March - Melbourne Cricket Club

CLUB NEWSThe club has been blessed withnumerous loyal servants in its longhistory, but few could match thepassion, honesty and straightforwardnessof Ken Parker.The event services manager drew stumpson his 23-year MCG career in December,when more than 200 colleagues, MCGstakeholders, friends and family shared anight of laughs and reminiscence in theOlympic Room.Ken has been a key member of theMCG’s engine room – the EventsThe MCG’s status as a world-classcricket venue has beenstrengthened by theannouncement last November that allinternational cricket matches scheduledin Victoria will be played at the groundfor at least the next 10 years.The club’s current arrangement wasdue to expire at the end of March and,after a series of negotiations with bothCricket Victoria and Cricket Australia,agreement was reached on a new dealuntil March 2019.The majority of interstate cricket willKen Parker with AFL operations managerJill Lindsay (left) and (above) surroundedby Events Department colleagues.A BULLDOGTHROUGH AND THROUGHDepartment – since August 1985 whenthe staunch Footscray/Western Bulldogsman arrived from Western Oval, wherehe was ground manager.His farewell featured CoodabeenChampions songster Greg Championand several speakers, among them AFLoperations manager Jill Lindsay andMCC chief executive Stephen Gough,who presented him with the perfect giftfor a man entering retirement – a set ofgolf clubs.In response, Ken referred to his AFLCRICKET PARTNERSHIPCONTINUESalso continue to be played at the famousvenue, which has hosted Test cricketsince the first Test in 1877 and domestic/colonial cricket since the 1850s.“The MCG has long been the spiritualhome of Australian cricket and we aredelighted that our association with thisgreat game will continue,” said MCCpresident David Meiklejohn.“We have invested heavily in cricketfacilities within the new northern standand we believe the MCG is now one ofthe finest cricket stadiums in the world,both for players and patrons.”sparring partner Lindsay, perhaps theonly individual in the industry who couldmatch his ardour and direct approach tothe job at hand.“You can’t have bloody procrastinatorsin this game,” he said. “Sometimes you’vejust got to make decisions.”His MCG highlights were many butmost memorable were Kerryn McCann’sCommonwealth Games marathon win,Mike Whitney’s last-over defence againstRichard Hadlee to save a Test in 1987,Victoria’s Sheffield Shield win in 1991 andhis most heart-wrenching day – his Bulldogidol Ted Whitten’s final lap of the ‘G –“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”Ken’s contribution to the club and theground has been considerable, his can-doattitude in particular earning the boss’sadmiration.“Ken had a great ability to deal withpeople who were in his way and whoweren’t going to help him,” said the CEO.“And when he’d made up his mind hewas going to get something done, heavenhelp you if you weren’t coming along forthe ride.“His ability to say yes or no equallyforcefully has been recognised by all ourstakeholders, including the police, themedia and the AFL and cricket people.”Well batted, Ken.The MCG precinct is alwaysbouncing in January andthe club was pleased to onceagain host a dinner for the topadministrators of tennis while theAustralian Open was under way.From left are Tennis Australiapresident Geoff Pollard, InternationalTennis Federation president FrancescoRicci Bitti, Wendy Meiklejohn, BobGarvin and his wife Lucy (president ofUnited States Tennis Association),MCC president David Meiklejohn,Eleanor Pollard, All England LawnTennis Club president Tim Phillips,Mr Ricci Bittis’ wife Yela and ChristianBimes, president of the FrenchTennis Federation.4 MCC NEWSMARCH 2009

McDONALD’SBAGGY GREEN DELIGHTMCC all-rounder AndrewMcDonald can’t recall a greatdeal about the first day ofhis Test debut at the Sydney CricketGround in January, but those watchingwill long remember his introduction tointernational cricket.Selected after injuries to AndrewSymonds and Shane Watson during theBoxing Day Test, the 27-year-oldproduct of the MCC via Albury strode tothe crease at a precarious 4-132 againstthe confident South Africans.After surviving a harrowing first threeballs from gangly quick Morne Morkel,during which time he was struck on theelbow and edged a ball short of secondslip, McDonald had his helmetdramatically dislodged (above right) by asearing bouncer that glanced his shoulderbefore thudding into the back of his head.“To be honest, I haven’t seen a replayand I don’t really want to,” saidMcDonald in an interview with the clubin late-January, reflecting on his suddenelevation as Australian Test playernumber 406.“It must have looked pretty awkward.In practice the day before the Test Inoticed that the helmet didn’t fit toowell. I thought it would be fine on theday, but it obviously wasn’t.”McDonald said it was impossible tonot be affected by the roar as he walkedout to bat.“I was trying to relax and treat it asanother game of cricket,” he said. “Ilook back now and I don’t reallyremember a lot about the first day,because it all happened so quickly. It wasa surreal experience.”He made 15 in his only innings andtook three important wickets (includingHashim Amla and Jacques Kallis) asAustralia won the match with just 10balls remaining, a match remembered forGraeme Smith’s brave decision to batwith a broken hand in the final hour.On that tense afternoon, McDonaldput down a caught and bowled chancefrom tailender Makhaya Ntini with nineovers remaining and thought he haddropped the Test.“It came to me a lot slower than Ithought,” he recalled. “Although Idismissed Dale Steyn two balls later, Idefinitely thought as I grabbed my cap atthe end of that over, what if Ntini holdsus up, and he did. Mind you, I thinkMatthew Hayden put him down later on,so I probably handballed my thoughts onto him!”After the current tour of South AfricaMcDonald will join the Delhi Daredevilsside in the lucrative Indian PremierLeague in mid-April.But for now, he’s reflecting on awhirlwind Test debut and his place inAustralian cricket history.“It’s easy to say it’s something you’vealways dreamed of, but it actually is,” hesmiles. “I thoroughly enjoyed theexperience. Hopefully I’ll be able to do itagain one day.”MCC TESTTRADITIONCONTINUESAndrew McDonald joins adistinguished list of AustralianTest players who have playedfor the MCC.The first Australian Test teamwhich met England on the MCG in1877 contained three MCC players.Up to World War II, it wasunusual for an Australian side notto contain at least one player fromthe club.Members wandering throughLevel 2 of the Reserve can pause inthe atrium to view the photographsof our MCC elite.Armstrong, Ponsford, Trumble,Colin McDonald, Walker, Spofforth,Sheahan and, more recently, Jonesand Hodge, are just some of thenames that serve as a reminder ofthe club’s significant role inAustralian cricket.“I’ve had a look at the photos onthe wall in the Pavilion, with all thenames of the Test players,” saysAndrew McDonald.“It’s a bit scary to think that I havejoined that group.“The MCC is a fantastic club with agreat history and it’s always good torepresent the club, not only in theVictorian team but now for Australia.”MARCH 2009MCC NEWS5

