My Best Grade team - Aaron Maynard 1999 to 2009

Aaron Maynard | November 13, 2023

I made my first grade debut for the Sunshine Coast in 1999 as a 16 year-old and had 6 great years at the Scorchers before making the move back to my home state of Victoria where I had 2 season at Geelong then a move to Melbourne where I finished my last 2 Premier cricket seasons at Camberwell.

I played with and against some great cricketers and with 3 great clubs in their own unique ways (with many great bus trips) and have got memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. So picking a best side wasn’t easy.

1. Troy Dixon (Captain) Sunshine Coast

A great leader of men. You walked ten foot taller knowing you were going into battle with Dicko. No doubt opposition bowlers feared having to run in to bowl to him.

2. Jeff Thomas – Sunshine Coast

I learnt a hell of a lot from Thommo and was fortunate enough to get to spend plenty of time in the middle opening the bat with him. He knew his game well and was an excellent mentor.

3. Jerry Cassell – Sunshine Coast

A bloke with plenty of ability who came across to the Scorchers towards the back end of his career. Ripping bloke on and off the field.

4. Clinton Peake - Geelong

A jockey size left hand bat with such elegance who knew his game back to front churned out many great centuries for the Cats and definitely should of played more for the Victoria.

5. Aaron Finch – Geelong

A young 20/21 year old still finding his game yet still demoralised opposition attacks. You know the rest.

6. Matthew Wade – Camberwell

A young pocket sized dynamo over from Tasmania to try and crack into the Victoria side and didn’t take him long. Could hit the ball as long as anyone.

7. Simon Hill – Camberwell

A country lad who has all the all round game. Still churning out massive runs today and not sure why he never played for Victoria.

8. Ashley Noffke – Sunshine Coast

What a pleasure it was that I got to play with him and not against him. Was lucky enough to witness some frightening spells and plenty of elegant runs. 

9. Grant Lindsay – Geelong

Was the all-round package. Gun bat, good fast bowler, ultimate competitor and top bloke. 

10. Andre Borovec (Wicket Keeper) – Geelong

A pure glove man and still to the day have not seen many better. A fitness fanatic that worked incredibly hard on his game. Probably his batting cost him from playing higher. 

11. Jason Voros – Sunshine Coast

A left arm quick that could make the ball talk many different languages. Got the opposition’s best batsman out in a regular occasion and would tell you about it. 

12. Trent Walerys – Geelong

A genuine swing bowler who could hoop it around corners and made batsman look silly even on a flat Kardinia Park wicket.