Ross Collins Medal

“The best clubperson at Mitcham cricket Club is awarded the Ross Collins Medal. Ross Collins arrived at mitcham in 1976/77 and over the 4 decades since, his contribution to the club stands alongside the most admired servants the club has seen. Some of his numbers spell out why his contribution on the field is valued so highly. Ross became the first player to represent Mitcham in 500 games in 2019, he played senior cricket for over 30 years, 360 games including 170 in the 1st XI, 600 wickets (340 in the 1st XI) and 5000 runs (1000 of those in the 1st XI). Ross has also played veterans cricket since it’s inception playing over 150 games, making 1700 runs and taking 100 wickets. in his heyday he was the top leg spinner in the McIntosh Shield and won the association bowling award in Mitcham’s Shield premiership season of 1986/87. He also played in the 1991/92 Shield flag winning team. As he dropped down the grades Ross captained nearly all Mitcham’s senior teams at times and also coached juniors for nearly 10 seasons including 2 under 16A premierships in 1979/80 and 80/81. Ross also took onthe role of senior coach of Mitcham in 2005/06 and 06/07 with a focus on developing the young talent at the club.

Off the field Ross was president from 1995/96 to 98/99 during which time Mitcham introduced Milo and veterans cricket and as well as being an energetic president, Ross was always one of the first people to welcome new players and one of the best blokes to have a drink and chat with. Ross and his wife Veronica had 2 sons, David and Adam who each played over 120 senior games for Mitcham and reached 1st XI level.

there had been an award presented for “Best Clubperson” for a number of seasons before it was named in Ross Collins’s honour in 1998/99. Since then it has normally been the club’s practice not to award it to somebody that has already won it.”

- Steve Tully (MCC Historian)