CLUB NEWSRECORD STILL STANDSFOR BILLYMarch 15, 2009 marks the 50th The recently written Pavilions in theanniversary of the biggest-ever Park recalls the period as electrifying, noattendance at the MCG, and matter one’s religion, because of Drthere wasn’t a footy or cricket ball in sight. Graham’s eloquence and the messages heThe big event was the culmination of was preaching to an accommodatingthe Billy Graham Crusade, a week-long post-war audience.series of religious meetings at the West On the final weekend of his visit, aboutMelbourne Stadium, the newly opened 10,000 attended an evening rally on theMyer Music Bowl and the MCG.Saturday. Little could organisers imaginewhat would confront them next morning– the Sabbath – when activities of anykind on a Sunday were severely curtailed.People were lining up at the gates from7am and the stands were packed an hourbefore the meeting was due to start at 3pm.Shortly before the rally began, many inthe crowd swarmed onto the arena, whileabout 4000 remained outside the groundlistening to the meeting over loud speakers.The admittance-free crowd was estimatedbetween 130,000 and 143,750. For therecord books, it will be forever known as130,000-plus, and it will never be beaten.Photo courtesy of Dr Greg McKie OAMA GLOWING TESTAMENT TO WILLSEminent psychiatrist, MCC memberand author Greg de Moore couldhave written two books about theman he describes as the most influentialand important sportsman Australia hasknown – Tom Wills.The first – Tom Wills: His spectacularrise and tragic fall – was publishedrecently and introduced to an MCGaudience through the State Library ofVictoria’s Summer Read program inFebruary.The second, for which there is plentyof material, might follow the author’sfascinating, decade-long paper trail thattook him from the MCC Library andRoyal Melbourne Hospital to RugbySchool in England and the CentralQueensland cattle station home of anotherTom Wills, our hero’s great-great nephew.The Summer Read chat in the NationalSports Museum – in question-and-answerformat with librarian David Studham inthe chair – allowed Greg to detail howhe became interested in the Wills sagaand how the tale unfolded as moreinformation came to light.It began with painstaking research atthe MCC in the nineties, after which hechanced upon some critical informationfrom the archives at RMH, where hetrained – a record of Wills’ admissionwith delirium tremens on the day beforehe took his life in 1880.From a professional viewpoint this wasgold – Greg was already studying the linkbetween alcohol and suicide – and doublyso because he assumed that if such animportant record had lain undisturbed for120 years then surely there must be moreinformation to uncover. There was.You can read all about it in thisdefinitive examination of the life of Willsthe state cricketer, MCC secretary andkey player in the development ofAustralian football.Now a Sydneysider practising atWestmead Hospital, Greg de Mooregrew up in a cricket and football-madhousehold in North Coburg. He won theRoy L. Park Scholarship* to WesleyCollege and studied medicine atMelbourne University. He has beenan MCC member for 30 years.*Dr Park, a Test cricketer and VFLfootballer, was former secretary IanJohnson’s father-in-law.6 MCC NEWSMARCH 2009

SPIN, SPEEDWERE A WINNING COMBINATIONThe Members’ Dinner in Decembersimply had to be a top-notchfunction. Proposing the toast tocricket was former Cricket Australia andICC chief executive Malcolm Speed andresponding was cricket-loving formerPrime Minister John Howard. Theydidn’t let us down.MC Tim Lane opened proceedings bysuggesting that the list of previousspeakers could provide us with a fairlyuseful line-up. In batting order he selectedColin McDonald, Sunil Gavaskar, ColinCowdrey, Greg Chappell, GrahamGooch, Rod Marsh, Richard Hadlee andWes Hall, but found himself with twospots vacant.Needing a spinner, he looked first atGideon Haigh’s gentle tweakers and thenthe former PM’s unpractised offies beforeconcluding that perhaps it was time weasked Shane Warne to embark on thepublic speaking circuit to round out histeam.When later introducing the keynotespeakers he allocated the last two spots toMalcolm Speed, for the left-arm fastmediumdeliveries of his youth, and JohnHoward, whose action had been laudedby Kerry O’Keeffe as “the mostbiomechanically correct of any AustralianPrime Minister I’ve seen.”Hence, noted Tim, the last two placeswent to a quickie named Speed and anexponent of spin who was a highlysuccessful politician!In a brilliant address, Speed told of theprolonged aggravation associated with“selling the Shield” to Pura Milk and theless-than-gentle reproof he received on thesubject from Janette Howard, who was inattendance.He steered clear of his brokenrelationship with the ICC hierarchy butwarned us to be wary of “bagging” thoseof the sub-continent, noting that theworld’s middle class, previously theprovince of the US, England and Europe,is now and will increasingly be found inAsia. That’s where the money is.Nevertheless optimistic about thefuture of cricket, he concluded that “thereare times when it’s not perfect, but thereare many perfect moments.”Mr Howard rejoiced in his good luckas PM having access to the game’s leadersand its greatest fans among the politicalset, particularly the UK’s John Major andGeneral Musharraf of Pakistan, “whodidn’t need any votes to become leaderof his country, but I got on famouslywith him.”He spoke of his frequent attendancesin the ABC box, the broadcaster havingintroduced him to cricket in the fortieswhen his heroes were Lindwall and Miller.On first meeting them as treasurer inthe seventies, he remembered Lindwall as“nice and mannerly”. When offering hishand to the great “Nugget”, however,Miller burst forth with: “I know thathand. It’s been in my pocket for the lastfive years.”MARCH 2009MCC NEWS7

CLUB NEWSHOOKEDHE’SON THE MCGThe National Sports Museumscored one of Australian sport’sprized possessions when polevaulter Steve Hooker handed over theReebok spikes he wore at the BeijingOlympics to vice-president Paul Sheahanlast November.The gold medallist joined a stringof Olympians to support the NSM’s requestfor material for its Beijing showcase, whichwas completed in February.A Victorian now living and training inPerth, Steve Hooker is an MCG man. Heremembers clearly how impressed he waswhen visiting the Australian Gallery ofSport as a schoolboy. And he saw enoughof Carlton’s glory days to further cementhis connection with the People’s Ground.But nothing – even Beijing – compareswith two vivid memories of theCommonwealth Games at the ‘G in 2006.“I was in the stands when KerrynMcCann was jostling for the lead justoutside the stadium,” Steve recalls.“The stadium announcer asked thecrowd to give her a cheer that she wouldhear and hopefully respond to. At thecount of three everybody joined in and itwas sensational just to be there. It couldonly happen at the MCG.”There was more, much more, to come.“We were competing on the night when83,000 people were at the ground. Whenthe pole vault was getting serious,nothing else was on, so everyone wasconcentrating on what we were doing.Above: Olympic pole vaulter Steve Hookerpresents the Reebok spikes he wore duringhis gold-medal jump at Beijing to MCC vicepresidentPaul Sheahan. They are on displayin the NSM’s Beijing Showcase.“I have never heard such a noise.I usually count during my run-up but theroar was so deafening I lost track. It wasthe most amazing experience. And it wascapped off when I did the victory lapbefore my home crowd. It seemed I wasstopping every five metres or so toacknowledge somebody I knew.”Steve had plenty of support at the MCG.There were about 40 family members, 50from work and about the same numberfrom the Box Hill Athletic Club, where itall started. Another 80,000-odd spectatorswere on his side, too.Pole vaulters hit their peak around30, which works nicely for this affable26-year-old who has set his sights onLondon in 2012.MESSAGE RECEIVED, JACKThe National Sports Museum is fast becoming a popularvenue for various corporate functions, and the settingcould not have been more appropriate for theannouncement of Sir Jack and Lady Brabham as patronsof Kidney Health Australia.The November function, attended by media and health industrypersonnel, was held against the backdrop of Sir Jack’s RepcoBrabham BT19, which he drove to a world championship in 1966and now provides a striking introduction for museum visitors.The motor racing legend is on dialysis for four-hour sessionsthree times weekly and the message he wanted to convey was tohave an early check-up.Kidney disease is insidious and can progress dangerouslybefore people are aware of any problem. A simple statisticshould be a wake-up call. Kidney disease is responsible forabout one-third of public hospital admissions on any given day.Tony Charlton interviews Kidney HealthAustralia patron Sir Jack Brabham in theNational Sports Museum.8 MCC NEWSMARCH 2009

