I was sitting next to Phil Dale while he scanned the names of the Premiership teams on the Ross Straw Premiership cup. Of course he was able to reminisce about some of the past great players who made those premiership teams successful.

Obviously it could not escape any true Wildcats' attention what a great era the Waverley Club enjoyed in the 1980's and early 1990's. Phil commented quietly "I tell you what... you sometimes don't appreciate it when you have an era like that, then a couple of years slip by without winning one, then a few more years... and before you know it you haven't won one for a while. These things are not easy to win and you sure have to appreciate them when you do!"

Well, to use some of Phil's phraseology; I tell you what... we proud members of the 'Waverley Nation' certainly did enjoy and appreciate what Phil, assistant Dave Clarkson, and all the players have done to bring an 11th Division One Championship to Waverley... and our second in three years. Whereas our fabulous 2007 triumph brought a sense of overwhelming relief after 14 barren years, this one brought a great deal of satisfaction and joy to wash away those long "empty cupboard" years! It doesn't overshadow the fond memories of 2007, it just enhances them!!

Super Saturday, as they call it, arrived for us at Altona's Melbourne Ballpark with warm balmy weather and a sense of heightened anticipation for the swelling numbers of the 'Waverley Nation' on the western arm of the stadium. A smaller but equally vocal crew from Essendon gathered on the eastern side, adjacent to the home dugout of their beloved Bombers. They would carry with them the considerable weight of expectation, having dominated the ladder all season and also suffering the parched feeling that comes from many years of premiership drought.

Our Waverley Wildcats had quite brilliantly withstood the disruption of seeing superstars Travis Blackley, Danny Berg and Jimmy Beresford head off for the World Baseball Classic then remain in the USA for professional Spring training. I should mention here that our last Premiership MVP and starting pitcher Ryan Fisher is ensconced in the US college system, while our 2008 Club Champion and ace starting pitcher Brett Flemming is still recovering nicely from a serious knee injury.

Our team had re-grouped and settled to stride through the finals from third position with very convincing and impressive post season wins over the Geelong Baycats and Blackburn Orioles. The boys were quietly confident and bringing a good form-line into this ultimate confrontation with the Essendon Bombers who we had overcome in the same fixture two summers earlier. The fact that we had man-handled them in the '07 final, and had prevailed on all three occasions this season, meant precious little when this game started with a level playing field.

Making it much easier to cast aside the absences of Flemming and Fisher... and 'Trav' Blackley, was the fact that we still had in our arsenal key 2008/09 pitching performers Adam 'Blyleven' Blackley, who has been the "horse" of the staff, and Donavon 'Drysdale' Hendricks back from his experience with Team South Africa at the World Baseball Classic. This dynamic lefty duo had done the job for us more often than not during the season, and they often pitched best against the better teams.

A leadoff single and a subsequent double saw Essendon runners at second and third with none out in the bottom of the eighth and, suddenly, Waverley's one run lead in the game looked unlikely to stand. A teenage Donavon Hendricks might have felt the pressure at this stage, and who wouldn't, but the 2009 Hendricks wasn't going to let this situation melt down for him or our team.

He summoned the poise and courage to go after the Bombers' sluggers with two MONSTER strike outs and a come-backer that he handled himself for the third out... The 'Waverley Nation' sensed that the big moment of the game had passed without damage and they rose for a standing ovation. With this behind him Hendricks polished off the last with three conclusive ground ball outs, just interrupted by a two-out single, to signal the start of the Premiership celebrations on the field!

It sounded fairly simple from the pitching perspective but, of course, very little really comes easily in big high-stakes games like this. Essendon didn't get to monopolise top position for no reason and, although we had managed to pretty much subdue their offence, runs are required to win baseball games. And, typically, they did not come easily from Casey Jones or his bullpen mates.

Jones at least partially erased his nightmares from the 2007 Grand Final with a fine display in this game and, even when we did threaten to get the better of him, like Blackley and Hendricks, he steadfastly refused to surrender without a fight. He may have sensed a hint of déjà vu in the opening frame where Waverley nailed him in '07, but this time just one run scored on three hits, an error and a walk was a disappointing reward for us and a great outcome for him.

