Magpie legend awarded OAM
to play a pivotal role. “I don’t think we’ve played anyone as quick as Roddis, so it’s not that we’re worried about it, it’s just something different for us,” Johnson said.
“We’ll just push the ball around and that’s how we make our runs.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who can chip in but I think Tommy’s the key.
“I think he really wants to cement himself at the top of the order and then we’ve got people to come in that are in form.” ROGER Allen is still a touch emotional.
Cutting open the letter from the Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove a month ago, Allen choked back tears as he became a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal.
And as he prepares to be honoured at today’s Australia Day celebrations on the waterfront, the North Geelong cricketing legend struggles to compose himself as he considers the enormity of his achievement.
“I still am a bit (emotional),” Allen said.
“It’s been a pretty big three or four weeks. I won the Viva Energy Club Legend Award and now I’ve won this ... so it’s been a fulfilling few months.
“I’m still coming to grips with all of this. There’s a lot of good volunteers out there.
“I just think it’s really good recognition for my wife and myself. I couldn’t do it without her and my family have been heavily connected as well.
“North Geelong Cricket Club prides itself on being a family-orientated club and I believe that there’s lots of mentors but I’m the one (celebrated) because of longevity and all the roles I’ve done over a long period of time.
“I’ll accept the OAM with much gratitude and we’ll keep on going.”
Allen, who turned 70 last week, has dedicated more than 55 years of his life to the Magpies. Venturing to Osborne Park as a 14-year-old in 1962, the hardworking and loyal servant has occupied almost every role within the club.
Allen’s list of achievements include: TREASURER, since 2006; PRESIDENT, 2000-2006, 1993-1998, 1978-1981, 19731976; SECRETARY, 1982-1988; VICE-PRESIDENT, 1971-1976; CAPTAIN, 1985-1991 and 1970-1973; MEMBER of the Geelong Cricket Association’s management committee and Division One clubs delegate for seven years.
A champion player in his own right, making 4674 first XI runs in a career spanning two decades, Allen revealed he came from humble beginnings.
“I lived across the railway line in Slevin St and I went to play under-15s cricket and I couldn’t get a game,” he said.
“The following year I played in the under-15s and I played in the thirds as well and the rest is history.
“The one thing I’m proud of is I have played with the one club right through.”
Allen takes great delight in watching young players develop and progress through the senior ranks at North Geelong.
“We have to work hard to get juniors,” he said. “We’ve got no school and it gets harder each year. This year we started up the girls’ cricket, which I’ve been involved in, and that’s been enjoyable.
“So the roles don’t necessarily decrease. If you want to stay strong, you need the support of lots of people, not just one person.
“A couple of the older ones are mentoring the younger ones on the committee and they are doing an outstanding job.”
As for Allen and his commitment to the Magpies, he’s going nowhere soon.
“Personally, when you’re active it keeps you young at heart,” he said.