INDIGENOUS STARS MAKE BIG IMPACT
AS two of Cairns’ Indigenous cricketers return to the Far North after being involved in the National Indigenous Cricket Championships in Alice Springs, the Cairns Post looks back at the Indigenous talent the Far North has had over the past 60 years.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article may contain images and names of people who have passed away.
Barry Weare – Gordonvale/Mulgrave.
Barry was a gifted all-rounder who represented the Far North at all levels and also had a successful time in Brisbane with the Norths and Wests clubs.
Weare also was chosen to play in the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra and represented Queensland Country on several occasions.
He was the Far North Fusion coach this season and selected to tour with the Aboriginal team in honour of the first Australian team to tour England in 1868.
Phil Minnecon – Gordonvale.
Probably the best product out of the Far North, Minnecon represented Country Colts in 1965 and then was called up for National Service.
He returned in 1968 to play for Country again and then moved to Brisbane and had a highly successful career with Balmoral Wynnum Club.
Known by the nickname ‘tracker,’ Minnecon returned to the North in 1974 and represented Country against the West Indies and India.
A lethal left arm fast bowler, he was unlucky not to achieve state selection.
Minnecon has had a field named after him at the Walker Road Sports Precinct in Mulgrave.
Glen Martin – Gordonvale/ Rovers.
A fast bowler who intimidated many batsmen in the early 2000s.
A solid all-rounder who won the player of the year and players player.
Martin also represented Queensland Country on two occasions and played in several Imparja Cup tournaments.
Michael Williams – Innisfail.
A gun wicketkeeper batsman in the 80s and 90s, Williams was chosen as the wicketkeeper for the Australian Indigenous XI that toured England in 1988.
Marvin Williams – Innisfail.
Williams was an incredible top order bat, smashing the ball to all sections of the ground during the 90s and early 2000s.
Jason Smith – Brothers.
The oldest of three brothers, Jason was the brother that could do it all.
An all-rounder who you could throw the ball to if needed or come in and send the ball back over the fence during his time in the mid 80s and 90s.
Craig Smith – Brothers.
The middle of the three brothers, Craig was the bowler players feared in the mid 80s and 90s. The Brothers spearhead who would intimidate even the best of batsmen.
Brett Smith – Brothers.
The youngest of the brothers, Brett was the best bat of the three, a top order bat who feared no one, demonstrating his dominance throughout the 90s.
Michael Sands – Yarrabah.
A great fast bowler, Sands was also a great rugby league player, playing both codes during the 90s and 90s.
Henry Williams – Brothers.
Williams was one of the biggest hitters Cairns had seen in the 90s.
He also represented the Far North in all junior and senior age groups.
Bill Meaney – Brothers.
An all-round gun cricketer who won the Cairns Player of the Year on three occasions and is the only one to do so.
Fast bowler who could hold the bat during the 80s and 90s.
Cole Baira – Colts.
Baira was an exceptional fielder, arguably one of the best going around during the 80s and 90s.
Was also a great medium paced bowler who could throw his weight around with the bat as well.
Wade Fraser – Mulgrave.
A brilliant top order bat who was never troubled by any bowler throughout the late 90s and early 2000s.
Peter Rofe – Atherton.
One of the best all-rounders to come out of Cairns, Rofe terrified batsmen with his fast bowling and gave bowlers nightmares with his powerful hitting in the late 80s and 90s.
Todd Dodson – Innisfail.
Todd played with his younger brother Troy during the 80s and 90s era dominating bowlers together. Todd was a top order bat who took his time but once in, was a nightmare to get out.