The ever reliable guy to drive in that run, and our next, was the doyen of designated hitters and sensational club stalwart Kerry 'Giambi' Gassner who has been delivering all season for the Wildcats. It should come as little surprise that 'KG' would be the man for job again when the heat was on.

There might have been a minor surprise in the name of the young guy who snatched a lot of the batting limelight away from Gassner... Wade 'Boggs' McConnon who slammed the biggest hit of the game with his booming two RBI double over the centre fielder's head in the vital sixth innings. For people watching more closely it should not have been a surprise to find Wade prepared for the big occasion. Although he took a pesky headache into this game, 'Waydo' has been as good as any Waverley player in the lead-up to this Grand Final and a terrific post-season player.

Two RBI men Kerry Gassner (above) and Wade McConnon (right).

Not only did McConnon bag the biggest hit of the game, but he was like a ball-magnet in the field at second base where the ball seemed to follow him and he simply sucked each one of them up like the proverbial vacuum cleaner... what a game he had! Most of his more experienced Wildcats' team mates were calling him "MVP" after the game. Great job Wade!!

Apart from Wade, Kerry and our pitching stars, one guy who surely deserves a share of the spoils was Anthony 'A-ROD' Reinke who pounded a "lazy" 4-5 in a game when our ten hits (yes I know the scoreboard says nine, but I'm sticking with Meg Clarkson!) did not come easily at all. Reinke capped a fine season by applying the pressure constantly on the opposition and, as he has shown before, he seems to have a liking for the big occasions when he really gets his "game face" on!

Anthony Reinke Rips One

Grant Karlsen Doubles

I don't want to overlook any of our other guys here, catcher supreme Grant Karlsen was like a rock behind the plate once again and he doubled plus walked in this game. Scotty Wearne found one hit while patrolling left field... likewise his centre field partner Jarrod Hodges. Right fielder Andrew Russell was limited to a walk as a hitter, but his rocket-launcher arm from right field induced a pivotal tag-up running error from the opposition with the game in the balance.

First baseman Evan Phillips walked and scored in the sixth before handing his glove to evergreen Danny Reeman who revelled in collecting back-to-back premierships for him after missing our 2008 campaign... we now call him 'The Factor'! Versatile and popular stalwart short stop 'Ferret' Mascoll was hit by a pitch, reached on a fielder's choice and walked for three times on base... Go Glenn!

Scott Wearne

Jarrod Hodges

It probably wasn't... no, it definitely wasn't, Waverley's hottest offensive performance. We had two guys out caught stealing, one thrown out trying to stretch a triple and we also received some benefit from a couple of Essendon errors. But, WHO CARES! Grand Final games are all about winning and it really doesn't matter too much how this is achieved. Just ask the Essendon Bombers who are entitled to feel very deflated after what was a tremendous season for them... it won't feel like that!

The celebrations after the game were something none of us can ever forget. It was really great to see our recent premiership co-coaches Dave White and Scotty Dawes at the game and we certainly don't forget the fact that they were the men at the helm when our long drought was broken. The return of Waverley Life members Phil Dale and Dave Clarkson did herald the return of the "We Are the Wildcats" club song that I have never heard previously... and you can only imagine the gusto with which it was sung during the night... pictures at bottom might help to explain.

You know what, I have scarcely recovered from the 2007 Premiership celebrations and this time it has been just as enjoyable... this stuff NEVER gets tired. I have great respect for all of our VBA Division One opponents, especially finalists Essendon, Blackburn and Geelong, but I'm equally convinced that this team from Waverley earned its success again in 2008/09.

It might be great to fantasise about back-to-back premierships or club dynasties at moments like this, yet it never pays to get ahead of yourself in any sport. What we do know is that our club is extremely well placed to be very competitive for a very long time to come. To repeat what Phil Dale said from the start of this report... "These things are hard to win and we should enjoy it now!"

