Paul Brimmer Awarded Life Membership

Last Monday night at the Annual General Meeting we paused to celebrate Paul Brimmer and the role he has played with us over the last decade and a bit. We will let James Nanopoulos take up the tale.

It all started in 06/07 after winning a premiership with Cheltenham, he went down to watch a former teammate of his Tom Donnell play in the 1xl grand final. From there he immediately took an interest in the high standard of cricket Tom was playing and watched quite often with Tom’s dad and others that would venture down from Cheltenham.

In 10/11 The nickname we all know him as was born at Casey fields after a night of mud shakes he came in hot, ready to watch a final v south Melbourne and cheer on Dandy, and that he did! He quickly became a part of our finals run and celebrated accordingly when Dandenong lifted the 10/11 premiership cup! It was in these celebrations that he uncovered his dislike for spray paint!

Back surgery followed after an uncomfortable encounter with close team member Peter Siddle but that didn’t stop him from coming down to watch and hurl come constructive criticism!

In 13/14 at Paul Borastons engagement, head coach Ross Woodall asked if he would be able to help in an official capacity as team manager, he jumped at it. Of all the seasons, Season 17/18 was one that he will never forget, The 3 premierships, all with stories to tell, one premiership being on the famous MCG against favourite team Carlton, (metres away from where Dom Sheed’s memorable goal was kicked) there was a trip to Adelaide for national T20 championship and discovering Akskat Buch’s talented driving behind the steering wheel!

Now heading into season 13, he is the glue of the first xl. Rarely missing a game, be it home or away! Running drinks when a wicket has fallen with no questions asked, he’s delivered countless bags of snakes from the servo at a premium price along with ice and chewy all done with a smile depending on how many drinks were consumed the night before!

He’s served the last 2 seasons as Dowling shield team manager during the summer, taking time off work to volunteer his time to the kids. He’s been a social presence at nearly every function over 15 years, he’s been a 1xl sub fielder, a keeping consultant, a soccer player, taken the bowlers for their warm ups and hit and taken catches all with which has brought great joy and benefit to the playing group!

Premier cricket can be quite a drain, etched in the middle of summer with no crowds or atmosphere, players quietly grind away with little to no fanfare.

Something that’s grossly underrated to many is having someone around to provide an outlet where you can have fun, have a laugh and enjoy your day when times on the field are tough, it’s no surprise to those that have been around that our success in the last 15 years is a product of the environment that has been created. We play hard, we want to win and we love to do it having a smile and enjoying our time!

Mr Paul Brimmer has been the glue behind it all!

Congratulations on your Life Membership and thank you for all you have done in these 13 years, it may go unnoticed to some, but there are many that know how important your role is, in making this club great!