Wodonga captain Jack Craig will be chasing a piece of history this weekend.
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If Wodonga topples Lavington, he’ll become part of the first father-son combination to lead teams to premierships.
Bob Craig played in four titles, and was the captain in 1993-94.
“He’s taught me how to act, how to speak to people,” Jack Craig said proudly.
“We used to go down to the nets every day as a kid and he’d bowl to me.
“He’s been my favourite coach and I always listen to him.”
Bob Craig was known as one of the most aggressive opening bowlers of his generation.
Admittedly, that was the style at the time, with plenty of sledging.
“No, I’m not like that, I just nod and smile,” Jack said when quizzed on sledging.
“I’m totally different, I try and let the bat or the ball do the talking.”
Craig would also be one of the youngest premiership captains.
At 22, he’s shown tremendous maturity in the finals.
He posted an uncharacteristically patient 90, with only two boundaries and a six, against Lavington, and followed that with a match-winning 7-60 against North Albury.
Bob Craig says he’s seen a maturity in his son.
“I think it comes with some of the responsibility in the role that he plays in the team now,” he said.
Craig is in his second year back at the club after playing lower grades at Melbourne University and Footscray-Edgewater.
“It would mean the world to me if we won, the absolute world,” Craig said.
And Bob will be there watching every ball.
“Well, I’d be particularly pleased for him, he’s been able to get the support of all the players and coaches,” he said.
“He’s lucky to have great mentors in Robbie Jackson and Bill Proud.
“So I’d be chuffed for him really and I’d be tickled pink as well.”
Lavington coach Robbie Mackinlay stated last week the club had been too nice in the past and now carried a hard-nosed approach.
“They think that’s worth doing for them and fair enough to them, that’s fine,” Jack Craig said.
“I don’t even listen mate, I wouldn’t even know what was said.”
In a major boost for Lavington, all-rounder Nathan Brown will play.