By Luke Voogt
Roger Allen will give North Geelong cricket a much-needed boost after becoming Geelong’s first Club Legend on Monday night.
The 69-year-old received $5000 for himself and his club after winning the Viva Energy Australia Club Legend Award.
“We’ve been battling to get grants for some junior nets out here,” he told the Indy the next day at Keith Barclay Oval.
“(The money) will just about top it off if I get my way – which I will.”
Roger was overwhelmed to receive the award after more than 50 years playing and volunteering for his beloved North Geelong Cricket Club.
“For Viva to come along and honour people like this is incredible,” he said.
“You don’t expect something like this to come along – you do this because you love doing it.”
Roger has held almost every position at the club and won its clubman award five years in a row.
The committee re-named the trophy after him so it could be “shared around” with the club’s other “role models”, he said.
“North Geelong Cricket Club’s not just one person.”
Past players and selfless volunteers, such as Jared Lewis, had helped keep the club strong, he said.
“He’s out here now fixing up a wicket.”
He thanked his wife of 48 years and fellow volunteer, Barbara, who he introduced to the club as his girlfriend half a century ago.
“I wouldn’t be able to do it without her,” he said. “She’s still doing a heap of stuff.”
Roger congratulated the award’s 147 nominees and 20 finalists, like long-time Ocean Grove surf lifesaver David Renton.
“Fifty-one years of lifesaving patrols is amazing,” he said.
“I know a lot of people who do the stuff I do at other clubs and that’s why it’s so humbling.
“A lot of people do the same things in every sporting club in Geelong.”
Goalkeeping granny Claire Barnes took the runner-up prize after helping Newtown City Hockey Club become the largest regional club in Victoria.
“She coaches my grandchildren in hockey,” Roger said.
Claire won an Order of Australia earlier this year for her contribution to recruitment and junior development.
North Geelong Warriors Football Club junior coach and operations manager Josip Zilic won the People’s Choice Award.
The club nominated him for his “can-do attitude” and efforts in integrating migrant communities into Australian sport.
Claire and Josip received $2000 for themselves and their clubs.
Viva refinery general manager Thys Heyns congratulated the nominees, finalists and winners on their contribution to their clubs and to the community.
“We are proud to support such inspiring role models within Greater Geelong’s sporting clubs and we are proud to be part of this great community,” he said.
