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The Club's sixteenth cricket season was underpinned by a comphrehensive on and off field calendar. In both areas the Club continued to project itself as a highly competitive and respected entity; a club which relishes the challenge, delivers on projects and maximises opportunities. The on field achievement of all four elevens participating in finals for the second succesive season is testimony to a strategically smart and skilled cricket department. A department led with passion by RF Merriman (AM) along with Club Coach Damian Shanahan. These two enthusiasts were ably supported by Don Royce (OAM), Travis Agg, Liam Buchanan, team captains, coaching staff and the Grounds Committee; congratulations to all. It goes without saying that the Season is long and the variables are diverse. Yes, we are proud to be finalists and are equally disappointed that we did not achieve any premierships. This is a stark reminder to all that every game is important and not to finish top four in the final eight presents a significant disadvantage' which this season resulted in a number of unpalatable scenarios. The Club is mindful of all players who represent the GCC during the season along with volunteers, ground staff and the like- you all have contributed to the Club, maintaining its high level of repect within the Premier Cricket competition, the best club cricket played int he State. It should be recorded that the sterling efforts of Chris Skyring were acknowledged at the VCA Umpires' and Scorers' annual dinner with the 2009 Cameron Award for Best Scorer. Congratulations and well done , Chris. I wish to congratulate all trophy winners and the outstanding manner in which you responded at the Presentation Night. To the Best Clubman recipents Yvonne and Ron Hayward your 'place' in our Club has become futher indelible. The practice facilities and the Club's playing ovals are the envy of our visitors and arguably the best club facilities in the State. Our Club Curators should rejoice in the main ground being recognised as the second best in Premier Cricket in only the first year of its total renovation. There were many highlights associated with the Club's off field commitments including: Life Member Frank Pike's official switching on of the six light towers on the practice wickets during November The Hosting of the Victoria versus Queensland Twenty20 game on Skilled Stadium on January 4th. A game that had been re-fixtured from the MCG and which attracted the thrid highest attendance 12,470 in this national competiton. It reflected the Club's planning and hosting ability of a Major Event and in the near future it has the potential of becoming an annual occurrence. The Club achieved its goal of presenting the best the best regional event and celebrated with its incredible volunteers, sponsors and allied grooups who made it all possible. CoGG and CricketVictoria were admirable in both their willingness and their support to ensure a memorable outcome. - David Barnes' outstanding organisation and management of the Australian Masters Games cricket component late in February. This was a futher memorable week for the Club as it acted as host for this competition. Volunteers again were at the forefront to ensure all participants had a hospitable experience at the GCC. I can only imagine how often our facilities and support group will be mentioned by those who participated
and from the Australian Sports Foundation News article in Vol 6 no.1 April 2009 edition featuring the David Kelly Training Centre, I quote, 'when the GCC looks back at the goals stated in its funding submission of five years ago, it can be well satisfied that its facility is being used; - up to six days a week
- by GCC the majority of the time
- by regional squads as they prepare for representative cricket
- by 'identified' pathway cricketers
- by visting men and women state teams and
- by regional clubs (on application)
This is the hallmark of the Club's operation, if we talk the talk we do the walk. Finally, i commend all volunteers, I value all sponsors and members and respect all committee people for their selflessness. All retiring committee members have had significant impact in their responsibilities; thanks to Jim Hobill, Murray Allen and in particular Gary Clark. Gary should be proud of his four years Treasureship and the Club's present financial position. Well done, Gary. Tom my wife Mary, my thanks for a further year of understanding and support. A memorable-momentous year in whatever manner you measure it- our bricks are strong! | 
