Mark Ryan - The Barnyard Chicken

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.