Dust yourself off and try again

Last year, Shea Gribben could have been forgiven if he felt a little disheartened.

Having tried out for the under-17 Victorian side, he was cut from the squad at the final hurdle, having played in the Country versus Metro series at Barooga.

A year on, however, Gribben’s fortunes have changed after being selected in the under-19 Victorian squad for the National Championships in January as an underage player.

For Gribben, it’s a sense of redemption as much as pure excitement.

“I was really disappointed to not make it last year – I was really hoping to make the team but it wasn’t to be,” Gribben recounts.

“I didn’t bowl as well as I liked and the other boys deserved their spot. But I’m really excited to be in the squad – and I’m rather shocked too.”

Now a regular First XI player for St Kilda, the 17 year-old’s selection comes off the back of a break out season which saw him take 36 wickets.

“My consistency really improved and the wickets came,” Gribben said.

“I managed to get a game in the Firsts because of a few injuries and I was able to hold my spot.”

St Kilda coach and former Victorian Bushranger Graeme Rummans has seen the young quick’s development over the past 12 months and believes there’s no one more deserving of a spot.

“His attitude is second to none and he’s willing to learn so we’re really happy he’s got some reward for his efforts,” Rummans said

“He was bowling well last year but the under-17s had really strong bowling depth and there were four or five guys that were ahead of him.”

“Shea’s greatest attribute is his consistency in line and length and he’ll be a great foil with Matt Fotia and Guy Walker who are a bit quicker.”

For Gribben, his selection amongst the boys who kept him out of last year’s squad is a testament to his hard work and sheer love for the game.

“I love watching his commitment to his game,” Rummans said.

“He just loves it.”