CLUB NEWSAbove: Ian Ridley evades Collingwood’sPeter Lucas during the 1955 Grand Final.FIVE FLAGSAT HALF MAST FOR TIGER“Nobody can match his contribution to football.”Abig claim, perhaps, but NoelMcMahen’s assessment of Ian“Tiger” Ridley would have hadabout 700 heads nodding in agreementat the five-time premiership player’sfuneral in November.Noel was the champion rover’sskipper in the 1955-56 Melbournepremiership sides and was a closefriend and football associate of Ridleyfor more than half a century.Tiger might not have cut up the orangesfor the three-quarter time break, but hewas a willing servant in a multitude ofroles for the club he loved until the bitterend through emphysema at 74.“His honorary service was amazing,”said Noel. “And not just for the MFC.He was coach, board member, AFLdelegate and president at Melbourne,as well as sitting on the league tribunal.”Ian Ridley was a great MCC man, too,a member for nearly 50 years and one oftwo MCC-nominated appointees to thefootball club board when he took on thepresidency in 1992.The top job was hardly a walk in thepark for Tiger as Melbourne’s fortunesdeclined rapidly and the proposed mergerwith Hawthorn dominated headlines atthe end of 1996.Unfortunately there were somepermanent scars from that experience butthe Ridley reputation as a champion ofthe MFC cause remained intact.Universally admired and respected and amost appreciative recipient in 1995 of theMCC’s Hans Ebeling Award for services tothe club’s sporting sections, he averaged aVFL premiership with Melbourne every 26games and, most appropriately, his funeralwas at the MCG – Ian’s cathedral.KerrynMcCannSAD PASSINGSAnybody who saw KerrynMcCann’s dramatic triumph inthe Commonwealth Gamesmarathon in 2006 will agree that thiscourageous lady from Wollongong putan indelible mark on MCG history.So her subsequent battle with cancer andrecent passing – less than three years aftertaking gold – was doubly difficult to acceptand we feel deeply for Kerryn’s family.We also lost a couple of MCCstalwarts over the summer break.Cyril Smith was a tall quickie fromQueensland who came to the MCC in1955 to pursue business interests.Cyril loved his cricket and after hisFirst XI career ended he continued withthe MCC “A” team for many years.He also was a foundation member ofthe XXIX Club.Reg Teasdale was another First XIcricketer and XXIX Club foundationmember who later served the “A” teamwith distinction over a long period.Reg made many enduring friendshipsaround the club and there was a packedhouse at his funeral on the second dayof the Test, thoughtfully timed for 10am.10 MCC NEWSMARCH 2009

AUSTRALIAN CRICKETHALL OF FAMEINDUCTEESSTEVE WAUGH JOINS GREATSIN CRICKET’S HALL OF FAMEThe MCG’s Australian Cricket Hallof Fame welcomed another legendin February with the induction offormer Test captain Steve Waugh.Waugh becomes the 30th player toreceive the recognition since the hall offame was established by the MCC in1996. This shrine to Australia’scricketing greats can be seen in theNational Sports Museum’s Backyard toBaggy Green exhibition, which is a mustseefor any sports fan.Such is Waugh’s record and standing inthe game, the selectors wasted no time inchoosing the New South Welshman oncehe had satisfied the minimumrequirement of five years out of the game.“Steve was an outstanding player andcaptain during a golden period ofAustralian cricket and, now that he iseligible, he is an obvious and deservinginductee,” said selection panel chairmanand MCC vice-president, Bob Lloyd.The hall of fame selection philosophyfocuses on the players’ status as sportinglegends in addition to their outstandingstatistical records. On both fronts, theman known as “Tugga” has few peers.Waugh is Australia’s most capped Testplayer with 168 matches. He captainedthe team on 57 occasions between 1999and 2004, registering 41 wins (including15 in succession) and just nine defeats.His 10,927 Test runs place him fourthon the all-time runscorers list behind onlySachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and AllanBorder. And his clever medium pace snared92 Test wickets, often at crucial times.Waugh revolutionised the limited oversform of the game in the late-eighties.Dashing strokeplay, fast running betweenwickets and a well-disguised change ofpace when bowling “at the death” sawhim rated one of the world’s best one-dayinternational players.He played a key role in the 1987World Cup win that turned aroundAustralia’s cricketing fortunes beforefamously leading his country to victory inthe 1999 World Cup in England.However, statistics tell only part of theWaugh story.Thrown to the wolves at the age of 20and showing glimpses of hisextraordinary talent over the ensuing sixyears, he lost his Test place to twinbrother Mark before reshaping his gameto become a ruthless competitor and aformidable force at the crease.A series of epic innings followed, nonebetter than his 200 in Jamaica in 1995 tosnare Australia an historic series win, orhis twin hundreds on a wet wicket at OldTrafford to turn the 1997 Ashes series.His powers of concentration were uniquein the modern era.Everyone has their own memories ofSteve Waugh. The battered but unbowedbaggy green cap, the lucky red rag in hispocket, powerful square cuts, standingtoe-to-toe with the world’s fastestbowlers and emerging victorious are justsome of them.A worthy inductee, indeed.Inaugural inductees 1996Fred SpofforthJohn BlackhamVictor TrumperClarrie GrimmettBill PonsfordSir Donald BradmanBill O’ReillyKeith MillerRay LindwallDennis LilleeInducted 2000Warwick ArmstrongNeil HarveyAllan Border2001Bill WoodfullArthur Morris2002Stan McCabeGreg Chappell2003Lindsay HassettIan Chappell2004Hugh TrumbleAlan Davidson2005Clem HillRod Marsh2006Monty NobleBob Simpson2007Charles MacartneyRichie Benaud2008George GiffenIan Healy2009Steve WaughSTEVE WAUGHTests: 168Runs: 10,927 at 51.06Wickets: 92 at 37.44ODIs: 325Runs: 7569 at 32.90Wickets: 195 at 34.67MARCH 2009MCC NEWS11

MCG EVENTSHISTORIC SOUTH AFRICAN TRIUMPHHEADLINES MCG SUMMER OF CRICKETMembers and guests venturingto the MCG over theChristmas period have grownaccustomed to the home side’sdominance of the Boxing Day Test.And understandably so, given thatAustralia had lost only two of itsprevious 17 Tests at the famous ground.However, a rejuvenated SouthAfrica’s nine-wicket victory sent ourboys plummeting to their first series losson home soil in 16 years.Fine weather greeted both teamson Boxing Day, with a solid crowd of63,263 fans enjoying a tight contest onthe opening day.Cameron Hodgkins and his teamdeserve praise for the pitch prepared forthe occasion, as last summer’sdifficulties were laid to rest with awicket that produced good pace andbounce for the duration.A total of 174,346 fans attended theTest over the five days and many leftconvinced they had seen one of thegame’s future stars in the form of SouthAfrican batsman Jean-Paul Duminy.In just his second Test, thediminutive left-hander combined withfast bowler Dale Steyn on the third dayfor a game-turning, record-breaking180-run partnership for the ninthwicket as the Proteas clawed their wayback into the match. Not even abrilliant double from Ricky Ponting(101 and 99) could prevent thesymbolic shift in world cricketsupremacy as Australia dealt withunderperforming players and injuries.Meantime, it was an early start onBoxing Day for the 500-plus membersand guests who packed the dining roomfor an entertaining breakfast featuringformer Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy,renowned cricket journalist MikeCoward, Victorian leg spinner BryceMcGain and host Darren Berry.‘Heals’ was at his entertainingbest as he recounted his experiencesplaying against South African teamsfeaturing the likes of Donald, Cronje,12 MCC NEWS MARCH 2009

