Welcome to the first Howzat Building Waratahs in History for the 2025/26 season. This Q & A is with Greg “Hilly” Hill.
Greg played 20 seasons (335 matches) for the “Tahs” across 3 decades. His 1st grade career started as an 18 year old in 1975/76 and he finished playing in 1995/96.
He scored over 7,000 runs for the club and the records show from 1977/78 (when they started) he managed 8 x 100’s and 29 x 50’s. Greg’s highest score being 134 not out.
“Hilly” is another true legend of the club and his story reflects the true meaning of playing in a team. Its all about making life long mates and memories. I hope you enjoy the read as much as we did.
Our Waratahs in History series is proudly sponsored by Howzat Building Services. Visit Andrew Watkins and the team at www.howzatbuildingservices.com.au for all your building needs.
How did your love of cricket come about as a child? Who were your cricket heroes growing up?
Sport was a big part of growing up. During and after school, we’d head across to the park — cricket in the summer and football in the winter. My earliest memory is of my mum taking me to the SCG. We sat on the hill when I was 12, and Doug Walters scored 200. That moment always stayed with me. Six years later, I played against him in a 1st Grade match.
Tell us a bit about your junior journey on your way to playing at Manly?
I played my junior cricket for CBC alongside an upcoming young superstar called Sam Mesite. I batted at 11 and bowled pace — well, medium pace — actually, just slow. I was selected in the Manly Moore Shield side and was lucky enough to win the competition. Mike Pawley presented the team with a blazer — the beginning of meeting one of the kindest, most generous, supportive, and encouraging people on the planet, who later became my First Grade captain.
What are your memories of the club in the early and mid-70s as you were coming through the grades — both on and off the field?
Preseason consisted of a combination of training outside at Graham’s Reserve and inside the Manly Vale Millers Hotel. Occasionally, Mike Pawley would bring in a professional PT trainer, and we’d be flogged mercilessly. Whether you played 1st Grade or 5th Grade, Manly made you feel like you belonged.
Wickets were uncovered, and we bowled eight-ball overs with no restrictions. As a youngster, you learned from your captain and teammates. The most enjoyable moments generally occurred off the field — in the dressing room, sharing life’s experiences.
Who helped you the most throughout those initial years starting out in Grade cricket at Manly?
Alex Anderson somehow saw a 15-year-old training, and I couldn’t believe my luck when he selected me in 5th Grade, with Bruce Henry as our captain. He believed I was a bowler — I batted at 9, bowled against Sutherland, and we won.
Ian Howell, changed a kid into believing he could bat. At a presentation night, he’d won a bat and said in his speech that he wanted to give it to a player who would one day play 1st Grade. At that time, I was playing 4th Grade and thought, “How good is this?” Ian gave the bat to “me — and when I debuted in 1st Grade, I opened the batting against Sydney alongside him. One moment can change everything.
Who were some of the well-known cricketers who you came through the system with, and who was the best player coming through the Manly ranks during your juniors?
I was blessed to play with and against so many class players, as you are all doing now — Mike Pawley, Graham Beard, Michael Bevan, Peter Toohey, Mark O’Neill, and Phil Marks, to name a few.
As mentioned earlier, I grew up with Sam Mesite and always admired his grit, determination, and sense of humour. Whenever there was a moment of fun, Sam was generally involved.
You debuted for the Waratahs in 1975 at the age of 18. What do you remember about your beginnings?
It was at Manly Oval in a 36-over one-day game. Mike Pawley had organised what seemed like 5,000 kids to meet Rick McCosker, who was playing for Sydney and Australia at the time. I opened the batting, was bounced first ball, and made 11. Loved it — welcome to 1st Grade! We won one wicket down, which I learned didn’t happen often at Manly. For some reason, Manly always likes a close game.
What was your top score for Manly? What do you remember about the innings?
Most of my innings ended quickly — with a surname like Hill, the scoreboard at Manly generally didn’t have enough time to display it.
During one season, I managed three hundreds on the trot in 1st Grade, which I cherish. One of those innings was 120 not out with an hour to go against Northern Districts, whose bowling lineup was full of first-class cricketers. It was Phil Marks’ debut, and I knew this man was going to be something special — Phil had other ideas and ran me out with the classic “yes, no, sorry” call.
It’s not how much you succeed, but who you do it with. I have so many proud moments and partnerships at Manly.
What do you consider the best innings from yourself?
At Manly Oval, in partnership with Sam Mesite against Mosman, we needed quick runs in the second innings for a potential outright. Their bowling attack included David Colley and John Skilbeck. We put on 180 in a short time — to do that with a close friend was special and memorable.
