ACC LIFE MEMBERS
The ACC takes great pride in it’s history and Life Membership to the club is only given out to a select few who’s continued contributions either on or off field have led to the betterment of the club over the years. Below is a list of all ACC Life Members and a short description about their time at the ACC and what they gave back to the club.
The Inaugural Life Members Dinner was held on 16th August 2019, was organised by Vince Stackpole and was held at the Gosnells Golf Course. The dinner was well attended and the Life Members were presented with the new ACC Life Membership pins on the night by sitting President Jack Barendse.
Back Row (L to R): Doug Stirling, Adrian Reynolds, Alastair Field, Vince Stackpole, Brett McGregor
Front Row (L to R): Burt Baetsen, Peter Hewitt, Stephen Melville, Russell Kingdon, Andrew Sproul
#1 - Chas eadon clarke
In 1975 Chas at the ripe old age of 19 founded the club to play and stay connected with mates from his school days at Aquinas College. During the 1981/82 season he departed Australia to the U.K. and finally returned home in 2019 where he has been a regular visitor to the club.
On the field, Chas was handy with the bat in hand, scoring 138 against Doubleview in 1979/80 season, still in the top 25 individual scores in the history of the club.
Life Membership Awarded in 1981/82
#2 - Jack Gregan †
Jack joined the club in 1978 and held key positions for 14 years, was a major contributor to club laying a synthetic turf wicket at Shirley Strickland reserve and joining AMPSA in 1981/82 season.
He contributed $5,000.00 of his own money back then to allow the club to join AMPSA, this sums up Jack as great community contributor and a magnificent asset to the club.
He was one of the key people who set up the first U16 junior team for Applecross, which resulted in Robert Pulley, Alex Weir, Richard Mulroney, Brett McGregor, Kenn MacPherson and Phil Holman playing for the club.
Life Membership Awarded in 1983/84
#3 - Peter Hewitt
Peter was President of the club from 1978 to 1983 and again from 1989 to 1991, two very critical periods in the club’s history and it was his straight talking and professionalism that the club went from strength to strength.
He was a major reason the club started the famous under 16s team in 1982/83 and his father figure and influence on these young men and many others was profound.
His contribution to the club should never be underestimated a gentleman left arm orthodox spinner who always had time for everyone.
Life Membership Awarded in 1987/88
#4 - DAVID WELLS †
The man know as the Doctor was the 1st XI scorer from 1978 until his passing.
He was the rock of the team and always gave that pressure release to the players with a funny comment at the exact right time.
His score cards were a a pure pleasure to read and by god if you ever took over from him the pressure was on to get the colours right.
Life Membership Awarded in 1990/91
#5 - VAL STEENHOLDT
Val introduced the famous club trips where we would play country towns and bond with each other.
As President Val was key to making the club more professional, including recruiting the first Overseas professional for the ACC during his 3 years as President
Val helped with the installation of a wicket at Winthrop Oval and was a fierce competitor with ball in hand.
Life Membership Awarded in 1993/94
#6 - STEPHEN MELVILLE
Stephen joined the club in 1979/80 and was part of 3 Premierships in his time playing. He was a major contributor to the club off the field being Treasurer for 4 years and Club Auditor as well as producing the Club Yearbook to a level never seen before.
His 7 for 62 against Teachers in our 1st XI was a particular on field highlight
Life Membership Awarded in 1993/94
#7 - Russell kingdon
Russell joined the club in 1983 and spent 5 years as President, 2 as Treasurer, 1 as Secretary, 3 on the general committee and 6 years with AMPSA.
Under Russ, the club increased membership, improved their financial position, built new training facilities, installed new honour boards, framed Premiership Flags and released the Club History. These are just some reasons as to why the perpetual Presidents Trophy is named after Russ
On field, Russ played 237 without winning a Premiership for the ACC, a club record that still stands today.
Life Membership Awarded in 1994/95
#8 - George Prince
George joined the club in 1979/80 and played in 3 Premierships whilst also sitting on the committee for 4 years.
George’s greatest contribution came when he complied the Club History in detail with great help from his wife Carol and his flawless ability to MC club functions.
George played over 200 games for the ACC and was selected in the team of the first 20 years of the club history.
Life Membership Awarded in 1994/95
#9 - Robert pulley
Robert was one of the first U16 players from the team in 1982/83 and he has grown up with the club. Don is the current record games holder and wicket taker.