Cullinan and Kirsten, while Cowardshowed why he’s such a respectedvoice in the game with a thoroughanalysis of the cricketing historybetween the two nations.All that was left was for McGain toupdate on his recovery from shouldersurgery and vow to be on a plane for thereturn series.Outside, the captains tossed the coinas the nation’s press contingent cast awatchful eye and superstar Shane Warneswapped a flipper for a microphone.A strong turnout in the MembersReserve took advantage of thewonderful facilities on offer.The vote for most popular went tothe refurbished Hugh Trumble Café,complete with outdoor furniture andTV screens to stay tuned to the action.On the second day, the third annualWomen in Cricket Test breakfast washeld in the Members Dining Room,with noted actress Kate Fitzpatrickdelivering the keynote address.The one-time Channel 9 cricketcommentator had plenty to say abouther short-lived stint in the commentarybox in 1983 and her experienceswatching the game and meeting manyof its greats over many years.Former Australian fast bowler andmedia commentator Damien Flemingoffered his analysis of the on-fieldaction, while Victorian Spiritwicketkeeper Emma Inglis gave theaudience an entertaining insight into theoff-field dynamics of our state’s elitefemale squad.Many of them attended the breakfastas they embarked on their Women’sNational Cricket League campaign thatsaw them finish runner-up.Less than a fortnight later, the bashand-crashTwenty20 style came to the‘G, with two domestic matchesinvolving the Victorian Bushrangers andan international between Australia andSouth Africa.Before 62,155 fans, it was new boyDavid Warner who stole the show, hisblistering 89 from 43 balls producingsome of the biggest hitting seen at theground in recent memory.The menu of big-time cricketcontinued in the weeks that followed.On January 16, the Proteascompounded the home side’s painby coming from a precarious positionto win the Commonwealth Bank Seriesone-day international, whileNew Zealand made it a summer toforget for the Aussies as they chaseddown a sizeable total with several ballsto spare on February 6.As we went to print, the Victorianshad reached the Ford Ranger Cup final(February 22) and the Sheffield Shieldfinal (March 13-17). We wish them well.MARCH 2009MCC NEWS 13

CLUB SPORTMALAYSIAN FRIENDSENJOY THEIR STAYThe MCC was pleased to host oneof its reciprocal clubs – the RoyalSelangor Club in December. Thetouring party from one of the oldestsporting clubs in Malaysia played a seriesof cricket matches during its visit toMelbourne and also experienced theexcitement of the Boxing Day Test.Royal Selangor was established in 1884and although it has only been formallyaffiliated with the MCC since 1997, thefirst match between the two clubs washeld back in 1976. This was the first timeRoyal Selangor had played in Melbournesince that inaugural match.After a welcoming cocktail party in theXXIX CLUBTO TOUR UKA40-strong touring party willrepresent the MCC on the traditionalXXIX Club UK Tour to coincidewith the Ashes series in July and August.Led by XXIX Club committeeman GeoffFidler, the group will stop in Singapore onthe way to the Old Dart, where they willcompete in a number of traditional fixtures,including the Scottish Caledonians and theSouth Oxford Amateurs, the club whichprompted the formation of the XXIX Club.They’ll also find time for some sightseeingand a trip to Lord’s during the Test.The XXIX Club was formed in 1956 bya group of MCC senior players. Theirobjective was to foster cricket generally, byplaying mid-week and Sunday games inaddition to the normal Premier Cricketfixtures. The concept was so successful thatthe club is now celebrating its 52nd year.If you are an active cricketer looking toplay some quality cricket during thesummer in a social atmosphere, then visitthe MCC website to find out more aboutjoining the XXIX Club.Members Dining Room and a warm-upmatch against the MCC XXIX Club atthe Albert Ground on December 18, thevisitors took the field against an MCCinvitational side on December 22.Batting first, Royal Selangor compiled5/173 from their 30 overs. YoungsterNiki Menon made an impressive 70 notout and former MCC First XIpremiership player and Hawthornruckman Michael McCarthy took 2/18from six overs.In reply, MCC rose to the challengeand took the honours, achieving thetarget with eight balls remaining andseven wickets in hand.Not long after Graeme Smith’snational side had left ourshores, a South African teamwith a difference took on the MCC onFebruary 6 at the Albert Ground.With a contingent comprisingnumerous former Test and first-classplayers, the Jonathan Oppenheimer XI(JEO XI) embarked on a 10-day tour ofAustralia’s eastern seaboard. Their timingwas not ideal, experiencing floods in thenorth of the country and dreadful heatand bushfires in the south, but it didn’tdouse their enthusiasm for the contest.The JEO XI was founded in 1970 bybillionaire South African businessmanNicky Oppenheimer, current chairmanof De Beers diamond mining company.The team, now headed by Nicky’s sonJonathan, is based at a beautiful groundin Johannesburg that until very recentlyhosted the first game of Australia’s Testtours to South Africa.The JEO XI contained 10 players withFormer star all-rounder Robert Lambopened the batting with MCC premiershipcaptain and coach Michael Sholly, puttingtogether a partnership of 90.It was then left to youngster AlistairMcCooke and former Melbourne andVictorian all-rounder and 1970Brownlow Medal winner, Peter Bedford,to bring the team home in the 29th over.During their visit, Royal Selangorplayers and officials were taken on atour of the MCG and National SportsMuseum and, after completing theirschedule of matches, were entertainedat various functions during the BoxingDay Test.ALBERT GROUNDHOSTS SOUTH AFRICANSfirst-class experience, including formerinternationals Derek Crookes, RichardSnell, Clive Eksteen and David Terbrugge.In a declaration game played over sixhours, the MCC declared at 7/204 off 56overs, setting the visitors 50 over to reachtheir target.After a tight struggle, the match waseventually drawn with the visitorsfinishing on 8/177.14 MCC NEWSMARCH 2009

