My Best Grade team - Joe Burns 2007 to 2020

I’ve been fortunate since my debut season in 2007/08 at Norths to play alongside some incredible players. Availability of numerous QLD representatives over the years made it very tough to pick my best grade team so I have based my selection on players I have played quite a lot Premier Cricket together with as teammates and with whom I had a whole lot of fun.

1. Steve Nottle (Captain)

My first A-grade captain. An extremely classy opening batsman, he was a great leader and role model in the way he trained and played for me coming in as a young player. Played 2nd XI cricket for QLD and was a consistent Premier Cricket performer.

2.  Wade Townsend

Tough little opener that always valued his wicket. Great competitor and run scorer. Broke the record for the highest Premier Cricket score at the time. QLD opening batsman when I debuted for QLD and taught me a lot at both Premier and First Class level.

3. Dom Michael

Dominant batsman for years in Premier Cricket. Nudgee College old boy. Could both dominate an attack in session or bat the day depending the situation. Extremely hard trainer and I always enjoyed our sessions 1 on 1 away from the nets pushing each other to improve.

4. Andy Michael

As fluent and naturally gifted batsman as you can find. I always loved watching Andy bat, he made everything look so easy. Went onto captain Norths and did a great job as a leader.

5. Graeme Skennar

Destructive batter and talented off-spin bowler. Played white-ball cricket for QLD and was the ultimate competitor. Smart and fearless in his approach definitely rubbed off on his teammates.

6. Ben Dunk (Wicket Keeper)

Always looking to attack and impose himself onto a game with the bat. Could dominate any bowler in multiple different ways made him great to watch at Norths. Underrated wicket keeper, who took some great dismissals in his time with the club.

7. James Donnelly

One of the best team men you can find. Had the skills and attitude to fulfil so many different roles in the team. Talented new ball bowler and blessed with a reliable technique with the bat, he was incredibly valuable to the successful teams we had.

8. Cameron Gannon

Has many different approaches to his bowling, be it from white ball death finishing to opening red ball bowler. Always the lead of the attack and dominated Premier Cricket for years.

9. Nathan Hauritz

It was always a joy to watch his approach to spin bowling. Could attack, defend, control and create with ball in hand depending on the situation. Hard worker and always willing to help guys improve their game.

10. Jordan Buckley

Cagey and skilful bowler who would bowl all day uphill. Rarely got the rewards he deserved but could build pressure on a batsman all day with new ball or old. Handy lower order batsman with grit and power that could win games. Another Nudgee College old boy.

11. Mathew Jensen

Came down from Mackay and was always great fun to play alongside. Destructive with ball in hand and great teammate. Could not bat.

Special mentions:

Jimmy Maher, James Hopes, Clinton Perren, Chris Hartley, Brendan Nash, Dane Hutchinson, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Prestwidge

I have been lucky enough to play with these guys at Norths and it was always a great experience. Their personal cricketing careers speaks volumes for their ability, unfortunately representative availability, both in Australia and oversees, through the years meant I didn’t fit them into this XI.