That is exactly what I intend to do, along with my fellow members of the 'Waverley Nation'!

2008/09 PLAYER REVIEW Coming later...

GO WILDCATS!

GO WILDCATS!

GO WILDCATS!

GLENN 'FERRET' MASCOLL: 26Gms - .309OBP - 7SB - .961FLD%
Close to next in line for longevity and equally popular around the Waverley Baseball Club is Glenn 'Ferret' Mascoll who brings his remarkable loyalty and upbeat personality every time he comes to the club or the diamond. Beneath that lies a very determined competitor who hates not to play just worse than he hates losing! Mascoll has an underrated bat that can be a little inconsistent, but he does have the habit of finding his hits when they count most against the tougher pitching and, his understanding of the strike zone allows him to get on base often enough. More importantly, his versatile glove is never underrated and the fact that he can shift seamlessly from short stop to second base, or even third if required is a wonderful bonus for the team. Putting the WBC ahead of his own ego, 'Ferrett' is happy to slide across to second when young gun Jimmy Beresford is at short then, without skipping a beat, he slides back to short when ever he is asked to. We love him!

EVAN 'LONGORIA' PHILLIPS: 25Gms - .320Avg - 7HR - .653SLG%
I wonder how many of us remember that 'Evo' Phillips was better known as a very useful left-arm pitcher for Waverley in 2006 when he was voted our "Most Improved Player" for the season. After a short time away from the game he returned to show us what he can do with the bat. Right from the start of this season Phillips was installed as our regular first baseman and, for a time, his BIG bat overshadowed his fielding. He hammered a club high seven home runs for the year and for much of the year his slugging percentage was above 1.000 until he cooled a little right near the finals. On the other hand, his glove work improved significantly over the season and he was a most reliable put-out guy when required. Evan Phillips was a vital, if unsung, part of this Premiership success.

ANDREW 'RUSTY' RUSSELL: 24Gms - .356Avg - 4HR - .632SLG%
Still the last man in over forty years to win the Triple Crown for batting in Victorian Division One baseball, Andrew Russell is always regarded as one of the most dangerous hitters in Australian baseball. Only the fact that he has too many outside commitments these days prevents him from playing more for Victoria, and maybe even at higher levels. This fellow is the complete package. Not only is he a wonderfully gifted batter with raw power, but he is also a "plus-fielder" with a big arm in the outfield and, better still, a tremendously level-headed team player. Oh, and just in case he is needed, he can pitch, catch or play short stop. Players with his talent are rarely as modest and unassuming as Andrew Russell who is a real treasure of the Waverley Baseball Club.

ANTHONY 'A-ROD' REINKE: 22Gms - .338Avg - 23RBI - .446SLG%
Why am I thinking it is not a coincidence that when Anthony Reinke is "his positive self" Waverley wins another Division One Premiership? Something at the club was not quite right in the 2007/08 "hangover season" and this was reflected in 'Reinks' who was not the same positive presence in the dugout that he had been in our 2007 Premiership year... not to mention the absence of Danny Reeman. This year Anthony was back to his best with an even stronger and more consistent bat and he joined Andrew Russell as the major run producers for our team. His work at third base was also more like his 2006/07 brilliant best and, guess what?... he landed another Premiership medal!

SCOTT 'WD' WEARNE: 22Gms - .403Avg - .505OBP - .494SLG%
Look folks, let's not dodge the issue, if you are ever going to welcome import players to the Waverley Baseball Club, which is not our speciality, they might as well be called Wearne and Blackley... these guys were like a shot in the arm. Scotty Wearne has long been admired for his remarkable loyalty to lower division clubs, however, it was about time that he reaped some success for himself. 'Wearney' clearly enjoyed the environment at Waverley, along with the challenge of playing Division One baseball with a solid team. He became so immediately successful that it led to him becoming a regular Claxton Shield player for Victoria and then representing Australia during the pre-World Baseball Classic trial games. Wearne's statistics say a fair bit about how consistently outstanding he was for Waverley, but they are even better when you throw in his amazing versatility. Not only did he easily shuffle from second base to the outfield, but he also caught a little and he pitched like a bulldog for the team when he was badly needed. Not even a mid-season shoulder injury could slow his output for any length of time. I know that Scotty enjoyed his Premiership success with Waverley, but it couldn't be any more than we enjoyed having him with 'The Nation'!

