MEMBERS ON SPORTING STAGE - Melbourne Cricket Club

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FUNCTION NEWS THE DON’S CENTURY HEADLINES FUNCTIONS SEASON More than 400 members and guests marked the centenary of the birth of Australia’s greatest cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman, at The Bradman Luncheon – A Centenary Celebration, in the Members Dining Room on August 27. The eighth annual luncheon, jointly hosted by the MCC and Cricket Victoria, featured numerous musicians, performers and cricketers, all chosen to refl ect the taste and style of The Don during his lifetime. In an entertaining and polished display, recently retired cricket great Adam Gilchrist delivered the keynote address, touching on the achievements of Bradman as well as the future of the game and world cricket’s ability to manage its future. Gilchrist admitted to a strong 18 MCC NEWS DECEMBER 2008 affi liation with the cricketers of the Bradman era, recalling the honour of receiving his baggy green cap on Test debut from 1948 “Invincible” Bill Brown in 1999. Another Invincible, Arthur Morris, recounted tales of playing with The Don in the only way he knows how – with humour and humility. Earlier, a string of extremely talented musicians – including Rebecca Chambers (piano), Sally Cooper (violin) and Alan Kogosowski (piano) – delivered powerful performances that enthralled the audience. Sir Donald’s granddaughter, Greta Bradman, sang a touching rendition of Amazing Grace, accompanied by Kogosowski on piano. Greta then took questions from MC Tony Charlton (who has presided eloquently over each of the eight Bradman Luncheons) and talked fondly about her granddad. The day was capped off by a spectacular act from world-renowned performers Soul Mystique. Following the success of last year’s inaugural Long Room Luncheon with John Buchanan, two more similarly themed events were hosted by the club during the footy season. At the Kevin Sheedy Luncheon on July 1 it was most appropriate that former MCC vice-president and current Essendon committeeman, Daryl Jackson, introduced one of football’s great characters to a full house in the Long Room, a show of hands indicating that the Bombers were strongly represented. Sheedy’s theme was about Martians but, as is his wont, he courted countless topics during an entertaining address
that held his audience spellbound. On September 9, more than 180 members and guests enjoyed an intimate lunch with Melbourne Football Club chairman and Brownlow medallist Jim Stynes. Guests heard from MFC football operations manager and former Demon player Chris Connolly, who introduced Stynes with a range of witty tales about the Irishman’s early days in Australia and his passion for the red and blue. In his new role as chairman, “Jimmy” has vowed to turn around the club’s fortunes. He outlined his fascinating career, including coming to grips with a foreign game in a foreign country, his fi rst visit to the MCG, that infamous 15-metre penalty in the 1987 preliminary fi nal, winning the Brownlow, his work with Reach Foundation and his plans for reinventing the Demons. As is customary, there were nearly 300 in attendance for the annual XXIX Club dinner on the Wednesday before the Grand Final. Most of the guests would have been aware of the extraordinary service rendered by committeeman, captain, tour host and treasurer Barry Matters, who was retiring after nearly two decades in charge of the exchequer. Fittingly, Barry proposed the toast to the XXIX Club. In response, incoming president Bill Stahmer was on the front foot from the outset, pausing only to swap sword for sledgehammer as he announced the likely sacking of last year’s unsuccessful captains (we think he was joking) and promised reform in a range of issues concerning our social cricketers. Former Test cricketer Stuart MacGill joined an illustrious line of guest speakers who have graced the dinner since 1957, when Lindsay Hassett opened the batting. Funny-man fast bowler Ernie McCormick entertained the following year and then Bob Menzies put some prime ministerial polish on proceedings in 1959. The PM was followed by Jack Fingleton, Arthur Calwell and Richie Benaud, so there was no shortage of quality support as the fl edgling club found its feet in the early years. MacGill’s address revealed, somewhat surprisingly, that there was no resentment of Shane Warne at any time during his 200-wicket Test career. Indeed, “he popularised spin bowling, which was good for all of us tweakers, and I was just lucky to play with him.” Today’s cricket? It’s very much “a retail product”, with concerns for the dollar often outweighing the best interests of the game. On a personal level his biggest regret was presenting himself to play in the West Indies when not fully fi t, spelling the end of a useful career at the top level. September also featured the annual Sporting Sections Grand Final Week Luncheon, where former Bomber champ James Hird was an outstanding guest speaker. Olympic gold medallist and MCC member David Crawshay (see page 5) was also on hand to chat to hosts Ian Cover and Tony Leonard about his Beijing experience. That evening, the Coodabeen Champions again held court at their Brownlow Dinner, which is fast becoming one of the hottest tickets on the club calendar. DECEMBER 2008 MCC NEWS 19
Page 1 and 2: NO. 140 • DECEMBER 2008 • ISSN
Page 3 and 4: As we head towards the end of 2008
Page 5 and 6: OLYMPIC MEDAL HAUL FOR MCC MEMBERS
Page 7 and 8: MCG AGAIN THE STAGE FOR SOCCEROOS
Page 9 and 10: GRAND RECEPTION FOR NEW MUSEUM An e
Page 11 and 12: HIRD, WARNE STILL STARRING AT THE M
Page 13 and 14: VES UP TO THE HYPE made for another
Page 15 and 16: Picture: James D Smith UNKNOWN AUSS
Page 17: IT’S YOUR CLUB, SO WHY NOT ENJOY
Page 21 and 22: YOUR FUNCTIONS CALENDAR DAY DATE FU
Page 23 and 24: SYDNEY TRIP FOR YOUNG MEMBERS The c

MEMBERS ON SPORTING STAGE - Melbourne Cricket Club

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