Explore every episode of the podcast 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.   

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. 

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. 

Phil Hetherington joins the boys for the latest installment of First Drop.  One of the best bats to come out of Bendigo, Phil takes us through his time in premier cricket with clubs, South Melbourne and Carlton. Phil also touches on his time with Bendigo club, Golden Square and some memorable moments in the change rooms with some big name test cricketers. 

The First Drop crew is joined by former Victorian State player and current Cricket Australia Spin Guru, Craig Howard. Craig was once touted as one of the best leg spinners in the game but was cut short due to injury early in his state career. Despite the injuries, Howie went on to  be an accomplished off spinner, changing his game and the fortunes of the clubs he passed through by winning Premierships at Balwyn, Strathdale and Sandhurst.  Craig is now heavily involved in mentoring Australia's up and coming spin prospects and from our time together, its evident, the future is in good hands. 

The First Drop Podcast crew is joined by Peter Tossol, one of the best country sportsmen Victoria has seen. Peter grew up in Thornton and has left a legacy of  success wherever he has gone. Now residing in Wanagaratta, Toss reflects fondly and passionately on his time in cricket and we as listeners get a terrific insight into why this man is so highly revered throughout the land. 

The First Drop podcast welcomes its most recognised guest to date. Merv Hughes. Big Merv is one of the most loved cricketers in the history of the sport and his time on First Drop has done the great man no harm. Merv takes the lads through his early days in the North East of Victoria, tells some classic tales and gives some great insight into his playing days across the three levels he excelled at. 

The First Drop lads are joined by Bendigo United Cricket Club superstar, Miggy Podoski. Miggy is a highly respected man within the community and has been a permanent fixture of cricket in Bendigo for well over a decade, winning two premierships, making countless friends and ensuring his club remains on track for their next shot at the title. 

The First Drop lads are joined by Delatite legend Ken Cousins. Ken is a revered figure in North Eastern Victoria and is a much loved member of the Mansfield community in which he resides. Kenny has played countless years of representative cricket and holds every record possible at the club he played most of his cricket for, Delatite CC. A truly great man, Ken's love of the game and its importance to his and his towns development shines through. 

The First Drop lads are joined by popular and prominent Bendigo figure, Peter McRae. Pete has been heavily involved in cricket for the majority of his life and has dedicated a large portion of his time volunteering to ensure the playing of the great game continues. Pete is also a gifted storyteller and we scratch the surface on some absolute corkers.

Rod 'Rocket' Lane joins the boys for the next installment of First Drop.  Rocket hails from Corowa and  dominated country cricket in the area for many years. Rocket also made his way to Carlton and was a highly respected opening bowler for their 1st XI side for six seasons. If not for a mismanaged knee injury,  Rod would have very likely gone on to play state cricket. His handful games in the Victorian 2nd XI is testament to that. 

The lads are joined by Lloyd 'The King' Rosenow for the latest episode of First Drop. Lloyd has enjoyed a colorful career in cricket and has met and befriended many big names along the way. Lloyd experienced many successes as a player, playing in too many premierships to remember and captaining a Vic Country side against the West Indies in 1984.
Lloyd also operates a sportsman's night business and can be contacted on 0400 580 975 to assist in organising a fundraising event  for your sporting club. 

The First Drop lads are joined by Bendigo District Cricket Association Hall of fame inductee, Max Taylor. Max has had a stellar career, amassing eleven XI premierships and consistently  scoring runs and taking wickets in big games. Max played at the top level in Bendigo until he was 51 and then went on to become one of the more highly respected and sort after umpires in the region. 

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. 

Greg Hoysted Joins the First Drop Boys for this week’s episode. Greg has enjoyed a successful career throughout North East Victoria, striking fear into many a bowler with his patient and dour approach. At the height of his powers, Greg represented Vic Country and scored a total of 27 centuries at club and representative level. 

