Gavin Fitness - always be ready
Paul Ryan | February 07, 2024
Gavin Fitness a stalwart of Queensland Premier Cricket played 25 seasons of First Grade after making his debut as an 18-year-old in 1986.
Being a wicket keeper in Queensland in an era with the likes of Peter Anderson, Ian Healy, Peter Drinnen and Wade Seccombe was tough but Gavin was resolute in his desire.
He played 3 Sheffield Shield games for Queensland and was desperately unlucky not to be keeping in the final when Queensland won their first ever Shield in 1994/95 after Wade Seccombe return from injury.
Gavin is a premiership winning player and highly regarded by his peers.
Let’s find out more about Gavin’s career
Welcome Gavin,
Firstly, what year were your born?
1968
Where did you go the high school?
Everton Park State High
Do you remember your first ever game of cricket?
I was 7 and I am pretty sure I got a duck and didn’t get a bowl.
Where did you play your junior cricket?
Maryborough then Brisbane
Which clubs have you played for?
Sandgate Redcliffe, Sunshine Coast Scorchers, Toombul.
How old were you when you first played grade cricket in Brisbane?
16 years, played under 18’s and a bit of 3rd grade at Sandgate.
What age did you make your first grade debut?
18 years with Sandgate
Who was the fastest bowler you kept to?
Brendan Buckley, before breaking down with injury he was the quickest going around.
Who was the best spinner you kept to?
Trevor Hohns in the early days of my career and Cameron Boyce at the back end.
Who was the best bowler you kept to?
Michael Kasprowicz swung the ball both ways at good pace.
Is there a particular catch or stumping you remember most fondly?
Justin Langer nicked off to Andy Bichel at the Gabba, it was my first one day game for Qld and first catch at that level. 1993.
What is your highest score in first grade?
171 v Valleys at Peter Easton Oval
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
First Sheffield Shield game for the Queensland Bulls
Who was the funniest cricketing team mate?
Brendan Creevey
Who is your favourite all time cricketer?
Ian Healy
What was the best win you were involved in?
1st grand final win with Sandgate after we had been beaten in the semi- finals the previous 4 years.
What did you enjoy most about playing Premier/Grade Cricket in Brisbane?
It was full on, we all played for sheep stations every week. It was a great era to have played in as you were tested both physically and mentally.
Queensland were blessed with quality keepers did you ever think about going interstate and if so where?
I had one season in Adelaide, playing with Port Adelaide. Played 5 or 6 list one day games for South Australia in 95/96.
You played Sheffield Shield cricket and one day cricket for Qld, your home state. That must have been a huge thrill, can you remember how you found out you were in the team?
I remember being at Norths Rugby League club at Bishop Park, Nundah. I had a phone call from Max Walters who was the chairman of selectors at the time telling me I was in the side. I can’t really remember how it made me feel but I am guessing pretty dam good.
What do you remember of your Sheffield Shield debut?
Walking out to bat at the MCG against the Vic’s and passing Alan Border as he was leaving the ground with a suspected broken arm courtesy of Brad Williams with the 2nd new ball. I batted with Jimmy Maher for a bit and then AB came back from the hospital just in time to finish the job in a last wicket partnership with Big Carl Rackemann.
If you’re in the middle seat of the middle row of Qantas QF1flight to London which of your former club team mates would you choose to on your left and right?
Brendan Buckley one side and Creevey on the other. Matt Goggin, Jerry Cassell and Jon Isoardi in the row in front. Now that is a scary thought.!!
Which ground in Brisbane club cricket did you enjoy playing at the most?
Albury Oval at Sandgate was always a fun place to play.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Even when you’re out of the side you must continue to develop your mind as a first class cricketer or you get left behind when your turn does come. (Great advice from a great opponent and an even better team mate, Greg Rowell)
What advice would you offer a young 16 year old wicket keeper who has the ambition of playing test cricket?
Catch thousands of balls, When you think you have caught enough, catch 1000s more and also work hard on your batting.
What are your hobbies?
Running kids to all sorts of sporting activities
What is your occupation?
I am coaching a bit and we own a local custom made sportswear company called GFIT Sports www.gfitwear.com it keeps me busy, we supply sporting organizations, schools and businesses with all their clothing needs.
Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?
Work hard, play hard and keep getting back up every time things don’t go your way.
GFIT Sports
