My Best Grade team with the coaches hat on - 2003 to 2012

I was very fortunate to coach the Gold Coast Dolphins from 2003 to 2012 I saw many good cricketers at the Dolphins and all clubs within Queensland Premeir Cricket.

I have based my “Best Grade 11” on all players I saw during this time. It was a privilege to Coach the Dolphins & at the elite level of Grade Cricket.

1. Andrew Robinson – Gold Coast

Quality opening bat. Hit the ball extremely hard but had the ability to know when to hit it & not. Very good fielder also.

2. Jimmy Maher - Toombul

Never coached Jimmy but his quality was evident. No more so than in the grade final when we played Toombul & we were going for a win & he said to me, “you will not get me out” & we didn’t. Tough nut.

3. Joe Burns - Norths

Never met Joe but one day at Kerrydale he scored one of the best hundreds you will see. In fact he scored 150 for Norths & nearly won them the game. He was 19 then.

4. Andrew Symonds – Gold Coast

Wow. Never saw a lot of him but could he play the game. One of the most gifted players I have seen & one hell of a nice bloke. The type of guy you would always want in your corner.

5. Nathan Reardon – University of Queensland

Nathan was a very young player on the up. Playing for University he was always a thorn in your side when playing them. Could hit the ball a mile. He was only 20 odd at the time.

6. Michael Neser – Gold Coast

Probably the best batting all-rounder we had at the Dolphins during my stay there. A quality player in all facets of the game but a genuine nice young man. He deserves every accolade he gets.

7. Damien Wallis – Gold Coast and Wicket Keeper

The best wicket keeper I ever played with or coached. Some of the things I saw Damien do were incredible behind the stumps. His work ethic was second to none. Great bloke.

8. Chris Swan – Gold Coast

Very good swing bowler who knew where to bowl & how to do it. Injury played a bit of a role with Chris but was a first class player.

9. Dan Doran – Gold Coast and Captain

Undoubtedly the best leg spinner I have seen. He knew his trade & executed to perfection more often than not. A very good Captain who displayed leadership skills beyond the Grade Cricket level.

10. Michael Durbridge – Gold Coast

Durbs was just Mr Consistency. When he came on to bowl you knew exactly what you were going to get & could set fields to it. Great guy to have in your side.

11. Chris Slattery – Gold Coast

Chris was an exceptionally good swing bowler. He shaped the ball beautifully & had the required pace to beat the bat regularly. Unfortunately he had chronic knee trouble which restricted his career.

I saw a lot of very good players in my time as a coach & this is just 11. I could list the players who were unlucky not to make the side but we’d be here for quite some time. Selection process is never easy.