Monbulk Cricket Club History

Cricket in the Bush: The Early Years

Cricket in Monbulk began around 1897, played on rough bush paddocks with coconut-matting pitches and long horse-based travel. Early games were informal challenges against nearby settlements, with pioneers like David Prior, Dick Wigmore, and Ted Anderson leading the way. Progress was slow due to isolation, poor roads, and bushfires, though cricket remained an important social activity.

While surrounding districts grew quickly with the arrival of the railway, Monbulk’s cricket nearly vanished between 1907 and 1920, further disrupted by World War I. Interest revived after the war, leading to the formation of the Mountain District Cricket Association in 1921/22. By 1923, community enthusiasm and social matches signaled Monbulk’s return to organised cricket and laid the foundation for future development.

Seeing the Light: Monbulk Joins the Competition

Monbulk Cricket Club’s transition from informal bush matches to formal competition in the Mountain District Cricket Association (MDCA) beginning in 1923/24. Despite modest early results, the club established its first official leadership group and began developing recognised batting and bowling standouts such as Ted Anderson, Josh Martin, and later Harold Smith, Oscar Medbury, and Frank Anderson. The early years were marked by unpredictable results, dramatic matches, and occasionally farcical finals systems that allowed Monbulk to reach the 1924/25 grand final despite finishing last in the home-and-away season.

Clubs regularly folded, roads and weather interrupted matches, and at times only four teams remained. By the late 1920s the club saw both highs (notable recruitment, outright wins, star performances, representative honours) and lows (outright losses, protests, administrative recess). The standout of this period was champion all-rounder George Russell, whose arrival in 1928/29 briefly transformed Monbulk into a genuine contender. Although the late 1920s brought fluctuating form and even temporary collapse, by 1930/31 the club rebounded strongly, reaching the semi-finals on the back of emerging local talent and renewed community involvement.

Depression, War and Renewal

Monbulk Cricket Club survived the hardships of the Depression, World War II, and the difficult post-war years. Despite inconsistent results, cricket remained an important community outlet, with standout players such as Frank and Jack Anderson, Bruce Le Juge, Ted Mattingley, and crowd favourite Ling Ah Mouy.

By the late 1930s the club was struggling for players but still reached the 1940/41 grand final, later confirmed to be a loss after a long-held belief it was a premiership win. World War II halted cricket until 1945, and although Monbulk was competitive afterward, it was overshadowed by stronger clubs. Emerging talents like Len and Ken Fleming offered hope before the club went into recess in 1949–51 during major ground upgrades.

Overall, the era was marked by hardship, limited success, and resilience setting the stage for Monbulk’s later revival.

Invincibles

Monbulk dominated the MDCA in the 1950s, winning five A-grade and two B-grade premierships in seven seasons. After regaining a home ground in 1951/52, the club immediately won its first A-grade flag, powered by the Fleming brothers and veterans like Jack Moss and George Russell. The brilliance of Len and Ken Fleming defined the mid-1950s Len scoring 555 runs in 1953/54 and Ken taking 54 wickets—leading to another premiership in 1954/55.

Monbulk’s peak came with back-to-back dual premierships in 1955/56 and an undefeated A-grade season in 1956/57, with 67 year old George “Pop” Russell still taking major wicket hauls. In 1957/58, the club won a fourth straight A-grade title, equalising a long-standing league record. That season marked the end of Russell’s remarkable career and Monbulk’s final year in the MDCA. Seeking stronger competition, the club moved to the FTGDCA, hastening the MDCA’s decline and eventual collapse.

Monbulk Colts

The Monbulk Colts operated from 1954/55 to 1957/58 as a breakaway team formed to give extra local players somewhere to play during a period when the main Monbulk Cricket Club was extremely strong and dominated selections. Although rumours suggested the Colts opposed the Fleming family’s dominance, the real reason was simply lack of playing opportunities in a two-grade competition.