Season 03 returns with a bang as Snags is joined by Tasmanian great, Shaun Young. Shaun, a vital member of his state for more than a decade also managed to squeeze in a Test match for his country against England in 1997. Well known for his competitiveness throughout his career, Shaun also enlightens the listeners into his culinary and general housekeeping skills that have blossomed since retirement. 

The First Drop podcast sits down with Benalla’s Simon Holmes. Simon is widely respected as one of North East Victoria’s best cricketers  and he takes the boys through his time at BDCA sides  St Josephs and Violet Town. Si Ho also reflects on his stint with Premier Cricket Club Northcote  and a recent freak injury that almost ended his cricketing career.

The First Drop boys are joined by Mathoura, St Kilda and Tongala run machine Jamie Murphy. Jamie has scored mountains of runs throughout his career and has gained a reputation of being one of the great men in cricket. Jamie gives the lads some terrific insight into the 1st XI premierships won at St Kilda and a behind the scenes account of how the worlds best ever leg spinner honed his craft. 

The First Drop boys are joined by Campaspe and Goulburn Valley great, Brad Campbell. A talented sportsman, he excelled at Football and Cricket and continues to be heavily involved in the Goulburn Valley football league. Brad takes us back to his days in Tongala, his famous 450 run tally for provincial winning side Kyabram at Melbourne country week and a special moment when crossing the mighty Goulburn river. 

First Drop welcomes back Victorian great, David Saker for the second installment of our interview.  Dave goes into further detail about  England's rise to number one, his time with Victoria on and off  the field and his experiences during the first and second IPL tournaments.  We again thank David for his time. All the best. 

The First Drop boys are this week joined by David Saker. Big Sakesy has enjoyed a wonderful career in the game and continues to succeed at the highest level.  Saker, who is currently with the Sri Lankan national side, recalls some great moments from his cricketing past and sets the record straight on some questionable umpiring decisions.  

The First Drop boys sit down with Bendigo cricket great, Lincoln ‘The Wolf’ McRae.  The popular figure with countless mentions in our 20-episode history lives up to the hype. The Wolf relives his time with clubs Eaglehawk, Huntly North Epsom and premier cricket powerhouse Melbourne Cricket Club. Linc also shares his memories of some fiery on field battles and some handy tips to ensure an early bedtime whilst still keeping your reputation intact. 

The first drop boys are joined by former Queensland State player, BBL veteran and 2- time premiership winning captain, Matthew ‘Galey’ Gale. Galey takes the lads through his early days in the leafy eastern suburbs of Mooroolbark, his time at premier club Ringwood and the moment Thor came to his rescue on a balmy New Year’s Eve night.  

Keilor boy turned three time 1st XI premiership winning Eaglehawk superstar, Andrew Smith joins the lads for the latest instalment of First Drop. Andrew, a masterful story teller and proven public speaker takes the boys through his early days in Melbourne, what brought him to Bendigo and his love of a Carlton Light. 

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. 

Highly regarded and respected in Bendigo and beyond, Barry Findlay joins the First Drop Boys for Episode 04 of the Second Season. From humble beginnings in Calivil, Barry takes the FD boys through his time in the sport which saw him become one of the most respected top order batsmen in Northern Victoria. 

Barry now firmly entrenched in Bendigo, offers specialist, one on one cricket coaching and for those wanting to get in touch, please visit Barry’s page on Facebook (Barry Findlay One on One Coaching) or call to inquire on 0400 030 721. 

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The First Drop Boys are joined by Violet Town product, Matthew Sharp. Sharpy, a prolific run scorer in the North East of Victoria takes the boys through his time in the sport which saw seasons with Ringwood CC, premierships with Violet Town CC and possibly a night or two inside a neat and tidy four walled establishment.  

The First Drop Boys are joined by Trevor Saker. A widely respected member of the Victorian country cricket community, Trev talks all things premierships, cherished memories and how technically, he is the best cricketer in his family. 