DEMONS WINONE-DAY CROWNThe MCC’s search for an elusiveFirst XI premiership in the twodayPremier Cricket competitionwas on a knife’s edge as we went toprint, with the team needing to win itsfinal game to clinch a finals berth.In other grades the Second andFourth XI seemed well placed to launcha premiership assault.However, there are already one or twopremiership flags flying high at the AlbertGround. The club took out both the Firstand Fourth XI one-day titles in early-February, following highly successfulseasons in the shorter form of the game.Under the guidance of first-year captaincoachAdam Dale, the senior teamdefeated Prahran in the final by twowickets. Phil Halbish (4/35 and 33) wasman of the match and, together with Dale,set up victory with the ball. Like mostfinals, the run chase proved no easy taskand it was Andrew Kent (52) who stoodtall after early wobbles in the top order.The day before the one-day final(February 7, that fateful day whenVictoria suffered so much at the hands ofbushfires), the blistering heat also took itstoll on our cricketers. As the First XIMCC JUNIOR PROGRAM ON SHOWThe MCC invests enormous timeand energy into its juniordevelopment program, enabling itto produce players of the calibre of BradHodge, Brad Williams, Warren Ayresand numerous others in recent history.It has therefore been a bitter-sweetsummer as two of our home-grown talent– wicketkeeper Peter Nevill (NSW) andleg spinner Josh Mangan (WA) – madetheir first-class debut for their adoptedstates in the Sheffield Shield competitionthis season.Both youngsters progressed from thewilted in the field in 46-plus degrees atMerv Hughes Oval in Footscray, 19-yearoldbatsman Matthew Brown made aname for himself in the Second XI.Chasing down a target of 330, Matthewbatted for six hours in the scorching heatto score 176 not out, leading his team tovictory before no doubt enjoying a nicecold drink at the conclusion!Earlier, the traditional “country round”in January saw the First XI resume fromtheir Christmas break, also againstPrahran, in the idyllic surrounds of theWarrion Sports Ground, near Colac.The club was welcomed at Warrionwith first-rate playing conditions – a flatwicket and a green, evenly grassedoutfield. There were innovativesightscreens (semitrailersdrapedwith blackcurtains) and evensandbags on top ofthe roller (left)illustrating theextent Warrion CCwent in to inensuring qualityfacilities.MCC’s under 16 junior program to FirstXI cricket before eyeing opportunities inother states to pursue their professionalcricket careers.Closer to home, the club was delightedthat left-hander Michael Hill made hisdebut for Victoria in the Ford Ranger Cupthis season, while a number of MCCyoungsters represented Victoria in underagenational championships.We suggest you keep an eye on NickBergin, Matthew Brown, Travis Jackson(u/19), Mitch Chadwick and Alex Keath(u/17) in the near future.KENT CLIMBSTHE RANKSMCC First XI openingbatsman and reigning clubchampion Andrew Kent’srecent consistency has seen him sneakinto the top 10 MCC runscorers of alltime. And he’s joined some illustriouscompany.With one match remaining in theregular season, the 27-year-old sitsseventh on the runs list, having brokenthrough the 6000-run barrier and leaptpast current teammate Brad Hodge andformer club captain David Broad alongthe way.He has some significant work to do,however, before taking the top mantle.Some of the club’s greatest players lieahead, including Vernon Ransford,Percy Beames and Warwick Armstrong,before “Kenty” sets out to overhaul thedaddy of all MCC accumulators,Warren Ayres.Andrew’s form was rewarded withselection in the Victorian Second XIteam to play NSW in mid-Februaryand here’s hoping his chance at firstclasslevel has not passed him by.MCC FIRST XI RUNSCORERSW.G. Ayres 11,154W.W. Armstrong 8197P.J. Beames 7638V.S. Ransford 7348H.S. Sandford 7297F. Vaughan 7112A.J. Kent 6207B.A. Onyons 5890D.J. Broad 5536B.J. Hodge 5438MARCH 2009MCC NEWS15

CLUB NEWSBEST’S BEST AT OLD BOTTLE DAYSearing heat didn’t deter Long RoomWine and Food Society membersfrom rolling up in record numbers forthe annual Old Bottle Day on January 28.Once again the quality of the wines wasnoticeably up on the previous year, saidclub wine consultant Jeremy Oliver,whose entertaining commentary andinstant recall of the bottles he tastes isoutstanding.Our Old Bottle Day host can bedeliciously blunt on occasion, however.One poor chap’s offerings were dismissedas redolent of “wet dog” and “nailSHOW YOUR HANDAT BRIDGE CLUBThe MCC Bridge Clubinvites members toparticipate in weeklysessions of the world’s mostfamous card game, right in theheart of the MCG.Since its inception morethan a year ago, thepopularity of the club hasgrown markedly. Weeklybridge sessions are held onThursday afternoons(12.30pm-4.00pm) at a costof $10 per member.The club also offers eveningbridge on the last Tuesdayof each month, preceded bydinner in the Members DiningRoom. The cost for dinnerand bridge is $55 per member.polish”, but it’s all in the fun of the day.This year’s wine of the day was a 1991Best’s Bin O Shiraz, brought along bySam Lynch. Given it was new memberSam’s first function, we’ll flag him as aman to watch next year!Ranked second was Leo Doyle’s 1966Mildara Cabernet (“Nearly as old as theaudience,” quipped Jeremy), while thirdwas a 1988 Grant Burge Meschach Shirazbrought along by Brian Jones.Meantime, at the AGM in NovemberPaul Kinross took over as Wine and FoodMaster when David Fyffe stood downFor those who wish toparticipate in these evenings,but play bridge only, playbegins in the Hans EbelingRoom at 7.15pm (cost $10).Bookings are essentialfor all Bridge Club sessions.To make a booking or forinquiries, please phone BrianBailey on (03) 9529 5322 oremail bridgeclub@mcc.org.au.Left: Jeremy Oliver works his way through asea of wine at the Old Bottle Day in January.Above: Society president Alex Gillon(centre) with retiring wine and food masterDavid Fyffe (right) and his replacement inthis important post, Paul Kinross.following an innovative and highlysuccessful four years in the post. Davidwill continue as a committeeman.Assistant secretary Stuart Fletcher waselected secretary after John Champness’srelocation to the Gold Coast. John hadbeen a most efficient and obliging keyman for the society since 2005.The AGM also bestowed honorarylife membership of the society onLaurie Thompson, a worthy recipientwho served as assistant secretary,secretary, president and committeemanover 17 years.CROQUET SECTIONINVITES NEWCOMERSThe MCC CroquetSection is always onthe lookout for newmembers, in particular thosewho are already MCCmembers or on the waitinglist. On Sunday April 19 thesection is holding a Come andTry Day for those interestedin playing or learning moreabout this fascinating sport.The day will commence at10.00am on the CroquetSection’s home greens at 37Glen Street, Hawthorn. Forfurther information, pleasecall (03) 8918 4025 or emailmcccroquet@bigpond.com.Also approaching is theMCC Croquet ClubChampionships, being heldfrom Tuesday March 10 untilSunday March 22.Those interested are morethan welcome to come downand watch croquet in action,where members of thecroquet section will be onlytoo happy to explain thegame and answer any queries.16 MCC NEWSMARCH 2009

RECORDS SETIN SPORTING SECTIONSMembership of some of oursporting sections has surgedto record levels and on-fieldperformances have hit new heights, butwe suspect veteran Ken Mitchell mighthave raised the bar to extraterrestriallevels when he chalked up 1000 gamesfor the “Squashies” last year.Ken, 72, played nearly all of hisgames in B Grade on the Club Circuit,so age isn’t wearying him too much.He has been the stand-outrepresentative of the Squash Sectionsince its first competitive games in 1969and was instrumental in the section’screation when secretary Ian Johnsonwas happy to be convinced to find someroom for a couple of courts in the oldPonsford Stand.In responding to some well-earnedpraise at the Sections Dinner late lastyear, Ken spoke eloquently about thegame – and the section – that he loves.“My satisfaction is not about playing athousand games, it’s about that day inOctober 1968 when we formed thesection,” he said.“There were 35 people who expressedan interest in playing squash for theMCC and I’m delighted that four ofthem are in the room tonight.”No doubt he’d also have been pleasedwith the on-court results for 2007-08,which yielded eight pennants.In other section news, Golfmembership has climbed to 650 andReal Tennis, now boasting amembership of 58, is off to the UK for around of matches during the Ashescricket series.The MCC Tennis Section had aremarkable 14 of 16 teams in the finalslast season, but their biggest challengeremains access to water.At the dinner, Olympic gold medallistand clay target shooting chairmanRussell Mark reported that the PistolClub remains in recess because oflegislative constraints concerning handguns, and the Shooting Section has beenrenamed the Target Shooting Section.With seasons coming to a close formany of our sections, a number of teamswere preparing for finals action as wewere going to press.Of the seven men’s lawn bowls teams,three are certain to make the finals andanother two are expected to make thetop four in their section.Clive Morris took home the MCCsingles championship, while the ladieschampionship was won by AgnesMoloney.The Bowls section is heading overseasin May to visit the Hong Kong CricketClub, with 34 players representingthe MCC.Four of our 11 baseball teams arelikely to take part in the finals. BradHarman and Daryn Cassidy providedLeft: Shooting legend Jack Armstrong,1981 Hans Ebeling Award winner, withmodern-day shooting star Russell Mark.Above: Squash stalwart Ken Mitchell (left)recounts some experiences from his 1000-plus matches.a season highlight when they playedfor Victoria in the Claxton Shieldcompetition.The Baseball Section this yearcelebrates its 120th anniversary witha gala dinner in the Members DiningRoom on March 20.Our newest sporting section, croquet,did not fare particularly well in theSpring Pennant due to playerunavailability, something the sectionhopes to rectify by holding open daysfor members looking to learn the game(see opposite page).John van der Touw and PatrickMoore came fifth in the Victorian OpenDoubles, where they competed againststate and international players.It was a busy green when MCC bowlersconverged on Swinburne Avenue for theannual MCC Members Day on February 15.MARCH 2009 MCC NEWS 17