The Colts were enthusiastic but mostly uncompetitive, suffering heavy losses in their early seasons. Their best year was 1956/57, when the A-grade side was competitive and the B-grade team reached the semi-finals. A few standout performers such as Billy and Colin Fraser and Ossie Adams - regularly featured.

By 1957/58, when Monbulk decided to move to the stronger FTGDCA, the Colts voted (via President Orm Gould’s casting vote) to merge with the main club. Their four-year existence ended, but they were important in giving over 20 locals the chance to play cricket and later helped Monbulk field three senior teams in 1958/59.

A New Challenge

In 1958, Monbulk moved from the MDCA to the stronger FTGDCA, fielding three senior teams and its first junior side. Despite concerns about tougher competition and the retirement of star Len Fleming, the club immediately proved competitive - reaching the A-grade grand final in its first season and again dominating in 1959/60, although both attempts fell short.

Throughout the early 1960s, Monbulk relied heavily on standouts Don Matthews, Ken Fleming, and Merv Fleming, with strong bowling but inconsistent batting. The 2nd XI enjoyed success, winning premierships in 1959/60 and 1962/63, while emerging juniors like Ray Fleming, Max James, and Peter Camm strengthened the club’s future.

By the mid-1960s the A-grade team struggled for consistency, though individual brilliance continued. In 1967/68, both senior sides finally rebounded A-grade reaching a semi-final and B-grade winning a premiership, led by all-rounder Bruce Anderson. The season was overshadowed by the sudden death of club stalwart Bob Scott.

Although Monbulk adapted well to the new competition at first, the club soon entered a period of decline, revealing that long-term success required more depth than a handful of star players could provide.

In the Doldrums

From 1968 to 1977, Monbulk endured its hardest era since joining the FTGDCA. The club struggled for consistency, regularly missing finals despite standout performances from players like Ken Fleming, Don Matthews, Max James, Ray Fleming, and Peter Gay. Stronger, rapidly growing suburban clubs outpaced Monbulk, whose small talent base and ageing stars left it over-reliant on a few key performers.

The First XI fluctuated between promising runs and severe collapses, reaching only one grand final (1972/73), which it lost. The Second XI also battled, often outclassed in higher grades. By the mid-1970s, financial constraints, lost players, and administrative strain deepened the decline, although the Third XI occasionally shone through veterans like Ian Jonas and club legend Clive Woollard, who retired in 1976/77.

By the end of the decade, Monbulk was at its lowest point short on players, short on wins, and in urgent need of major renewal.

A New Golden Age

Monbulk’s revival began in 1977/78 with the appointment of Ken Utting as the club’s first paid coach. With morale low and only two senior teams, Monbulk dropped its First XI to A Reserve, rebuilt its standards, and quickly improved. The team reached the grand final in Utting’s first season, returned to A Grade by 1978/79, and began expanding through new recruits and a fast-growing junior program. Lower-grade premierships in the Seconds and Thirds signalled the club’s resurgence.

Through the early 1980s, Monbulk strengthened under leaders like Bruce Galloway and Lance Symons, regularly fielding five senior teams. The 1982/83 season became the club’s most successful overall, though the First XI repeatedly fell just short in grand finals throughout the decade. The long-awaited breakthrough came in 1988/89, when Monbulk won its first A Grade premiership in FTGDCA after nine failed attempts. That same year the Fifth XI won its first flag, and the club was named Champion Club. Another A Grade premiership followed in 1993/94, highlighted by a century from 43 year old Ken Utting and a dominant all-round performance from Graham Salan.

By the mid-1990s, Monbulk had completed one of the most impressive rebuilds in FTGDCA history transforming into a large, ambitious, and successful club driven by strong coaching, smart recruiting, and a thriving junior system.

Cricket’s a Funny Game

From 1994 to 2004, Monbulk went through one of its most unpredictable eras, swinging between finals, premierships, player losses, rebuilds, and remarkable individual performances.

