Mark Butler - let the night chase you
Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club | March 14, 2023
Mark Butler is the proud owner of Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club first grade cap number 68 after joining the club in 2002/03 after playing many years at St Kilda Cricket Club.
In a Victoria Premier Cricket Career spanning 1988 to 2007 Mark played 91 first grade games and scored 1,829 runs at an average of 20.32 including 8 half centuries and he took 76 wickets at 28.78.
Mark’s love of the game has seen tour and play in many parts of the world so let’s find out more about his journey.
What year you were born?
1971
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
Aged 7 in the Baxter CC Under 12’s fielded fine leg to fine leg and loved every second of it
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Junior club was Baxter CC (MPCA) playing in a successful junior era winning 3 flags (12’s, 14’s, 16’s), where I also played a few senior 1stXI games and also at Peninsula Grammar.
I then went to St Kilda CC at age 16 via Dowling Shield, which had 2 ex-players as our school coaches (Bill O’Halloran & John Ward), plus my dad had taken me up to watch a few games in my formative years at the Junction Oval. I had 12 life changing seasons there making my first XI debut in 93/94,
I then went to Frankston Peninsula CC back to the area I grew up, for my last 5 seasons. It proved to be a great decision as it gave me more 1st XI opportunity and a chance to play with Cameron Wallace (who I went to school with) and my housemate at the time Matthew Mott, both who are life-long mates.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
First game at St Kilda I was selected in 3rdXI in 1988/89 at the age of 17. Shane Warne was selected in the same match and was meant to take me to the game but it was washed out and he then went on to play in the 2’s the following week and the rest is history.
Mark Butler on the attack
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
I was selected the morning of the match due to an injury of one of our players, so found myself rushing to the ground to play against Carlton. It was a massive thrill as my passion for AFL team Carlton made it an extra special day playing at my beloved Princess Park. I actually bowled first change that day with my medium pacers and tried to bowl too fast going for 0 for 35. Batted at 8 and made 3 and lost the match narrowly.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Opening Batsman, who later in career went from a medium pace swing bowler to an Off-Spinner (not the first to do that), so possibly an all-rounder who wasn’t quite good enough at either.
What were your strengths as a player?
Played the quicks ok, as appreciated the ball coming onto the bat. Had some success at first slip with safe hands.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
A little embarrassing but it was in the St Kilda lower grades (3rd XI) after a large night out and made 150 not out in a one-day match against Prahran. I will never forget the advice I got after the match in the rooms that night when I was fairly happy with myself and Steve Maddocks (coach of that year) said ‘imagine how many runs you would have made if you were sober and had a good nights sleep!!?’
Wasn’t exactly sure how to take it at the time.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
7 for 79 against Geelong in the 1st XI down at Kardinia Park.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
There was a day in a semi-final at the Junction and I had to open against Shane Harwood (into the breeze) and Simon Cook (with it) and both were fast, albeit Cooky had possibly lost a yard by then.
Shane Harwood, like many have said he wasn’t just fast, but angry and very skillful and hands down the best bowler I faced.
Special mention to Brad Knowles from Camberwell Magpies who I also had a couple of good battles with & Andrew McCammond on a particular day at Footscray roughed me up a little.
Shane Harwood
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
John Davison who taught me a lot about spin bowling. He gave the ball a big rip for a finger spinner.
Another school mate Bryce McGain, who just got better with age (is he still playing somewhere??), which was great watching him rise to International level.
Michael Beer who was hard to get away had great control and variance in his pace and flight.
John Davison
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
David Hussey who we made the mistake of trying to ruffle his feathers one day at Prahran and basically destroyed us from that moment on.
Nick Jewell, who was an old team mate who then became the opposition. His determination and competitiveness just sent a message to the opposition that he was going to be hard to get out.
Graeme Rummans at Premier level was notorious for making big runs, especially in the big matches when it counted. I did get him out once which we laugh about now, but he was a great accumulator and pillar for many of his successful teams he played in.
Nick Jewell
Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always you to cause you a few problems?
Andrew Dickinson from Carlton got me a few times. It wasn’t anything more than his energy and knowing if I got out to him, I’d never hear the end of it. Always try and avoid him these days in the bars at MCG hahaha.
