The new president of a Geelong cricket powerhouse is perfectly positioned for the role — she lives across the road from the club.
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Long serving North Geelong CC committee member Jo Hall, whose son Sam is a multiple GCA1 premiership-winner, has become what is believed to be the GCA’s first-ever female president.
And Hall is perfectly positioned to steer the Magpies towards more success as they chase a fifth straight GCA1 premiership in 2023-24.
“I live across the road from the club,” Hall said.
“I bought my house in 1980 and the thing that really sold it for me was that I could watch cricket from my front veranda.
“I used to go to the cricket with my grandfather when I was a little girl.”
However, her appointment comes with a twist.
Hall, a retired registered palliative care nurse, will team up with Braedon Carr to marshall the Magpies, with the former keen to tap into the latter’s cricketing IQ and experience.
“I did say that I would be happy to do the role but I needed somebody who had a cricketing mind who had played cricket, beside me,” Hall said.
North Geelong Cricket Club’s new co-presidents Jo Hall and Braedon Carr. Picture: North Geelong CC.
“We’ll complement each other.
“I have in my professional life led committees, led meetings. I’ve also done a lot volunteering.
“Having been there for 30 years I know (the club) pretty well.
“Not having played cricket is a little disadvantage for me in the president’s role, but having Braedon right next to me (will help).”
It will also be the first time the club has appointed co-presidents in its history, with the pair replacing Jeff Czajkowski who will stay on the Magpies’ general committee.
Hall said she was the first female president of a GCA club, according to keen association observers.
“That’s what everyone’s telling me anyway,” she said.
“I’m definitely the first female for North Geelong.”
North Geelong’s Andrew Fergusson and Sam Hall celebrate their 2022-23 GCA1 premiership. Picture: Mark Wilson
Hall has been part of the furniture at Osborne Park for many summers, either in a committee capacity or simply assisting with social events.
“I’ve helped out where I can,” she said.
“I’m there every weekend watching cricket.”
While the Magpies have built an enviable legacy of success, she was also proud of the club’s culture, with strong links between the junior and senior players.
North Geelong also proudly boasted close to 10 women’s and girl’s teams.
“I wish I had of (played) when I was younger, I would have loved it,” she said.
“It just wasn’t a thing back then.
“But it’s great watching women and young girls come through the club now.
“It’s just so good seeing them love the game.”
Witnessing the joy after the Magpies’ fourth consecutive GCA1 flag remains a cherished memory for Hall, with a huge circle of players and supporters assembling to hold hands and sing the club song at Osborne Park.
Hall (centre) celebrates the Magpies’ GCA1 win over East Belmont with Andrew Ferguson and Steve Meehan (right). Picture: Mark Wilson
“There were little kids, big kids, adults, women, mothers, grandmothers, everybody was out on the oval in this great big circle, it was fabulous,” she said.
“It just gives me goosebumps watching it back (on video).”
Asked what she would like to achieve in 23-24, Hall said yet another premiership would be nice.
“We want to win it again,” she said with a laugh.
“That’s not exactly why we exist, we exist for our community.
“We exist so any kids can walk in, or adults can walk in, and get a game of cricket.
“I think the culture of North Geelong is the real standout for me.”