In the mid-1990s, the First XI struggled while lower grades produced highlights, including a 4ths premiership and Mark Bailey’s standout 154*. The 1996/97 season brought major upheaval when 15 senior players departed, leading to near relegation but also two enduring club records: Michael Owen’s 10/65 and Mark Bailey’s 217*

A revival followed when Jason Fraser returned in 1997/98, producing a legendary season (1,111 runs, 34 wickets) and guiding Monbulk to the 1998/99 premiership. But in 1999/00, promotion back to the top division proved tough, and the retirement of star bowler Michael Surwald deepened the challenge.

From 2000 to 2004, results declined amid disputes, reduced team numbers, and inconsistent performances. Still, bright spots remained especially Damian Howard’s dominant 3rd XI season, strong junior development, and Fraser’s continuing brilliance.

Overall, the decade was defined by volatility and resilience, with Monbulk shifting between grand finals and relegation battles but surviving thanks to loyal veterans, emerging juniors, and Fraser’s sustained excellence.

The Rollercoaster Years

Monbulk’s turbulent period from 2004 to 2022, a stretch defined by dramatic highs, sharp downturns, major rebuilding phases, and extraordinary individual feats.

Monbulk returned to strength in the mid-2000s, winning back-to-back First XI premierships in 2006/07 and 2007/08, driven by stars like Jason Fraser, Darren Hill, and a rising group of young players. However, heavy player losses in 2008/09 triggered several inconsistent seasons. Despite setbacks, individual performances stood out big centuries, hat-tricks, and record bowling figures while the club worked hard to rebuild depth across all grades.

A major resurgence came in 2012/13, when the First XI won the Division 2 premiership, led by Blake Walter’s remarkable 884 run season and Chris Martin’s 7/14 in the grand final. The mid-2010s brought mixed results but several lower-grade flags, milestone careers, and the retirement of long-serving club legends.

From 2017 to 2020, Monbulk stabilised again, celebrated the opening of the new pavilion, and enjoyed a historic dual premiership year in 2019/20 (Firsts and Seconds), with Jason Fraser passing 10,000 career runs. The community rallied to support Christian “Bluey” Fraser during his fight against cancer, one of the era’s defining moments.

The COVID years (2020–22) brought disruptions, relegation, and further challenges, but Monbulk responded strongly—all five senior teams made finals in 2021/22, with the 5ths and Under-14s winning flags. The chapter closes with a tribute to beloved club icon Jimmy Fraser, whose presence and family legacy shaped Monbulk cricket for nearly seven decades.

The Junior Club

70-year evolution of junior cricket at Monbulk, from a single under-15 side in the 1950s to one of the FTGDCA’s most active junior programs by the 2010s.

1950s–1970s: Foundations & Early Stars

Monbulk’s junior cricket begins in 1955/56, gaining momentum after entering the FTGDCA in 1958/59. Early stars such as Ray Fleming, Max James, Chris Sykes, Dennis Colee, and Eddie Anderson dominate matches and association awards.

By the late 1970s Monbulk adds its first under-12 team, marking the start of a genuine junior pathway.

The 1980s are a boom period. Junior numbers expand from two teams to six, producing several of the club’s greatest modern players, including Jason Fraser, David Beard, Mickey Adams, Paul Anderson, Mark Kump, Shane Colee, and Jamie Kump. Premierships arrive across age groups, and Monbulk becomes one of the leading junior clubs in the association.

The early 1990s bring mixed stability: several age groups thrive, but others struggle for numbers. Players such as Mark and Brad Collins, Christian and Travis Fraser, Chris Coen, and Aaron Walter stand out. By the late 1990s Monbulk again boasts strong participation, highlighted by the 1997/98 under-12 premiership and multiple representative selections.

2000s: Restructure, Rebuilding & Sporadic Success. Age groups shift to under-11/13/15/17 formats, and Monbulk fields up to six junior sides. Premierships include the 2002/03 under-17 flag and the 2006/07 under-13 title. Standout players include Sam Coen, Rhys Meyers, Billie Hicken, Kieran Harper, and many future senior club contributors.