Matthew 'Fitty' Fitt joins The First Drop boys for the first episode of the new season. Fitty takes us back to days of his short but sweet bowling career, his team success at Eaglehawk Cricket Club and his extensive resume as an indoor cricketer which saw international caps and a world cup victory. 

Ben DeAraugo joins the boys for this weeks episode of First Drop. Ben is a prominent figure in Bendigo Cricket, scoring many a run, taking many a wicket and winning many a premiership over his 1st XI career at Strathdale Maristians Cricket Club. Ben is also well known for his good bloke qualities, recruiting prowess and a series of tweets sent out between 2012 - 2015. A quality listen that is a fitting finish to Season One of First Drop. 

The First Drop boys welcome Tony ‘Noons’ Ryan into the chair for this weeks installment of First Drop. Noons is a well-known figure in Bendigo cricket following a stellar career at Bendigo Cricket Club and his success as a selector for the reigning provincial country week side. Tony speaks passionately for his love of the game and as a man that prides himself on his presentation, talks the boys through his white washing technique which is a guaranteed grass stain destroyer.

Tim 'Whoosha' Welsford joins the boys for this weeks installment of First Drop. Tim has enjoyed a highly successful career and is generous enough to take Snags & Monners through his time playing for Australia in the under 19 World Cup. Whoosha also speaks at length of his premier cricket playing days at Northcote and Carlton and sprinkles a few Victoria stories in for good measure following his two years as a contracted state player. Tim is truly one of crickets great men and his knowledge and insight into the great game do no harm to that reputation.  

The First Drop boys reach back into the archive to bring you the long awaited Phill Kerr episode. Phill, who spells his name with two L’s, has spent his life in the Borough and is amassing a games played record at Eaglehawk CC that may never be equaled, without stating the bleeding obvious he has many a story to tell. Phill also gives Snags a great snap shot of life growing up in the time of the Flintstones, Glugs and $5 packs of Peter Stuyvesant’s. Enjoy. 

This week on First Drop, the boys sit down with renowned story teller Andrew Squires. Andrew, or Squiz as he is known throughout cricketing circles takes the boys through what has been a fun filled and action-packed career. Squiz, not one to focus on personal accolades despite an impressive career, shines a light on some of the moments that have made his time involved in the game so special. 

Andrew also owns and operates Australian Drainage Services. Contact details can be found on their Facebook page. Mention the podcast and he’ll look after you. 

The First Drop boys sit down with Bendigo Cricket expert, Gary Piggott. Gary, a self-confessed cricket tragic, recounts some of his favourite stories and memories from his involvement in the great game. Gary also finds a moment to mention the time Glenn Maxwell popped over for a pot of tea and is also reminded by his wife of the time he met a famous Prime Minister. 

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. 

The first drop boys take things across the state to the town of flowers. There they interview local legend Gary Abley, a man who is held in high esteem throughout country Victoria. Abs runs the boys through his career, gives some sage advice about blackjack and what repairs can improve the lifespan of your favourite stick.  

Gary also runs the Violet Town Milk Bar and like many small businesses is doing it tough.  If you are on the road and are passing through Violet Town, be sure to drop in and say hello and if you mention the podcast, you’ll have a friend for life. 

The First Drop boys welcome Cameron 'Lizard' King to the microphone. Adept with guitar in hand, the man of many talents tell us his cricketing story. Lizard also finds the time for a few songs and covers off on one moment that still has him looking over his shoulder. 

The First Drop boys welcome Chris 'G-Train' Guinane to the microphone. One of Colbinabbin's most popular personalities, Chris talks us through his glittering cricket history and with almost photographic memory, retells some great stories from his cricketing past. 

In order for our listeners to get to know the hosts of First Drop,  the boys turn the Microphones on each other. In this episode, Tee Snags puts Aaron Monro under the microscope. Aaron speaks of his passion for bidets and toilet paper all whilst discussing his rich history in the Bendigo District Cricket Association with White Hills and the Eaglehawk Cricket Club. (Recorded on the 12th of March 2020)