My Best Grade team - Nathan Pilon 1998 to 2015

Nathan Pilon | October 22, 2023

I started my first grade career for St George Cricket Club in 1998 and in the season 2004/05 I moved to Melbourne to play with Carlton Cricket Club until my retirement at the end of the 2014/15 season.

There are so many great players and people that I have played with over the years and in picking my best grade team it would’ve have been nice to pick a squad rather than a team.

Here’s my team in batting order:

1. Brett Van Dinesen - St George

What a player, had an awkward presence but when he was on he was one of the most destructive batsman! Very skilful and cagey with the ball in hand. 

2. Mick Allen - Carlton 

Micky “Pug” Allen is one of those batters that is very easy on the eye. Loved batting and scoring runs. 

3. Graeme Rummans (Captain) - St George 

One of my favourite players and people. Has an unbelievable cricket brain and knows his game inside and out! Has more medals than Ian Thorpe! 

4. Moises Henriques - St George

Moises was 16 when he made his debut in the top grade at St George. He took the new ball in one game and I’m pretty sure he took ten wickets for the match! Never looked out of place! 

5. Evan Gulbis - Carlton 

One of the most consistent cleanest hitters of the balls I have seen. He took the game on at an early age and once he knew more about the game and his own he dominated. Also Evan had an opportunity to bowl in a game, he never looked back. A Very aggressive and tactical bowler. 

6. Brad McNamara - St George

The funniest bloke I have played with and a serious cricketer with both bat and ball. Also didn’t mind a word to the opposition and umpire, very funny

7. Scott Thompson

Thommo came over to the Dragons and what a player he was. Bowled quick and could swing it, very skilful with ball in hand and a destructive batsman. Always the best dressed.

8.  Tim Ludeman (Wicket Keeper) – Carlton

I remember sitting down with Chuck Berry in the opposition’s change room discussing my future and it was then I decided it was time to give Timmy Ludeman the gloves at Carlton. Has unbelievable hands and could change game with his exceptional glove work up to the stumps! 

9. Tim Welsford - Carlton 

Woosha came to Carlton and took the reins of the club at a fairly young age. Embraced the club and took it to another level. He could do anything and would do anything for his teammates! Wellsy has a very good cricket mind! 

10. Stuart MacGill - St George

What an honour it was to keep to Stuey, you could hear the fizz he put on the ball! One of the most challenging bowlers to keep to but I loved every minute of it! 

11. Andrew Dickinson/Nick Austin Carlton 

Can’t split these two. Thankfully I haven’t been to war but if I did I would absolutely want these fellas by my side. Both would always take bowling uphill in their stride and loved the challenge of bowling to the best players.

Coach - Darren Berry – Carlton

Chuck came to Carlton and took our team and the club to another level. One of the best after game sprayers I have seen. Very measured!