FUNCTION NEWSFUNCTION ROOMS AT FULLSTRETCH OVER SUMMERThe club has been blessed with a plethora of high-quality functions recentlyand the events held for members and guests in the months leading up to Christmasand beyond were no exception. We cover some of them on these pages.They came from far and wide forthe New 50-Year Members’Luncheon attended by 200 onDecember 4, but what were the odds offour of the 11 interstate guests hailingfrom Deniliquin? Quite short, actually,if you were in the know.The “Denny” boys – Brian Dudley,David Gove, John MacKnight andJohn Metcalfe – were nominated in thefifties by local stock and station agent DonEveritt, an MCC member who was pleasedto propose fine young men who had“proven themselves” in the community.The MCC connection? Don was acousin of Honorary Life Member CliveFairbairn, who has brought more thanhis fair share of quality people to thefold during an association with the clubspanning seven decades.The golden wings award went toBryan Bowler, 75, who flew fromTownsville for the occasion.A former grazier from Holbrook(NSW), who took a sea change optionto sell real estate and boats in Sydneybefore heading north, Bryan at one timewas publican at the Airlie Beach Hotel.These days he heads a companyproducing lifestyle aids for the disabled.He visits family in Melbourne wheneverpossible and “wouldn’t have missed the50-year function for anything.”Nor would a quartet of Demons whocame of age at the luncheon – Frank“Bluey” Adams, Clyde Laidlaw, GeoffCase and Brian Dixon – who can boasta mere 18 premierships between them.Another proud member entering50-year ranks was Robert Ingpen,world-acclaimed illustrator and the manresponsible for the old Pavilion’s 198818MCC NEWSMARCH 2009

onze doors and the images that makeup the magnificent MCG 150th tapestryhanging opposite them near theMembers Dining Room.The annual MCC Volunteers’Luncheon is always a popular affair,and now doubly so because this year’sinflux of volunteers working in theNational Sports Museum called for anadditional function to cater for all.Former Richmond champion KevinBartlett addressed the MCC guides’luncheon on December 2.He came well armed with numeroustales from his stellar career, and hisformer Richmond teammates will beinterested to learn that “KB” has finallyacknowledged his aversion tohandballing to others in better positionclose to goal!A week later, Melbourne FootballClub football operations managerChris Connolly took time out after ahectic post-season draft and tradeperiod to speak to the inaugural NSMVolunteers’ Luncheon.Chris’ outgoing and humorouspersonality again shone through,after Helen Sullivan set the tone in awell-received response to presidentDavid Meiklejohn.On the eve of the Boxing Day Test,about 320 members and their familyand friends decided to leave the cares ofthe kitchen to Epicure and soak up themagic of the MCG on Christmas Day.The Members Dining Room lookedstunning. Santa spoilt the kids and amost relaxing day was had by all.The Arvi Parbos of this world onlycome along every so often and it wasinspirational to hear his address at theAustralia Day Luncheon in the MembersDining Room.Initiated by a committee of MCCguides in 2006, the function againcelebrated our great nation and thepeople who make it so, people likeSir Arvi.An Estonian migrant who arrivedfrom war-torn Europe in 1949 with noEnglish but a mountain of ability andambition, he went on to lead suchcorporate institutions as BHP,Western Mining and Alcoa.His past under the “organisedinhumanity” of communism andNazism conflicted wildly withdemocracy as practised in Australia,where “people can choose how to livetheir lives” and, indeed, “pursueexcesses and make mistakes”.As for the future, Sir Arvi mused thatnobody could have predicted the adventof jet aircraft, television, the internet,mobile phones and so on in the 60 yearssince his ship berthed at Station Pier – sohow could we possibly forecast the next60 years?He was optimistic that life would bebetter and “Australia is in all respectswell placed to participate in, and benefitfrom, whatever may be ahead”.Members interested in reading the fulltranscript of Sir Arvi’s address can do sovia the MCC website.MARCH 2009MCC NEWS19

FUNCTION NEWSA COUPLE OF FIFTIESENJOYED BY HUNDREDSAs is now customary, the clubneeded to schedule two functionsto accommodate all those wishingto attend the annual 50-Year Members’Luncheons in November. More than 600members and their guests enjoyed somefine food and camaraderie in the MembersDining Room over the two days.The great part about attending thesefunctions is that everybody in the roomhas lived long enough to have aninteresting tale or two to tell.Master MC Tony Charlton told thestory of six members at each luncheon. Intypical staccato fashion he recounted eachperson’s sporting achievements, careerhighlights and other matters of interest hehad gleaned from them in his research.Selected at random by our membershippersonnel, people such as neurosurgeonGeoffrey Klug were recognised for theirexperiences at all levels and on all stages.Geoffrey, who was awarded an OAM onAustralia Day, devoted himself to children’swork during a most distinguished career andas a medical student in 1956 was involvedin the administration of the Olympic torchrelay from Cairns to Melbourne.Gerry Teague, prominent in the MCCBowls Section administration for manyyears, is the returning officer for MCCcommittee elections. During an earlierlife he was an associate dean and headof mechanical and manufacturingengineering at Swinburne University.Tony Bracy was in the airline businessfor 36 years, mainly with Ansett, and hewas very disappointed that the companyfell over soon after retirement. TheReverend Archie Crow, 88, served aschaplain at Scotch College for 27 years,and has been a member for 70 years.And so it went on. A room full ofinteresting people exchangingpleasantries and wonderful tales abouttheir times at the MCG and theirassociation with the club that runs themighty ground. It’s on again next year.IT WAS LADY’S DAY FOR LIBBYLibby Day broke new ground atthe MCC golf day in Novemberwhen her 39 Stableford pointswas best overall and she took out thePresident’s Plate.Libby, who beat a field of 130 menand women at Yarra Yarra, was thefirst lady to triumph since golf daysbecame a regular part of the MCCcalendar in 1995.The February fixture has alwaysbeen at Kingston Heath, but its springequivalent has been staged atHuntingdale (2005-06) and Victoria(2007) before Yarra Yarra hosted theevent in 2008.Above: Bunker blues at Yarra Yarra.Left: The MCC Committee’s Jane Nathan(right) with Libby Day and the President’sPlate.20 MCC NEWSMARCH 2009

