level, 5 Grade Championships and many other awards. An accident removed some of his sight & his batting suffered ? he scored 68 in a winning 1st XI Final and tops the Not Out count for the club, notching up #100 in 09/10. In later years his organisation skills have come to the fore, supporting the Grade Championships, selection and other administration functions with little fuss. He has also spent many years on various committees and plays a significant role in the management of the club today.