GRANT 'MAURER' KARLSEN or 'GK': 21Gms - .312Avg - 1.000FLD%
We sometimes forget that Grant Karlsen is still a relatively young fellow, given that he plays like a seasoned veteran these days and it is a credit to him that he has now assumed the role as Victoria's No.1 plate minder. Grant never seeks the spotlight, yet he never complains when he is asked to do overtime behind the dish for Waverley, Victoria and/or Australia during a compressed schedule of games that would wear some others down. In that context it is a quite incredible fact that he still boasted a "perfect" 1.000 fielding percentage while having so many chances to make an error in the toughest of fielding positions. And, if that is not enough, few dare to run on his arm... and the guy can hit with the best of them. Grant Karlsen is already an OUTSTANDING catcher who is still learning all the time and a genuine nice guy. And did I mention that he also pitched brilliantly in eight relief appearances for our club? As I have said often enough, I think he should have gone to the World Baseball Classic with the Australian team... but, knowing Grant, another Premiership medal with his beloved Wildcats is sufficient reward for his magnificent season. Oh yeh, I nearly forgot to mention the Golden Glove Award he earned for his Claxton Shield season. 

JOSHUA 'BIG PAPI' HENDRICKS: 21Gms - .203Avg - 10RBIs
This was another "apprenticeship season" for teenager Josh Hendricks, who starred for Victoria at the U18 'AAA' National Championships in Perth. Unfortunately for him, the "growing boy" is so big and hitting the ball so hard that many forget how young he is. That aside, Josh earned a lot of Division One exposure, especially in the early part of the season, and he acknowledges that this was a bonus for his future development. The crowning achievement for him came early in 2009 when he signed to play professional baseball with the Minnesota Twins, joining Waverley team mates Jimmy Beresford and Danny Berg. Nobody at Waverley who has followed his fledgling career is under any illusion about Joshua's projected ability... we just can't wait to see WHEN he makes a big splash!

JARROD 'HAMMER' HODGES: 19Gms - .324Avg - 12RBIs - .448OBP
One of the happiest players I celebrated with after this 2008/09 Championship was Jarrod Hodges who, although far from a veteran, has been at this caper for a long time now. What it shows is that even the most naturally gifted players, like 'Hodgo' is, don't take for granted team success... this is what they all play for! It is no secret that Jarrod struggles to fit baseball in with his business interests these days, or that his throwing arm is not what it used to be, yet he is still one of the most feared hitters in the competition some years after his professional and representative career was set aside. Even with minimal practice, Hodges can still rattle up a great .324 average. Perhaps the greatest tribute we can pay to Jarrod Hodges is via the simple statement that we'd much rather have him playing with Waverley than against us... opposition teams would love him to retire... dream on!

ADAM 'BLYLEVEN' BLACKLEY: 17Gms - 62.1ip - 2.74ERA - 56K
To state it again, if you are going to welcome import players to the club, it is great if their names are Blackley and Wearne... all three of them! Adam Blackley came to Waverley in advance of his more illustrious baseball brother Travis, but he was already a popular identity around the club with several mates among the Wildcats players and a desire to play at the highest level possible. While Travis would always attract a lot of attention, Adam was a constant force for the ballclub both on and off the field because he fitted like the proverbial hand into a glove. Not only did he carry the most innings pitched for the team, but his 6-2, 2.74ERA record was superb, only to be enhanced by three more brilliant winning starts in the post season games. Although not always overpowering, Adam had the mental toughness to work out of most jams by bearing down and finding the big pitches when he needed them. During the season he also played spledidly for Victoria and Australia. Adam Blackley was as important as anyone and, in fairness more than most, to Waverley's 2008/09 Premiership glory. As Phil Dale said to him when few others were around on Sunday afternoon, "Adam you have just joined a select group of VBA Division One Grand Final WINNING pitchers"... it doesn't get a whole lot better than that! It already does feel like he has been with the Waverley club for many years... and we sure hope that he is!

