Pocket Profile - Joey Gillard - Gordon District Cricket Club
Gordon District Cricket Club | February 14, 2025
Joey Gillard is Gordon District Cricket Club first grade wicket keeper and high order batter and the proud owner of first grade cap number 618.
Joey represented NSW Country Under 19s at the Australian National Championships in 2022-23.
Lets find out more about Joey's journey in the game so far.
What year were you born?
2004
Can you remember your first game of cricket?
I was 6 and my bat was way too heavy for me.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I grew up in Newcastle, playing juniors for Charlestown and then seniors for Belmont. Next I moved to Sydney and I’ve been playing for Gordon for the last two years.
How did you go in your debut first grade game?
It was a great game for us getting a bonus point win against Parramatta who had won the comp the previous year. I got 41 and got out trying to hit a 6 when we needed 6 to win.
How would you describe yourself as a cricketer and your strengths as a player?
Opening batsman and wicketkeeper. My defense, patience and game situational awareness are my strengths as a batsman.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
89 at Chatswood oval against Blacktown in early 2024
Who are the best fast bowlers you have played against?
- Callum Vidler - swung the ball and had a very whippy action
- Mali Beardman - extremely consistent with a good bumper
Who are the best 3 batters you’ve played against?
- Sam Konstas - knew when to take risks and always trusted himself
- Kurtis Patterson - timed the ball extremely sweetly and looked like he had so much more time than other batters
- Lachlan Shaw - hits the ball to all areas with power
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Tym Crawford 200 not out in a one-dayer against Penrith, he hit the ball incredibly sweetly and had great control. I remember him bringing up the double ton by walking to the leg side and smacking a six over cover.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in grade cricket?
The first time I played against a player that I’d watched on tv was pretty cool. It was Chris Green playing for NDs.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
The sound the ball makes when it hits Van-Tempests gloves is the best I’ve heard.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Mitchell Lole when he’s angry
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Jamie Bekis was under the lid and he asked the batter to give him a heads up if he was going to pull it, pretty much as soon as the ball left the bowlers hand the batter yelled “yep” before playing a full blooded pull shot right at Jamie
Who was your childhood hero?
Michael Hussey
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Ricky Ponting, Ned Brockman, Isaac Heeney
What is your favourite ground to play at?
Chatswood Oval
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Losing the first grade grand final in Newcastle by one wicket when their final partnership put on around 45 is the most memorable unfortunately. On a more positive note scoring a hundred against Queensland at the U19 nationals was pretty cool.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
My first grade debut that I mentioned above was a great win, getting a bonus point win against the defending premiers.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Fear of failure is worse than the failure itself
What is your occupation and who do you work for?
