As the season begins to draw to a close, we keep rolling out the Spotty Profiles for your enjoyment. This week we are privileged to have none other than the Chairman of Selectors for 2018/19, John Ross. When it comes time to make tough decisions, John is the man many would want. Possessing superior cricketing smarts and a level head (some may argue otherwise!)
A stalwart of Spotswood, John has been a vital part at Spotty – both on the field as a fierce and often intimidating opening bowler, but also off the field with many hours of volunteering and coaching that many are grateful for.
To emphasise John’s status at Spotswood a Testimonial Game was held in his honour during the 2013/14 Season against Werribee Centrals. This game saw a number of Spotswood Legends return to the 3rd XI to hammer Werribee Centrals in honour of John’s contributions throughout his time at Spotswood.
JOHN ROSS PROFILE:
Nickname(s): J.R., Rossy, Taj.
Favourite Thing about Spotty? The people. Never amazes me the amount of thankless hours (Committee and other helpers) that go into running a club like Spotty.
What are you looking forward to the most next season? To see the continued improvement of the juniors now playing senior cricket. As well seeing more new juniors playing this great game.
Why did you choose your particular role at the Club? I wanted to give something back to the club, while still remaining around the place. A wise man always told me “the game owes you nothing, you owe the game”
If you could have dinner with any 3 guests (dead or alive) who would they be? Shane Warne and Tiger Woods (imagine the stories between these 2), and Mike Tyson.
Best Coach? And Why? Graeme Dean. When he came to Spotty, he extended my years of playing, by convincing me to reduce my run up. Convincing me to do that was no mean feat.
Greatest Cricketing Moment You’ve Witnessed? It has to be Steve Waugh’s last Boxing day test match innings. I was there with my 12 year old nephew. Steve took a bad blow to his elbow, but continued to bat on, but obviously in extreme pain. About 5 overs later, he retired hurt, at which time my nephew looked at me disappointingly and said “will he come back, or is he done”? I replied, “It’s Steve Waugh buddy, of course he will be back”. Following another 2 wickets falling (about 2 hours), out he strode to a standing applause. #WARRIORANDLEGEND
Your Most Treasured Sporting Moment? (In which you’ve been involved). Definitely my one and only first eleven premiership in 05/06. Previously, I had played in about 5 losing semi finals, as well as 6 losing grand finals. The feeling of winning that GF was fantastic, especially for the joy it brought to Jack Lauder (RIP), Roy and all of the other members and helpers around the club.
