Pocket Profile: Liam Blackford - Geelong Cricket Club
Geelong Cricket Club | September 19, 2023
Liam Blackford is a very promising wicket keeper batter who has played for the Australia Under 19s team and made his first-grade debut for Geelong during the 2020-21 season at the age of 16.
Here’s our quick pocket profile with Liam.
What year were you born?
2004
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
I’ve always been a batsman that has been able to wicket keep. Throughout my years I have increased the time I have put into keeping, which has given me more opportunity along with my batting.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
I love how it’s a team sport, but then also has an aspect of individuality where you can perform and play your own style. Then also just creating friends through the sport is another reason why I love it.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Representing Australia at Under 19’s level has been a huge highlight so far, and also making my first-grade debut for Geelong when I was 16.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Shaun Marsh - I loved his elegance and being a left hander is someone who I try to replicate in my own way.
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Wes Agar in Darwin 2022 or Spencer Johnson in 2nd XI
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Todd Murphy throughout underage cricket
Who is the best spinner you’ve kept wicket to?
Jack Sinfeld - QLD offspinner
What’s been you’re favourite dismissal as a wicketkeeper so far?
It would have to be a leg side stumping 4 years ago, playing 2nd grade keeping up to a medium pacer. Probably not much better feeling than that as a keeper.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
One of Max Bryant’s innings last year in 2nd XI, just short of 100 from memory but unbelievable striking.
Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?
I’ve played one game with Tim Ludeman, where I was fielding, and he was keeping. How relaxed he was when keeping and the amount of flow in his foot movement is something that I work towards.
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Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?
Competitive spirit is Josh McDonald, never seen him back down from anything, and also has the ability to play every shot under the sun.
What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?
The ability to remain calm in tense situations, which generally leads to making better and clear decisions. Absorbing pressure is another attribute which can come with more experience, being able to change the momentum of the game if your back is against the wall.
Who’s the king of selfies at your club?
Tom Courtney
Favourite location, city, or country as a holiday destination?
America- sport, warm weather, or snow
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
Definitely my dad. He’s always been there to throw or feed balls in the bowling machine. In the more recent years Tom Scollay has been such a valuable person to talk with and be coached by.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
Most of my inspiration has come from shows or documentaries that I have watched not necessarily related to cricket, whether it’s about other athletes' journeys or podcasts in which I have listened to. I suppose hearing other people's success stories after the ups and downs is one of the most motivating things for me, and creates that drive, in cricket or other parts of life.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?
Tiger Woods, Lebron James, Grant Cardone
LeBron James
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Now recovering, not being allowed to do any exercise has been challenging but watching tv shows, I’ve also resorted back to my younger years and started putting together some lego which has been good. Catching up with mates outside of cricket is also a good release from the game. Normally when fit playing lots of golf too.
What do you do for work or are you at university?
Just playing cricket now but definitely looking for options of study in something I enjoy, for the spare time when not playing or training.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them”.
What are your goals for the 2023/24 season?
Firstly, to recover from the surgery I’ve just had, which is progressing very well. Then get back into playing grade cricket and aim for higher honours. It would be a goal to push into the state side into my coming years. Just trying to have a consistent state of mind every time I walk to the crease or am wicketkeeping, is also something I strive towards.
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket and for your country?
It would be a massive honour as many kids dream of playing first class or international cricket and it’s a goal I aspire to.