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 and you really had to knuckle down to survive?
This was actually when I played at the Albert Ground fielding at sort leg when Shane Warne was bowling to Brad Hodge. Warney was up and about, obviously keen to get his wicket. Hodgey was very quick on his feet and I was in there knowing I couldn’t flinch and look weak, so I tried my best to stay low. The energy just went up, I knew there was a battle on and great to be a part of it.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Matthew Mott for his competitive spirit and being able to win matches off his own bat.
Cameron Wallace with the ball who had a massive heart and would run in all day, even with a dodgy hammy and knee.
Cameron Wallace
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Matthew Mott without a doubt. He was a terrific leader (on & off the field) who played hard yet was always jovial to all after play. He had a great knack for getting the team up and playing as a unit and making plans for getting batsman out. I can see why he is now doing some great things in Australian cricket with both the men and women’s teams.
Matthew Mott
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Tim Kelson from St Kilda. Still makes a group of us today laugh (which was useful over Covid lockdown here in Melbourne)
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Some local young Frankston supporters who I admit I did know (but not well), who started giving it to a few St Kilda players on the hill one day after a few beers. I wish I didn’t know them that day because they really got into some of the Saints boys.
We all thought it was hysterical from the sidelines, albeit cringe worthy especially as they used my name on several occasions. Won’t go into the specifics but there were a few angry opposition players on field who took aim at me after that.
Mark Butler sitting with Yabba at the SCG
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Shouldering arms second ball of the match and getting bowled.
Who was your childhood hero?
Alex Jesaulenko.
Why cricket is the best game in the world?
The amount of people you meet in cricket circles is something I cherish whether it be locally, interstate or overseas. You can’t get that with footy. I have a few stories on this which I’d love to share but the name dropping would be too much to go public. It’s just amazing where the game takes you socially. Adelaide Test match is a classic example of this each year. Playing club cricket overseas and just general people you meet from all over the globe.
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
These days Ricky Ponting...he’s seems to read the play so well, one step ahead.
What was your favourite ground to play at?
The big three for me are The Junction Oval, The Albert Ground and obviously would have to include Adrian Butler Oval down at Frankston. Always looked forward to playing on those three grounds.
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
Probably Melbourne, as they were always the team of stars, but although most like to hate them they were actually mostly were pretty decent blokes. Plus, they were generous with the after-match refreshments.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
It was definitely in the 1stXI Qualifying final against Camberwell Magpies at Frankston in 2002/3. We lost on the first innings (118 to 93) on a green seaming wicket after some heavy rain. We then bowled them out for 58 in the second dig and won by 10 wickets in a reverse outright to push through to the Final against St Kilda. Extraordinary scenes.
Frankston Peninsula First Grade team
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
As above. As well as Premierships (3 senior and 3 junior)
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Cameron Wallace, although make him buy the beer as he will cost you a fortune.
Adam McNamara when he is free and not shopping down at Southland.
Adrian Jones, although he’d probably bring KFC.
What are your hobbies?
Golf, AFL, Cricket and hosting BBQ’s.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“Don’t chase the night, let the night chase you.”
Not sure who said it but I still go by it today. Wish I had of followed that line more whilst I was playing.
What is your occupation and who do you work for?
I’m a Partner in an Insurance Broking business, with offices in Little Collins St and Beaumaris called Safeguard Life.
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Through my Uncle Max and father Adrian, they introduced me to the MCC XXIX Club, which I joined immediately after I finished at premier level, age 36.
The XXIX’ers are a wandering touring group, which has a number of ex-premier players who are MCC Members. I’ve been on 2 x Tours of UK (Ashes 2015 & 2019) and am now Treasurer of the Club. Otherwise socially with the Saints past players having organised a few Vets matches against Prahran & MCC.
Mark Butler about to call heads or tails
If you were running Cricket Victoria what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?
Similar to what Peter Dickson said in terms of keeping the 25-30 yo’s in the game playing longer and able to make a go at higher levels, as there are many later developers who are missed these days. (I guess I was to some extent one of those). This would also help with the depth and standard of the competition which can only be good for the development of young talent.
The other is to ensure 2-day cricket remains, as this is the nursery for development of first-class cricketers.