DANIEL 'RAMBO' REEMAN or 'KENDALL': 16Gms - .412OBP - 1.000FLD%
What more can you say about Danny Reeman that has not been said before so often over many campaigns with our Wildcats. Not only is 'Reemo' just about the ultimate "gamer" but he had to prove it once again by returning to the club to re-live his 2007 Premiership glory, even though he still struggles with a debilitating back injury. Manager Phil Dale reminded me about that hard-nosed major league catcher Jason Kendall while chatting on Sunday afternoon and I immediately recalled that I have used 'Kendall' as my personal report nickname for Danny in the past. 'Reemo' started in only half of his 16 appearances for the club this year but, as he noted himself, his contributions in the future will probably come off the field, in some sort of coaching capacity. What is beyond dispute is the fact that Dan Reeman's presence was sorely missed in the clubhouse and in the dugout during our disappointing 2008 season. Once again, it cannot be a coincidence that his return has seen another Premiership arrive at Waverley... he is a terrific motivator who leads by example!

WADE 'BOGGS' McCONNON: 16Gms - .276Avg - .414SLG%
Wade McConnon's dad, Dan McConnon, is a great baseball man, a former respected manager of the Waverley Baseball Club and a good personal friend of mine. His older brother Kirby is a fine player who drifted towards football and younger brother Cal is an emerging player of the near future. While a star junior himself, young 'Waydo' McConnon has somewhat flown under the radar, even though he was a valuable backup player for our 2007 Premiership team. Far from being a "backup" this time Wade was a key contributor to this 2009 Premiership success, especially in the finals and the grand final where he really rose to the occasion as our starting second baseman. While he did much more than this, his two RBI double that cleared the centre fielder in the grand final at Altona will remain a lingering memory for Wildcats' fans, as well as his defence in the same game. His time had come!

DONAVON 'DRYSDALE' HENDRICKS: 15Gms - 53.0ip - .340ERA
'Donnie' Hendricks returned to Australia a slightly older, but a much wiser man after a tough 2008 winter trying to pursue a professional baseball career in the US Independent Leagues. Somewhere along the line a switch had been flicked in terms of his pitching maturity and the teenager who often pitched "too fine" and walked too many was challenging hitters, pounding the strike zone, and enjoying much more success in Divvy One baseball. Not that it is the ultimate indicator, but his balls versus strikes ratio and pitches per inning were No.1 for Waverley, better even than Travis Blackley who was supremely dominant. Hendricks formed a dynamic 1-2 punch with Adam Blackley as Waverley's key pitching tandem throughout the season and into the finals. Along the way he played regularly for Victoria again before joining the South African team for the World Baseball Classic. His own heroics in the grand final brought the culmination for him with another Waverley Premiership. It was another great season for a young guy who has heaps of baseball still ahead of him.

JAMES 'JETER' BERESFORD: 15Gms - .400Avg - .436OBP
For those of us at Waverley who have followed the career of young 'Jimmy' Beresford, we have long known what kind of special talent he is... following his mighty performances for Australia in the 2009 World Baseball Classic most of the baseball world knows too! Until this summer James, who had been a dominant junior pitcher, earned most of his accolades for his stunning athletic defence at short stop while his batting power was a "work in progress". This started to change this summer after his second year of Rookie ball with the Minnesota Twins when he picked up the bat for the Victorian Aces to hit .339... sixth best for the entire Claxton Shield competition. He complimented this with a consistent .400 average for our Wildcats as a key performer anywhere in the lineup. Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that we will always lose outstanding players like Beresford for the finals, and other parts of the season, with their national and professional commitments, but we know how much he would enjoy having been an important part of another Waverley Premiership. 