The 2010s see an explosion in numbers—up to 165 juniors, with large Milo/entry-level programs and as many as seven competitive teams.

Girls’ participation rises, and Monbulk consistently makes finals across age groups, highlighted by the 2016/17 under-12 premiership and 2019/20 under-13 title.

Junior co-ordinators such as Steve Utting (2013–2019) play major roles in stabilising and expanding the program.

Monbulk excels at development, participation, and sportsmanship, consistently fielding strong numbers despite being a small-town club. Premierships are hard to win, with only two Flags from 18 finals appearances since 2006/07, but the club prioritises inclusiveness and playing “the right way.” The junior system has produced many of Monbulk’s greatest senior players and remains central to the club’s long-term stability.

The Captain/Coach

For decades Monbulk resisted paying players, but in 1977 it hired its first professional coach, Ken Utting, whose discipline, traditional batting principles, and local commitment transformed the club and launched a new era of improvement. Later coaches brought different strengths:

Lance Symons, a brilliant all-rounder and tactician with strong motivational skills. Noel Marshall, an emotional, unconventional leader who connected well with players. Specialist coaches like Gary Wragg and Eric Markham, who improved technique and training organisation.

In recent years, Monbulk has embraced professional training coaches, including Stewart Alford, Mick Handcock, and Kyle Snyman, whose structure and high standards helped lift all senior sides.

Monbulk’s remote location, talented locals leaving to coach elsewhere, and the difficulty of balancing playing and coaching duties. It highlights Shane Cosstick (premiership coach in 2012/13 and 2019/20) and Jason Fraser, whose experience, loyalty, and long-term leadership made him one of the club’s most influential figures.

The (New) House on the Hill

Monbulk’s new pavilion, replacing outdated facilities that had served the club for more than half a century. The old wooden grandstand (later brick change rooms) and the well-loved Log Cabin were no longer adequate by the 2000s, prompting the formation of the Monbulk Recreation Reserve Development Group in 2010, led by Paul Utting.

After years of planning and lobbying, a major $10 million precinct upgrade was funded through state, federal, council, and community contributions. Works included a new pavilion, a fully resurfaced oval, new netball courts, improved amenities, and a modern electronic scoreboard.

Completed in 2019, the new pavilion was officially opened by James Merlino and soon won the AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facility award. It now stands as the most impressive sporting facility in Monbulk’s history, offering exceptional viewing and modern amenities while preserving fond memories of the old Log Cabin era.

The Women of the MCC

As early as 1926, when Mrs Lil Gannon was photographed as the team scorer recognised alongside players at a time when women’s involvement was rare. Through much of the early and mid-20th century, women were acknowledged mainly for providing afternoon teas and attending presentation nights, even as the facilities at grounds were too basic for comfortable spectating.

This gradually changed from the 1970s onward. As Monbulk developed a strong family-focused culture, wives, girlfriends, and mothers became highly visible at games and central to the club’s social life. The growth of the junior program in the 1980s brought even more women into the club, many stepping into fundraising and social committee roles despite the primitive facilities of the old Log Cabin kitchen.

Women began holding administrative positions from the early 1990s: Ellen Sadler-Colee (secretary), Karen Griffiths, Shelley Gray, Bronwyn Badgery, and Bernadette Mackay (treasurers), all playing major roles in guiding the club through financially complex years.

In the 2000s and 2010s, women became driving forces in community fundraising, including the long-running Monbulk Fun Run (led by Kelly Utting) and highly successful Ladies Day and Pink Stumps Day events, raising funds for causes such as the McGrath Foundation and Christian Fraser’s cancer treatment. Women have received increasing recognition within the club: 13 female Club Person award winners, including seven since 2007/08. Monbulk has also had a female senior captain, Amber Fraser, and 2024/25 a milestone achievement for the Monbulk cricket club they fielded there first female team lead by Grace Emmett. Women have been and remain essential to the club’s identity, culture, and community presence, contributing far more than traditional support roles and helping shape the MCC into a modern, inclusive club.