By Lance Jenkinson
Spiros Koziaris has created his own slice of history, becoming the first Footscray ANA Cricket Club player to reach 400 games.
Koziaris has long held the games record at ANA but 400 was previously seen as mission impossible for the club that was founded in 1931.
“It’s nearly 40 years of cricket and it doesn’t come quickly,” Koziaris said.
“It’s a lot of work and you have to try and keep the body fit because I’m over 50 now.”
Koziaris views cricket a little more differently to the youngster that played his first game in the juniors at Footscray ANA.
Now 53, making a high score or taking a swag of wickets is not the be all and end all that it might have once been.
The off spinner still relishes the competitiveness of cricket, but it is the friendships and health benefits that he holds dearly now.
“I do love the game, but it’s the friends, there’s four or five of us who have played 35 to 40 years together, that make it pretty special,” Koziaris said.
“We really have a great laugh. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously.”
Koziaris believes community cricket is more important than ever before. As the secretary at Footscray ANA, he promotes the club to outsiders, welcomes new players to the fold and tries to entice former players back.
He believes one of the big reasons people are returning to ANA is for the mental health benefits of being active and being around like-minded people.
“Apart from the game, it’s about having a really good laugh and any troubles we have disappear for awhile,” Koziaris said.
“Let’s try and get some of the old blokes back who might be having a bit of a hard time with different things in life. When they come to the club, it gives them a bit of a boost.”
Koziaris’ 400th game coincided with another special Footscray ANA milestone. John Verdino, a crafty medium pacer, took his 900th wicket for the club, also a record that has never been achieved prior to this season.
“It was pretty special being on the ground at the same time John took his 900th wicket,” Koziaris said.
The big question now is whether Verdino can get to the 1000.
“I reckon I’ll probably play my 500th and he’ll take his 1000th at around the same time,” Koziaris said with a laugh.
Above all, Koziaris wanted to thank his family for their support in his cricket endeavours over the years.