IAN 'ICHIRO' GEDULD: 14Gms - .273Avg - .455SLG - 5SB
A hero of our 2007 Premiership triumph, Ian Geduld has struggled with niggling injuries over the past couple of seasons. This has made it hard for him to find a consistent streak of form and, consequently, he was allowed only five starts among his 14 appearances this season. All the while 'Ichy' has been his usual quiet and likeable self, doing what ever was asked of him as a Firsts or Seconds player. Geduld is one of several fine players at Waverley who could easily play Division One baseball every week with another club, but this never enters his mind. If, and when, he can recapture his best hitting form, Ian Geduld brings speed to the base paths and in the outfield that is a valuable weapon... not to overlook the depth he provides or the running options off the bench. Few teams win premierships without versatile backup players like Ian Geduld who now has two.

DANIEL 'BAMBINO' BERG: 11Gms - .303Avg - .489OBP - .455SLG%
Danny Berg made significant strides in his professional career during 2008, rising to 'AA' level with the Minnesota Twins organisation and showing that he could thrive there. After his long season, he was limited to just 11 games for our Wildcats as he had to mix Claxton Shield duty with Victoria and his International commitments for Australia when the 2009 World Baseball Classic arrived. In this context 'Bergie' probably didn't get to showcase the full force of his developed offensive powers, but there were sufficient indications to suggest that opposing teams were very fortunate that he didn't. True to his versatility as a "utility player" Danny did just about everything for Waverley except pitch during his eleven game tenure and it was just great to have him back around the place. Like James Beresford, it might be several years before we see Danny Berg playing a lot with Waverley again, but I'm sure he won't mind racking up the Premiership medals while he is away!

ADAM 'BECKETT' BONADDIO: 10Gms - 6GS - 35.1ip - .284OBA
Adam Bonaddio was enjoying his long sabbatical in Europe when Waverley finally ended its Premiership drought in 2007, so he was enjoying our 2009 Premiership celebrations more than most this past weekend. It is no secret, and no surprise, that 'Bonnas' has found it difficult to recapture the kind of form that has made him one of the most decorated junior and senior players at Waverley in recent history. While he can hit or pitch with almost equal skill, he found no room in this team as an outfielder at this stage and he was asked to contribute as a pitcher, especially during the Claxton Shield period. Adam made six starts among his ten appearances and, while he struggled to find his best and his control fluctuated, he never stopped battling hard and trying his best to give his team a chance to win. 'Bonnas' is a proud and determined competitor and you can bet your life that he will be working hard to regain his form for next summer. In the meantime he is entitled to enjoy his long-awaited Premiership success... you can bet he will do just that!

JJ 'KEVIN' O'CONNOR: 11Gms - 2GS - .118Avg
One of Waverley's brightest junior development players, JJ O'Connor was given a taste of life playing with the big boys this season and, for a rookie, he rarely looked out of his depth. A versatile infielder with a solid bat, he gives the impression that he has the attitude and work ethic to make his mark in coming years. He enjoyed his taste of success this summer and it has given him a thirst for more. I have no doubt that he will be a most valuable senior player for Waverley quite soon.

CHRIS 'CHIPPER' MAURER: 10Gms - 0GS - .429Avg
Some may have forgotten that Chipper Maurer was a vital part of our 2007 Championship triumph, even though injury cruelly deprived him of playing in the finals. This time Chip made ten appearances off the bench for our First team and, as always, his determination ensured that he never let the team down. These days Maurer somehow finds time to play amid his multitude of coaching roles and his status as a club committeeman. Of course, he is always the "life of the party", along with Tommy Rynberk, whenever there is any celebrating to be done... and there was again with a second Premiership medal for both of them. Don't forget that 'Chipper' can still play!

