Stars go into bat to help ailing Zander
THE cream of Geelong cricket talent will come together in support of a good cause.
Plans are in full swing for a T20 All-Stars charity match to help raise vital funds for Zander Fergusson, who needs lifesaving surgery.
The son of star North Geelong allrounder Andrew Fergusson and wife Bree, Zander was diagnosed with saggital craniosynostosis at four weeks of age.
In January he will need surgery in Adelaide to ensure there is no risk of harm to his brain function as he continues to grow and develop.
The community has banded to support the Fergusson family by launching Zander’s Day Out on December 16.
As part of the fundraiser, the best cricketers from across the GCA will rally to play in a charity T20 match.
Magpies captain Sam Hall felt obligated to help out when he learnt of Zander’s plight.
“I couldn’t give them all the money in the world, but I wanted to do something,” Hall said. “I’ve got two kids and I could not imagine what it would be like to go through this.”
He has assembled the who’s who of the GCA, luring Glen Talarico, Richie Oliver, Dan Weigl, Barry Tsitas, Gareth Yelland, Chris Young, Tobias Hogg, Brad Hauenstein, Nick Lynch, Damian Vassiliou and Tom Mathieson.
Former North Geelong champion Jake Thorne has also committed to the cause.
Hall is hopeful of attracting Sean O’Neill and Matt Lineker and a host of other stars.
“We’re going to try to get the best 22 players in Geelong and we’ve got most of them locked in already,” he said.
“We’re hoping Brad Stacey might coach one side and Chris Bambury can coach the other.
“TWP might get shirts made up for the two teams.
“We’ll split up the best players, too. Glen Talarico will play in one side, Richie Oliver in the other. Sean O’Neill will play in one team and Matt Lineker in the other. “It will be a great game.” For more information and to sponsor the match, contact Sam Hall on 0499 078 203.