■ Great to see Williamstown’s Greg Miles acknowledged in the Australia Day honours with the Order of Australia medal (OAM) for his services to horse racing and broadcasting. Greg is the consummate professional and has been at the top of his game for decades. I work on SEN with one of the best, Bryan Martin, and I have to say I’m always amazed how callers like Bryan (also an AOM recipient) and Greg get it right in the heat of a frantic race call. I also marvel at their ability to remember colours and horse names race after race. When they do get it wrong – as Greg did in last year’s Caulfield Cup – the critics are savage and, for me, way off the mark. If every mistake I made on radio was highlighted in the same way there would be volumes, not just a page or two. Good on you, Greg.
■ There’s plenty happening in local footy at the moment and with clearances opening this week, we may see some substance to the rumours we’ve been hearing over the holidays. In VFL news, Ben Jolley will equal Terry Wheeler, Troy West and Brett Johnson when he leads the Seagulls for a fifth season. The Essendon situation means the club has lost Ariel Steinberg and Matt Dea under totally different circumstances – Steinberg banned and Dea signed by Essendon as a top-up player. David Iaccarino has left Footscray and signed at Port Melbourne and Brody Mihocek heads to the Borough from Werribee.
■ Yarraville Club Cricket Club is holding a triple premiership reunion day this Saturday to celebrate 10 years since the 2005-06 senior division flag, 20 years since the 1995-96 North B2 flag and the 40th anniversary of the 1975-76 A Turf flag. All are welcome on the day at Hansen Reserve. For more details visit the club website.
■ At this time of year all sporting clubs are looking for people to fill coaching positions, trainers, water persons and various other roles. If you can help, it’s definitely a very satisfying experience. People usually become involved when their kids start at a club and finish when they do but I urge those who are past that stage to get involved again because it’s good for your health and a wonderful thing to do for the community. Many football clubs have contacted me to publicise available positions. I don’t have the space to mention them all so find your nearest club and put up your hand.
Any news, let me know on email kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au. Follow me on Twitter @KevinHillier, plus check out the Howdy Partners Media website as well.
