My best Victorian team - Darren Berry 1990 to 2004

Darren Berry | July 21, 2023

For 15 years I was a very proud member of the Victorian Cricket team and played with many great cricketers.

It was tough process to pick my Victorian team during my time and some gun players unfortunately missed out.

So here goes, in batting order my best Victorian team from 1990 to 2004.

1. Warren Ayres

Technically correct beautiful on the eye. Should have played more games for Victoria IMO. All-time leading run scorer in Melbourne grade cricket and now doing good things in coaching field.

2. Matthew Elliott

What a player. Equally as good on the front foot with his pristine cover drive and one of the best pullers and hookers in the game against the fastest in the world. Serious man but bloody funny on the gas. 

3. Dean Jones

So sad his premature passing recently. The hardest trainer and most professional I played with. Tough & uncompromising. Brilliant player who really was the pioneer of one day cricket in our country. Brilliant fieldsman.  

4. Brad Hodge

Burst on the scene as a kid sleeping in bunk beds and scored 900+ in debut shield season. Another desperately unlucky not to have played more Test cricket. Elegant stroke maker & pleased to call a loyal friend. 

5. Jamie Siddons

The best fieldsman I played with by a mile. Athletic and freakish in all aspects of his game. One of the best players of spin in the 1980’s & 90’s 

6. Simon O’Donnell

Would be a multi-million dollar player in the T20 leagues around the world nowadays. One of the best exponents of the slower ball, he was before his time. Hit the ball harder & further than anyone I played with. Only fair in the slips  

7. Darren Berry – Wicket Keeper

Ok ok I know you shouldn't pick yourself but as a keeper I never played with anyone else so bad luck haters I’m in 

8. Paul Reiffel

A quiet man with steel in his veins. Super competitive and such a good bowler. He owned a good length and hit me on the inside thigh in the nets for fun with his off cutter. Very capable lower order bat. Pistol was the best wingman and always the last to leave the bar.

9. Shane Warne – Captain

Words not necessary. The greatest spin bowler the world has seen. Great slips fieldsman and more than handy lower order bat. He loved playing for Victoria.

10. Merv Hughes

Heart and soul of the Victorian cricket in my time as a player. Huge heart who played the game with enormous passion. He, more than anyone showed me what it meant to represent the big V. Decent Slogger 

Very funny man 

11. Matthew Inness

May surprise a few to gain a spot ahead of many other great fast bowlers I played with but just look at his record. Above that, if I ever had to go to war and I could choose one man to be alongside me, it’s this man. Left arm prodigious swing bowler who really made the ball talk. 

12th man Tony Dodemaide

The consummate professional in every aspect. A fine all-rounder in my time for Victoria.

Sincere apologies to the following players who could easily fit into this side at the first injury.

• Damien Fleming
• David Saker 
• Wayne Phillips 
• Jason Arnberger
• Cameron White
• Simon Cook
• Mick Lewis 
• Garry Watts
• Ian Harvey 
• Jon Moss
• David Hussey 

The list goes on. It was a privilege to play with such a talented group of players in my 15 years wearing the big V. 

One of my favourite photos with big Merv