'TOMMY JOHN' RYNBERK: 9Gms - 2GS - 22.1ip - 3.22ERA
As just mentioned, long-serving club favourite Tommy Rynberk has had to share his traditional role as Waverley's "life of the party" with Chipper Maurer in recent years. Although I haven't forgotten that he can still hit and play outfield, Tommy has been asked to pitch more often in recent years and he was a major star of our 2007 breakthrough Premiership. His role was a little reduced this season because the club had better pitching depth but, as one of our few righties, his role remained very important to the club. In typical fashion Rynberk gave his all and he never let the team down. The popular Tommy Rynberk wore his trademark beaming smile amid the Premiership celebrations.

TRAVIS BLACKLEY: 5Gms - 1GS - 15.0ip - 0.60ERA - .151OBA
In case you may not be aware, those startling statistics belong to a major league standard pitcher. What a rare delight it was to see Travis Blackley throwing in Division One baseball this summer, especially if he is pitching for your team and not the opposition. From five appearances, one start and 15 innings pitched, his one and only earned run came from one fat pitch to John Edwards at Essendon. Otherwise it was a procession of opposing batters returning to the dugout, many still shaking their heads at what they hadn't really seen! Who could forget 'Trav' striking out 15 Essendon batters in seven innings at Altona, or him playing like a demon in our Seconds, then raking the infield lines after the game. On top of all that, you could hardly find a more affable and engaging bloke to chat with, or a more humble champion. 
This bloke gave everyone a reminder about what it takes to be a 'big leaguer' both on and off the field. We are delighted that he chose to join brother Adam at Waverley this year and we hope he enjoys his Premiership medal. May there be many more of the same!

TOM 'SEAVER' SHAW: 5Gms - 0GS - 8.0ip - 4.50ERA
One of a family of pitchers who recently arrived at Napier Park from the far west. Despite not having much experience at senior division one level, Tom Shaw can be pretty proud of his debut season with the Wildcats as a developing pitcher who clearly has plenty to offer. His five relief outings for the Firsts were a little mixed in fortune, but more good than bad. He earned a Premiership medal.

JACOB 'MATTY' SHELDON-COLLINS: 2Gms - 0GS - 2AB
Yes, I know it is a cruel nickname to give the lad, and it is only for a bit of fun here... I'll find another one for him in future years. Not many kids of this age get to play in Waverley's Firsts, but when your name is Sheldon-Collins there is an immediate suggestion that this is no ordinary kid. The nipper son of club legend Matthew was given a cameo taste of his probable future with two appearances and a couple of at bats. It won't be the last time we hear the famous name.

LUKE 'FUZZ' FARRELLY: 1Gms - 0GS
Another of those vital "heart and soul" guys who has been at the club for a long time, yet he never lets his ego get in the way of doing whatever he is asked. Various injuries have limited 'Fuzz' to more Seconds than Firsts games over the last couple of years, but he has remained a popular and positive presence in and around the team. Luke enjoys Waverley's success as much as anyone!

Brett Flemming - Taylor McEvoy - Ryan Fisher
Sorry if I am missing anyone who I should mention here, but three guys who should certainly share in this Premiership success if not for other circumstances are these. Brett Flemming, as documented, is our 2008 Club Champion and our outstanding pitcher of last season until winter baseball found him facing a lengthy recovery from a shattered kneecap. There was hardly a game, if any, this season when Brett wasn't at the game and encouraging his team mates. Even though he was unable to play this summer, he really deserves a share of the spoils... see you in 2009/10 Flemmo!

Young 'Baby Beresford' McEvoy is another outstanding junior who was on the cusp of becoming a permanent Firsts player in 2008 until an off-season shoulder injury required surgery. As his nickname suggests 'T-Mac' has many of the attitude and skill attributes of a younger Jim Beresford and we know that he will have plenty to offer when he is healthy next summer.

'Nolan Ryan' Fisher departed after helping Waverley to end its 14-year Premiership drought at the end of the 2006/07 season. On that occasion he was our ace starting pitcher and the Grand Final MVP. 'Fish' has a couple more years to spend in the US college system but there will be open arms and fond memories waiting for him when he returns.