My favourite innings was batting with David Ford on his 1st Grade debut against Balmain. When David made the Moore Shield side, it was special to present him with his cap — like cricket had gone full circle.
What do you think your strength was as a cricketer?
Growing up in the 70s, the drive to be part of a team was built on a “team-first” mentality. I’d like to believe I carried that philosophy throughout my career — no matter what happened on the field, your teammates and friendships mattered more.
Strengths? Probably nicking regularly through slip while playing a cover drive — not an easy skill to perfect! Manly had so many outstanding spinners; I always enjoyed facing spin more than being bounced — if that counts as a strength.
When I retired, I absolutely loved being a cricket coach and hopefully passed on some learnings so players could become better cricketers and people. Sadly, I never coached at Manly, as I moved to Perth to be with my children.
Who was the best player at Manly that you played with?
Under different times and circumstances, I could name a hundred. For sheer enjoyment from the other end — Mark O’Neill and Phil Marks.
Mark, for the time he had to play the ball (though he was the worst person to sit next to before batting). Phil, for his ability to do things that seemed impossible at the time.
What is the best innings/bowling spell you saw at Manly from a fellow player?
Batting-wise, watching Mark Waugh score a hundred at Bankstown before becoming a Test player for Australia. You just knew you were witnessing batting perfection up close.
Bowling-wise, Mike Pawley against Balmain in a one-day game. We were bowled out for 36, and Balmain passed the score none down. In the second innings, we made just over 100, and Mike’s wizardry bowled them out — we won outright after what was, I think, the lowest total ever by a Manly side.
Who was the funniest player you played with at Manly and why? Do you have any clean stories you could share with us?
Good question — the list of usual suspects is long and distinguished! Tom Purcell, Bob Rickey, Sam Mesite, and Ross Chapman would head the list, but there are many more.
A clean story is harder to tell… but here’s one:
Tom “Marlin” Purcell once joined a Sydney Harbour cruise with all the Manly players, wives, and girlfriends. We were all dressed up in suits, with past legends on board. The movie Jaws had just been released — and Tom turned up wearing a Jaws T-shirt, saying, “If this boat sinks, I’m safe.”
Who really set the on and off field culture and standard at the club in your time?
The standards were driven by the captains. Our first coach, Allan Campbell, instilled a professional training ethic. With amazing people like Andrew Fraser and David Gainsford, the club grew into a powerhouse. I’m so proud to have been part of the Manly spirit — even if now it’s from a distance.
In the early days, I appreciated and loved how the senior players went about training and playing. So much was learned out in the middle — and life’s experiences shaped you more than you ever expected.
The practice wickets at Graham’s were challenging, but you always felt supported. Everyone shared, encouraged, and challenged each other. There was always a 1st Grade player willing to help and share their skills. Jim Burke, Ian Howell, Frank Turner, Mal Elliott, and Brian Kinsey were a godsend during my development years — a wealth of knowledge.
Who was the best Captain you played with and why?
For knowledge, passion, and dressing-room speeches — Mick Pawley, without question. For love and enjoyment — Bob Rickey. Despite his laconic personality, he had a huge heart, and I always admired that.
During my time at Manly, there were many captains — each brought talent, commitment, and loyalty that shaped both me and the club.
Who was someone you loved to captain or loved seeing succeed?
Any or all of the other ten cricketers you played with. Individually, those subtle moments when a player starts to believe they belong are priceless.
Matt Suttling — watching his journey to becoming a 1st Grade cricketer will always stay with me. Rowley Alexander — rising from 4th Grade to 1st Grade in one year and winning a premiership. Graham Wilkes — seeing him play 1st Grade was amazing.
I was so blessed to play for Manly — from my early days as a kid to returning later and sharing experiences with players like David Gainsford, Andrew Fraser, Tim Blank, Anthony Dignan, and Ross Drury. I wouldn’t swap it for anything.
Best Nick Name?
I actually had three nicknames myself — Hilly, which is self-explanatory. The other was Asif, given to me by BK on tour after a last-wicket partnership — a nod to Asif Iqbal, the Pakistani cricketer and lastly “Wal” given to me by Frase due to my middle name being Walter.
I was lucky enough to go on a couple of overseas tours with Manly — one to New Zealand and another to England. Both left an indelible mark, though unfortunately, the adventures and events of those tours must remain undisclosed!
What does your life involve now, and do you keep abreast of how the Waratahs are faring?
I’m still residing in Perth, though Manly will always be home. My three children — Zac, Maddie, and Olivia — have all grown up and are forging their own paths and careers. As any parents will tell you, it’s the greatest gift of all.
Thanks to the “Old Bustards” WhatsApp group and the drive of Phil Marks, I’m able to keep up with the success of the current squad
