By Oliver Lees
Confidence is key to performing in big matches, according to Sunbury all-rounder Jason McGann, who took out the Victorian Turf Cricket Association (VTCA) division 4 best and fairest earlier this month.
The award capped off a successful season for McGann, who led Sunbury to a grand final in March.
Speaking after the award ceremony that saw him bag his second VTCA best and fairest in as many seasons, McGann said his game plan is always to play with confidence.
“You’ve just got to back yourself,” he said.
“You’ve got to have confidence in yourself, in my mind, I’m going to back myself in and hopefully it pays off.
“If I don’t perform, I know there are players behind me that always back me up.”
Since moving from the Gisborne District Cricket Association (GDCA) to division 5 of the VTCA two years ago, Sunbury has been promoted twice following back-to-back premiership wins.
McGann was awarded most valuable player in both grand final matches.
In the final against versus Footscray earlier this year, McGann high-scored for the match as he notched 63 of the team’s 152 runs off just 73 balls.
McGann chipped in with the ball too, taking four wickets from just seven overs, which included four maidens.
Sunbury’s bowling attack was too much for Footscray, who were bowled out for a total of 43 runs after 20 overs.
McGann said the grand final win was vindication after an interrupted 2020 season.
“We felt like we were robbed by COVID last year,” he said.
“This time around, having only lost one game for the year we went in with a lot of confidence.”
As well as being involved at Sunbury as a player for 10 years, McGann has also volunteered as a junior’s coach for the last two years.
His service to the club was recognised at a presentation night last month, where McGann and fellow clubman Alex Bonacci were inducted into the Sunbury Cricket Club Hall of Fame.
Since the 2012-13 season, McGann has taken out the club best and fairest eight times.
McGann said he was “very shocked” to receive the honour.
“I didn’t know, I was quite surprised,” he said.
“It’s very humbling and a great honour, I’m actually speechless.”
McGann added that he’s confident his side will perform well in division 3 next season.
“We’ll have a good go in division 3,” he said.
“If we keep everyone on board we’re a balanced side and we know how to play well together.”
