First Drop

Benalla product, Steven Lalor, joins the first drop crew for our latest episode. Stephen was a big part of Benalla cricket before moving interstate in the mid 90's and wherever he went success wasn't far behind. A Victorian Country Championship representative in 1989 highlights the quality of cricketer he was.

Warrnambool and Nestles Cricket Club identity, Gary 'Beasa' MacLean, joins the first drop podcast for our next installment. A multiple premiership player, a feared bowler throughout the Warrnambool district and a man who comes highly respected. Gary now spends a great deal of his time helping his club off field and was able to eat the fruits of his labor, with Nestle's CC taking out the 2022/23 premiership.

Dan Schuppan joins the first drop podcast for our next episode. Schuey has played across Victoria, from his early days in Maryborough to spending time at Carlton Cricket club and then moving to VTCA side Keilor and now residing at Spotswood. Still going strong at 36, there is no stopping the Don.

Bendigo cricketer David Rosaia joins the first drop podcast. David has been a fixture of Bendigo cricket for over 30 years, plying his trade at three clubs, both as a player and as a coach.

First Drop welcomes Mark 'Chicken' Ryan to the show. Chicken has amassed over 300 1st XI games for Bendigo Cricket Club, and was instrumental in the clubs 93/94 premiership winning season. Chicken is still heavily involved with cricket in Bendigo and is a highly respected figure throughout the association.

Lightfoot medalist, Matthew 'The Big Space' Crawley joins us for episode 51. Predominately getting things done for Shepparton side, Old Students, Matt progressed his career to Melbourne where he played for premier clubs, Carlton and Camberwell. The Big Space would then go on to play at Brighton, leaving a lasting impression, before hanging up the spikes to focus on his family and the punt.

We’ve brought the half century up and in great style. The crew are joined by four special guests who all share similar experiences, as women who have been entrenched in the game of cricket. We speak with Kay Raglus, Bronwyn Tossol, Patricia Saker and Ros Gale. All have connections to some of our previous guests we have had on the show and all four guests speak beautifully and give a wonderful contrast on their experiences and thoughts of the great game. They also share some cracking stories that we can all relate to. Great stuff.

The lads are joined by Benalla’s Wally Armstrong. Wally takes us through his early days and how he got is start in cricket. Wally also gives terrific insight into what cricket was like in the 80’s and 90’ in the now disbanded BDCA. Famous for his country week efforts and big moments in finals, he also tells some ripping stories that sheds new light onto some of our favourite yarns heard on the podcast.

Gary Hannett joins the crew for this weeks episode of First Drop. Gary or Joe as he is known in cricketing circles throughout the Grampians and in his home town of Navarre, has spent his summers getting as much out of the sport as possible. A highly respected character, Joe reflects on his time playing for Navarre, Great Western, The Grampians association and Vic Country. He also recalls a famous grand final victory, a game in which he played a huge part in.

Linton Jacobs joins the lads for this weeks installment of First Drop. Linton or the Wizard as he is known, has enjoyed a highly successful career, winning 7 Premierships with Bendigo Powerhouse, Strathdale Maristians. Recognised as one of the best Wicket Keepers in the history of the BDCA, Wizard, is also famous for his post grand final celebrations and is much loved and respected throughout the BDCA.

The First Drop crew are joined by White Hills legend and all time leading run scorer, Gavin Bowles. Bowlesy has spent the entirety of his career at the Bendigo club, amassing over 7000 runs and 14 centuries. He is one of it not the most, well liked and respected players of the BDCA and his desire for that elusive premiership will drive him on for the season ahead.

The First Drop crew are joined by one of our resident co-hosts, Robert Saker. Big Mal has gained many plaudits for recent work on the pod and has been a welcomed addition to team since coming on board. Robert has enjoyed a successful time in the game, winning four premierships with Violet Town and creating life long connections at both Carlton and Northcote in Victoria's premier competition. Now residing on the south east coast of NSW, Big Mal, is now set to be back at his best for Ulladulla United, after a major injury curtailed the last 4 years of his career.

The First Drop crew are joined by former Victorian State player and Cricket Shepparton legend, Rohan Larkin. Rohan started his career at Central Park St Brendan's Cricket Club in Shepparton, before making a name for himself at Carlton Cricket Club and eventually working his way into the Victorian State Team. Rohan is an accomplished top order bat, with a hardened edge and a drive to be the best. He was a huge part in his home clubs premiership dynasty and has left a famous legacy at his childhood club.

The First Drop crew are joined by Wendouree Cricket Club legend, Peter Brady. Peter hails from Minyip, located in the heart of the wheat belt in the Wimmera, but made a name for himself in Ballarat. There he scored bulk runs for his club side and represented Ballarat at seventeen Melbourne Country Weeks. Peter also played in six Victorian Country sides that faced international test teams and more than held his own on each occasion.

Terry Cameron joins the First Drop podcast for our latest episode. Terry or TC as he is known, takes us on a journey through his cricketing life. From humble beginnings of self-taught leg spin with a tennis ball to taking hundreds upon hundreds of wickets in the Benalla District Cricket Association with the four-piece kookaburra. TC speaks of his time in cricket glowingly and puts to bed, the mystery behind his lodgings during his time away at Melbourne country week.

The First Drop Podcast welcomes Heath Behrens to the show. Heath or Puggo as he known in Bendigo circles spent his career at the Bendigo United Cricket Club, where he played in six 1st XI premierships. Heath also amassed the highest amount of runs scored by any player in the history of the Bendigo District Cricket Association and holds the record as the only player in BDCA history to score three double centuries.

Geoff Phillips joins the First Drop Podcast for Episode 03 of the new Season. Geoff is a very respected man throughout the Grampians region, and especially in the town he calls home, Tatyoon. Geoff represented Victoria at the country championships five times, and was picked to represent the Australian side from those championships, four times. A beyond humble guest, Geoff speaks passionately about the great game and the positive impacts it has had on him.

Peter Raglus joins the crew for the next instalment of First Drop. Peter has spent his cricketing life in the Kyabram District, playing for Rushworth and Kyabram Cricket Clubs. A legend of the area, Rags has famously never missed a country week from the mid 80’s to the present day, a feat he owes all to his lovely wife, Kaye.

The First Drop podcast is back for Season 04. Tee Snags is joined by first class cricket royalty, Jamie Siddons. Big Sids is recognised as one of the best state cricketers of the 1990's, scoring bulk runs and winning two Sheffield Shield Titles with Victoria and South Australia. Post his playing days, Jamie moved into coaching, where he has worked at the highest level for many years. Jamie is now focusing on junior cricket and is very passionate about rectifying the flaws in what is often considered the key to correct batting technique. If you wish to see more or get your children involved in becoming better cricketers visit his website at https://jamiesiddonscoaching.com

The First Drop crew welcomes former Victorian State and premier cricket fast bowler, Ash Gilbert to the show. Ash tells some terrific stories about his time in the game and about one incident in particular that set him on the path to higher honors. Widely respected in cricketing circles far and wide, Ash speaks glowingly of his time at Wangaratta, North Melbourne Carlton and Strathmore where he now resides.