Mont Albert CC would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Thomson family following the sad passing of former First XI professional player, Alan “Froggy” Thomson.
Alan tragically passed away on 31st October 2022 at 76 years of age.
The man tasked with captaining Froggy at MACC, not long after retiring from Test cricket – Kevin Ruljancich – described him as a “very different character, but great bowler” who claimed 56 wickets in his first season at the club, a season that did not include a single finals match. In four seasons at the club, he won the bowling average three times, and only narrowly missed the average in the fourth season, having averaged under 10.
Kevin also recounted “that year we should have won the grand final. We lost the semi v Canterbury – we made 6/256 dec (equivalent of 280-290 in today’s currency). Canterbury were 0/10 (8 runs off 2 snicks through slips off Froggie) off 3 overs. The next day (AND ALL 3 Saturdays of the GF!!) were washed out. Canterbury won the premiership.”
Froggy was known for his off-field antics and “fierce” competitiveness on the field. Hal Jones, who opened the bowling with Froggy regularly in the First XI, recalled the club undergoing a “significant education” following Froggy’s arrival. He described him as a “class above”, that forced the club to lift it’s standards.
Known for his trademark fast bowling action – bowling off the wrong foot – Froggy represented Australia, Victoria, Ringwood Rams and MACC, in addition to being a VFL/AFL umpire. He will be sadly missed.