YOUR FUNCTIONS CALENDARDAY DATE FUNCTION VENUEWednesday March 25 MCG Footy Season Launch Luncheon Members Dining RoomSunday March 29 MCC/MFC Game Day Lounge Jim Stynes RoomSunday April 19 MCC/MFC Game Day Luncheon Jim Stynes RoomFriday April 24 Young Members’ Anzac Eve Ball Members Dining RoomSunday May 3 MCC/MFC Game Day Luncheon Jim Stynes RoomSaturday July 4 MCC/MFC Game Day Luncheon Jim Stynes RoomMonday August 17 Annual General Meeting Members Dining RoomThursday August 27 The Bradman Luncheon Members Dining RoomSaturday August 30 MCC/MFC Game Day Luncheon Jim Stynes RoomMonday September 21 Sporting Sections Grand Final Week Luncheon Members Dining RoomMonday September 21 Brownlow Dinner with the Coodabeens Members Dining RoomFriday September 25 Members’ Dining – Grand Final Eve Members Dining RoomThursday November 26 Annual 50-Year Members’ Luncheon Members Dining RoomFriday November 27 Annual 50-Year Members’ Luncheon Members Dining RoomThursday December 3 New 50-Year Members’ Luncheon Members Dining RoomFriday December 11 Members’ Dinner Members Dining RoomFriday December 25 Christmas Day Lunch Members Dining RoomSaturday December 26 Boxing Day Breakfast Members Dining RoomSunday December 27 Women in Cricket Test Breakfast Members Dining Room“CRAWF”, “GAZ” STARATTRACTIONS ATFOOTY SEASON LAUNCHRecently retired Hawthorn champion Shane Crawford andformer Demons captain Garry Lyon will join a panel ofexperts to help usher in the 2009 AFL season at the MCGFooty Season Launch Luncheon on Wednesday March 25in the Members Dining Room.The prominent media personalities will lead a discussionon the game’s big issues prior to the season opener betweenRichmond and Carlton the following evening. Crawford(pictured), the 305-game Brownlow Medallist and four-timebest and fairest winner, will also give an insight into theeuphoria surrounding the achievement of his premiershipdream last September.Hosted by respected broadcaster Tim Lane, the luncheonincludes a two-course meal with beer, wine, sparkling andsoft drinks, plus plenty of footy giveaways.WHAT MCG Footy SeasonLaunch LuncheonWHEN WednesdayMarch 25, 2009TIME 12.00pm for12.30pm sit downWHERE MembersDining RoomDRESS Jacket and TieCOST $85 (members) and$95 (guests)ANZACEVE BALLFORYOUNGMEMBERSFollowing last year’ssuccessful inaugural event,members and guests aged18-40 years are invited tojoin in the Anzac spirit aheadof the following day’sCollingwood-Essendonblockbuster at the YoungMembers Anzac Eve Ball onFriday April 24.Enjoy drinks in the LongRoom on arrival, followed bya sit-down dinner with beer,wine and sparkling and anight of dancing and revelry.We will, of course, alsohonour and pay our respectsto our diggers who made theultimate sacrifice that gavethis great country thefreedom we enjoy today.Bookings will be taken ona first-in, best-dressed basisfrom Wednesday March 11.WHAT Young Members’Anzac Eve BallWHEN Friday April 24,2009TIME 7.00pm for 7.45pmDRESS Jacket and TieWHO Members andguests aged 18-40COST $95 (members)and $105 (guests)There is a limit of four guestsper member. To confirm yourbooking, please visit thewebsite to download anapplication form.MARCH 2009 MCC NEWS21

MEMBERS’ NEWSFive Minutes With…Our roving reporter found time for a quick chat with several members at the Australia vNew Zealand one-day international on February 6 at the MCG. Let’s meet some of them…Name Stephen MathewsSuburb OakleighYears as a member 31How did you get here? TrainWhat are you hoping to see today?A competitive match. I want Australia towin but would like it to be reasonably close.Preferred viewing spot? During thefootball season, down on Level 1 standingbehind the seats. But for cricket, I prefersomewhere on Level 2, near the centre.Favourite MCG memory? Most recentone is Hawthorn winning the premiershiplast year. I’ve never seen people at afootball match so emotional.What do you like most about being anMCC member? I think the Long Roomand Members Dining Room are veryelegant.If you could change one thing about MCCmembership, what would it would be?I’d like to be able to get more of my friends/family into the Long Room, especially onLevel 2 on the big match days.Name Rachel McCleerySuburb Surrey HillsYears as a member About two-and-a-half.How did you get here? TrainWhat are you hoping to see today?I just love coming to watch the Australiancricketers play, so if they win that would begreat.Preferred viewing spot? Generally bottomlevel to the right of the Reserve. Normally wesit a bit further forward towards the fence.Favourite MCG memory? The semi-finalbetween Collingwood and Adelaide a fewyears back. I’m a Collingwood supporterand my brother and cousin made it onto theFoxtel ad. So I remember it well.What do you like most about being anMCC member? I can come down to watchan event without having to organise too farin advance. It’s more civilised, theatmosphere is different to the rest of theground.If you could change one thing about MCCmembership, what would it would be? I’mnot sure there is much. Actually, I can’tthink of anything.Name Brian AndersonSuburb East HawthornYears as a member I received my 50-yearmembership last November.How did you get here? Car – parked inYarra Park.What are you hoping to see today? I liketo see good cricket. I haven’t seen thesefellows play in quite a while, so I’m justinterested in seeing how they all perform.Preferred viewing spot? Anywhere where Ican get a good seat when I arrive.Favourite MCG memory? I saw Bradmanmake a century in each innings against theIndians here in 1946. Also, bringing mythree young sons down for grand final daysfrom Hay in NSW.What do you like most about being anMCC member? Having achieved the 50years, the $15 membership fee is numberone! It’s a great ambience and I like theability to walk in and get a seat in a niceatmosphere.If you could change one thing about MCCmembership, what would it would be?There isn’t anything I want to change.INTERSTATE FOOTY ACCESS FOR MEMBERSWith football season approaching,it is timely to remindmembers of some of thereciprocal access afforded them at otherstadiums during the 2009 AFL season.For the first time, the club has anagreement with ANZ Stadium (formerlythe Olympic Stadium) that enablesmembers to attend the four Sydney Swanshome and away matches (April 4, May16, June 20 and August 15), includingbumper clashes involving Hawthorn,Collingwood and Geelong Cats.To enable ANZ Stadium to configureits Members Reserve, MCC memberswho live outside of New South Waleswill need to signify their intention toattend any of the above matches no laterthan six weeks prior to their visit.You can do so by purchasing areserved seat (Adults $66, Juniors $40)via www.ticketek.com.au. Proof ofresidence is required when collectingtickets. Those members who miss thedeadline should contact ANZ Stadiumto ascertain availability.Similar reserved seat arrangements arein place for the Rugby Union Tests, NRLState of Origin and NRL finals scheduledin Sydney this year. NRL home and awayfixtures can be accessed via walking up tothe stadium on the day. To learn moreabout visiting ANZ Stadium, please go towww.anzstadium.com.au/club or call1300 136 006 (option 2).Members are also welcome at theSydney Cricket Ground (seven matches)and at the Gabba in Brisbane. Again, youmust reside outside the state you wish toattend and be on a short stay in the city.For full details of access for MCCmembers at these venues during the footballseason, please visit the MCC website or ringthe club on (03) 9657 8888.22 MCC NEWSMARCH 2009