Don organised the first club End of Season Ball’s at the Casino, Captained teams and sat on the committee. The club named the First XI Best and Fairest perpetual trophy after him which says it everything about his on field contribution. He was also selected in the Team of the first 40 years.
Life Membership Awarded in 2002/03
#10 - Brett McGregor
Brett was another of the first U16 players from 1982/83 to have grown up with the club. He has been strong piece of the club fabric and culture leading the club off and on the paddock. He was club president for 3 years, committee for another 4 years, captained teams sat numerous other committees and under his Presidency we obtained Kent Street Turf wicket as our home ground. The club named the “Most Determined to Succeed” perpetual trophy after him which says it all.
Snake was President when the club won its first WASTCA “Club Championship” in 1999/2000.
Life Membership Awarded in 2002/03
#11 - Adrian Reynolds
Adrian joined the club in 1987/88 and was always keen to contribute he spent 9 years on the committee and was AMPSA treasurer for 15 years.
He won the WASTCA batting award in 1988/89 with an average of 50.75.
Aida was presented life member of AMPSA in 2013/14 for his significant contribution to the association.
Life Membership Awarded in 2004/05
#12 - Andrew Sproul
Andrew joined the club in 1981 and Captained 6 teams, was on the Committee for 6 years and spent one as President. Sprouly played over 300 games for the club and won a single Premiership. Under his Presidency the Player Obligation policy was introduced.
There is no more cricket tragic than Andrew
Life Membership Awarded in 2005/06
#13 - Vince Stackpole
Vince joined the club in 1994 and was President for 4 years and sat on the Committee for 5 years. Vince Captained for 4 years and was Chairman of Selectors for another year.
Stacky was responsible for creating the clubs first website and organising the first Life Members dinner. He played over 200 games winning one Premiership.
Life Membership Awarded in 2008/09
#14 - Doug Stirling
Doug joined the club in 1988/89 season. He has played over 300 games for the ACC, was Secretary for 3 years, Treasurer for 2 years and was on the AMPSA Committee for 5 years.
Shooter organised the very first 100 gamers dinner on the 7/03/1998 at Zapata’s restaurant.
Life Membership Awarded in 2013/14
#15 - Burt Baetsen
Burt joined the club in 1979 and won 3 Premierships. He spent 13 years on the Committee, 3 as President and 2 as Treasurer. He also captained a number of teams during his time at the club.
Burt has taken over 500 wickets for the club and his contribution to the club has been outstanding.
Life Membership Awarded in 2014/15
#16 - Angus Castley
Gus joined the club in 1993 and he spent 10 years on the Committee, has Captained teams for 15 years, has been the club’s legal representative at tribunals and has won 3 Premierships.
He played over 300 games for the club and obtained the legendary Amarulla sponsorship for the club.
Life Membership Awarded in 2015/16
#17 - Alastair Field
Al joined the club in 1992 and he spent 11 years on the Committee with one year as President.
He was president when the club won its second WASTCA “Club Championship” and the WASTCA Spirit of The Game Award “E.J. Ireland & P.J. Pearce Trophy” in 2012/13.
Cheese was a major contributor to the club finally having a home turf wicket at Bert Jeffery Park and the redevelopment of Shirley Strickland Reserve. He was selected in the ACC Team of the Decade (1996 -2005) He played over 100 games for club after spending 10 years in the UK.
Life Membership Awarded in 2018/19
#18 - Murray Tribbeck †
Murray never played a game for the club but he was club Treasurer for 11 years straight and managed the club bar during these times.
Every club dreams of having a person like Murray who goes about his work with honesty, integrity and a butcher’s sense of humour.
Life Membership Awarded in 2019/20
#19 - MURRAY SUTHERLAND
Murray is the ideal club volunteer, dedicating his personal time over years and years to helping the ACC.
Muzz has raised thousands of dollars for the club by cooking the BBQ on a Thursday night, running the kitchen on a Saturday and at every event. Thank you Muzz for everything you selflessly do for the club.
Life Membership Awarded in 21/22
#20 - JOE VENTER
Joe was a wonderful, organised competitor and contributor to the club. He wanted to be involved from day 1 and contribute to all aspects of the ACC. He did this throughout his time at the club with class and loved every second of it. He would be proud that we say he definitely has SAMS.
Life Membership Awarded in 22/23
Current as of August 2023
† = Deceased