Jimmy Greenslade: Nothing is bigger than the badge
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | September 29, 2024
UTS North Sydney's 2023/24 Clubman of the year, Jimmy Greenslade, is more than just a classy First Grade batsman. The 23-year-old is known for driving standards and taking ownership of the club's culture, using all his knowledge from his background in rugby union.
We sat down with the Mosman-raised New Zealander and learned more about the person behind the bat. Scratch the surface, and you'll discover a determined hard worker who doesn't take himself too seriously, loves his rugby and believes nothing is bigger than the team.
What is your favourite memory playing for North Sydney?
It’s difficult to narrow it down to one, but if I had to it would be the first time I contributed to a Bears victory. It was a tough start to my first season with the Bears in 2021/22, compiling scores of 4, 2 and 5 in my first three games of third grade - the writing was on the wall. However, thankfully Craig Tomko (Chief Selector) decided to give me one more shot. It was there something clicked, perhaps it was a stroke of luck after nicking off on 6 and being given not out as a truck drove past the heavily congested highway that echoes across Bon Andrews; Or the fact I had John Nevell down the other end whose effortless stroke making made it look so easy. John and I put 90 on together and if it wasn’t for my lack of ability to communicate between the wickets, he probably would’ve gone on and made a big ton – sorry John. The Bears went onto win the game and John and I have been close mates since.
Greenslade in action during the Belvidere Cup.
Who is your cricketing mentor?
After a tough run in my last two years of school cricket – only scoring one 50 over two seasons, becoming a dibbly dobbly seamer and some minor back issues - I stopped playing to focus on my final year exams and the antics of post school life. It wasn’t until a good mate of mine from my junior cricketing days got me back to play a game for Northbridge CC.
This is where I met Andre Maddocks. After a good win and a trip to Percy’s (the local watering hole for Northbridge and North Sydney) he took me under his wing and taught me how to love cricket again. Andre captained me for two seasons at Northbridge and showed me what cricket was really about – being part of something bigger than yourself and making memories.
Why did you give up the wicket keeping gloves?
A combination of coming to the realization that I was built like a string bean and dropping two Shield batsmen on 30 who proceeded to score 98 and 100+. Tough day.
What is the most frustrating way to get out?
LBW because it’s never out…
You are a talented young rugby player, what do you think cricketers could learn from rugby players?
Rugby has always taught me that sticking to a process and common goal never fails, even when you lose. Always been a big believer that 100% of people going the wrong way is better than 50% going the right way and 50% going another. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of a successful rugby club and the values they hold are a big part of why I believe they are successful. The club is full of hard workers and guys that consistently want to push each other to get better, whether that be getting to training early to focus on their micro skills or having honest conversations with a teammates. Cricket being a team game yes, is also very individual which can breed egos and build defense mechanisms. Being vulnerable and understanding feedback/failure is a part of sport and an opportunity to get better as opposed to a personal attack.
Greenslade has been compared to former All Black Israel Dagg in the air (apparently).
How do you manage the clash of a rugby pre-season and the back end of cricket season?
In past times I would head across to rugby pre-season after a short stint at cricket training as I saw it as a way to stay fit which helped my cricket. However, recently I try and make the odd pre-season session.
What basic movements translates between both sports?
Fielding is a big one, covering ground and being quick off the mark. It also helps for warm up touch footy!
Patrolling the famous turf of North Sydney Oval looks slightly different during the winter months for Greenslade.
Have you ever thought about exploring your heritage and playing cricket in New Zealand?
I’m very fortunate to hold a Kiwi passport and have looked at the opportunity to play cricket across the ditch in Dunedin where my Mum and Dad went to Uni. However, at the moment I am enjoying being a part of a young playing group at the Bears and trying to build a strong culture here.
What did you learn from your season abroad (England) last year?
That we live in a nanny state and cricket grounds should have bars attached to them.
You were awarded clubman of the year and have been heralded by many for driving standards, how important is that for you and why?
As I said before I’ve learnt a lot from playing rugby and try and implement as much as I can from there. When cricket isn’t going well – which most of the time is out of your control - it’s nice to be able to point to other achievements in sport that reflect areas you can control.
Does your background in financial compliance reflect in your stance in a culture?
Tough one here – but I think the more you can build people up and point to the “good” will create more significant change. So maybe it works the other way, my stance on culture reflects how I go about my life outside of cricket.
Highest first grade score?
118*
Greenslade celebrates another First Grade century.
Toughest day or days on a cricket field?
Sutherland last year – Saturday/Sunday fixture, went down on Saturday opened up nicked off first over for 0. Went across the road to get a chicken burger – dropped the chips all over the dirt. Drove back the next day, nicked off for 0 again… in the first over. I was lucky to have Callum Hill and Harri Lee Young in the car ride home.
Favourite teammate of all time at the Bears and why?
Easy one – Sam (Samoz) Alexander. I’ve never played with a more generous bloke on and off the field. Always the first to buy you a beer after the game and pat you on the back for your efforts; but also, the first to give you some unsolicited (often true) batting advice. I had to start accepting it when I watched him score 12* off 175 balls.
Who is an up-and-coming talent we should look out for from Norths?
Dylan Johnson is someone I’d be looking out for – watching glimpses of him in PGs last year he had a very mature and classy way of going about it. Hard worker, great bloke and can handle pressure, all the makings of a great Bear.
Do you have a party trick?
Known to have a pretty good rendition of Sandi Thom’s “I Wish I was a Punk Rocker with Flowers in my Hair.” And also enjoy displaying my heritage with the odd rendition of the haka.
What meal would you cook on a date?
Chicken Fricassee – my first supper club meal, character references if required can be provided by Sam Alexander and James Rew.
What is your favourite pub in North Sydney?
Not The Union.
Your most embarrassing moment on the cricket field?
Last year I released the ball behind me when trying to throw it into the keeper and it went for 4.
– Callum Hill.