AUSTRALIA-JAPAN SHOOTOUTFOR WORLD CUP GLORYWe remind MCC members ofthe return of the world gameto the MCG on June 17 whenAustralia meets Japan in the final roundof the 2010 FIFA World Cup AsianQualifiers.It will be Australia’s final match in thequalifying phase before earning a WorldCup berth in South Africa next year,where they will hope to repeat the heroicsof the 2006 campaign in Germany.Members and guest cardholders arerequired to pre-purchase a $20 nontransferableentry entitlement (or $30inclusive of a reserved seat) that willvalidate their membership card at theturnstiles. Fifty-year members areexcepted. Their cards will beautomatically validated for entry.Unless an entry entitlement has beenpurchased, neither an MCC membershipcard nor guest card will be valid at theturnstiles. Members and guest cardholdersmust also produce their entitlementreceipt to gain access to the Reserve.Please note that the entry entitlement isnot transferable to another person – evenanother member – for this event.Visitor tickets (maximum of four permember) and entry entitlements formembers are now on sale throughTicketek or in person at the club. Visitortickets cost $90 (adults) and $45 (childu/15). Please check the website for thelatest updates on availability.Members Dining Room ballotregistrations will be taken from 9.00amon Monday June 1 until 5.00pm thefollowing day via the MCC website orphone (03) 9657 8888.AMAN FORALL SEASONSThe club was saddened by thepassing of our longest-servingmember, Leonard “Dinny”Kemp, in January.Mr Kemp, who was elected tomembership on December 1, 1925, wasalso our third oldest member and wasdue to celebrate his 100th birthday inJune. John King and Rev. Gerald Ryan,both elected on December 17, 1927, arenow our longest-serving members (seetable at right).A keen cricketer, Mr Kemp playedfor University and Prahran First XI inthe twenties and thirties, beforedebuting for Victoria as an all-rounderin 1932/33, the summer of Bodyline.He was no slouch either, making 114 inhis second match!He was also a fine hockey player,representing his state and captaining OldScotch from 1933 to 1941.OUR LONGEST-SERVING MEMBERSNameElectedMr John King 17/12/1927Rev. Gerald Ryan 17/12/1927Mr Richard Lean 01/09/1928Mr Russell Boughton 01/09/1928Sir Edward Cohen 01/09/1928Mr George McCahon 01/09/1928Mr Derek Shew 01/09/1928Mr Keith Chrystal 10/05/1930Dr Alan King AM 10/05/1930MCC MEMBERSHONOUREDON AUSTRALIA DAYBeijing gold medallists David Crawshayand Paralympian Sam Bramham andformer Cricket Victoria chief executiveKen Jacobs were among the MCCmembers honoured on Australia Day.The full list of members honouredis below. If you or someone you knowhas been omitted, please ring the clubon (03) 9657 8888 or emailmembership@mcc.org.au.AO (General Division)McNAMEE, Dr Brian AnthonyMORGAN, Dr David RaymondTEAGUE, Mr Bernard GeorgeAM (General Division)COUSINS, Dr David CharlesGRAHAM, Mr Edward DouglasNAPHTALI, Mr Michael WoolfOAM (General Division)BEECHER, Mr Keith PaulBRAMHAM, Mr Sam JulianBYRNE, Ms Robyn ElizabethCRAWSHAY, Mr David WilliamDAVIDSON, Mr Ronald ChristopherJACOBS, Mr Kenneth WilliamKENNEDY, Dr Michael JohnKLUG, Mr Geoffrey LewisNEWTON, Mr Ross HowardPULLAR, Mr Philip AndrewRUDD, Mr William AntonyWALLIS, Mr Jack CampbellPSM (Public Service Medal)WILLS, Mr Thomas FranklinAnother senior member of note is theindefatigable Vern Axup, 104 not out andhappy to be a head table guest at the 50-yearmembers’ luncheon in November. Vern lovesa tipple, especially the MCC shiraz, anddidn’t go home empty handed.MARCH 2009MCC NEWS 23

MEMBERS’ NEWSGET ON BOARD ANDSUPPORT THE DEESAs mentioned by our presidentin his report (see page 3), theclub’s ties with the MelbourneFootball Club go back to the birth ofAustralian football. As a result, theMCC is supporting the footy club’squest to survive and prosper in theAFL competition.MCC members who barrack for theDemons (and even those who don’t!)can show their support by purchasingone of two MFC membership packages. MCC/MFC premium membership $160 MCC/MFC AFL recognised membership $50Premium MCC/MFC members willreceive magazines, regular email updates,a scarf, ticket wallet, full voting rights (ifan adult), access to social functions, textmessage updates on team news,discounts on Demons merchandise and afree Young Demon membership for anominated child under 15. At the sametime, you’ll be helping the Melbourneheart beat true for this year and beyond.If you are not yet a member ofMelbourne FC for 2009, please phone(03) 9643 1760 and join now.MFC GAMEDAYLUNCHESMFC/MCC members canavail themselves of somewonderful pre-gamefestivities at five Melbourne matchesat the MCG this season.The first of these is at the Demons’season-opener against NorthMelbourne on Sunday March 29.With the match scheduled for a1.10pm start, a cocktail package(including seating behind glass in theJim Stynes Room) will be held from11.30am. Bookings are now beingtaken via the MCC website or byphone on (03) 9657 8888.The remaining functions, which willinclude a special guest speaker, will beheld on April 19 (Richmond), May 3(Geelong), July 4 (West Coast) andAugust 30 (St Kilda).MEMBERS’ GRANDFINAL EVE LUNCHThe traditional Grand Final EveLunch dining package formembers and guests will be heldin the Members Dining Room, CommitteeRoom and Long Room on FridaySeptember 25. The usual Members DiningRoom dress standards apply.Please note that members and guestsunder 18 years of age are not permitted inthe Committee Room or the Long Room.Bookings will be taken from MondayMarch 23 at 9.00am on a first-in,best-dressed basis through the club on(03) 9657 8888.FOOTY TIPPING ONLINEDo you have what it takes to bethe premier MCC tipster? Aspart of providing added value tothe club’s website, members will have theopportunity to win some great prizes (andbragging rights!) in the inaugural MCCwebsite AFL tipping competition.Among the prizes, which were beingfinalised as we went to print, is a fabulousSharp Aquos 42-inch LCD televisionvalued at approximately $3000.AFL STATS BOOK OFFEREntries open in early-March and you’llneed an email address in order to register.Simply visit www.mcc.org.au and log inwith your user name and password to betaken to the tipping registration page. It’sthat easy. (If you have yet to create yourlogin details, you’ll need to do this on thewebsite first.)If you have an email address alreadylodged with the club, keep an eye on yourinbox in early-March for more details.As a special offer to members, the club has a limited numberof copies of the AFL Record Season Guide 2009 for sale atthe club at the discounted price of $25 (rrp $39.95).For further information, please contact Member and CustomerServices on (03) 9657 8888.ANNUAL REPORT: NOTICE TO MEMBERSMembers are advised that as acost saving and environmentalsustainability objective, the clubhas amended its rules relating to theavailability of the annual report tomembers. The club no longer is required toprovide a hard copy of the publication toeach member via post, unless a memberasks to receive one.We therefore enclose with this newslettermailing a detailed notice to all membersadvising them of their options. Please readthe notice carefully and follow theinstructions in line with your preference.MCC CONTACTSMail: PO Box 175, East Melbourne, 8002 Telephone: (03) 9657 8888 Fax: (03) 9650 5682Country and interstate: 1300 367 622 (local call fee only) Email: membership@mcc.org.au Web: www.mcc.org.au24 MCC NEWS MARCH 2009