KRIS GARLAND'S FAREWELL - FOR NOW
Our English import Kris Garland was at pains to assure his teammates that his parents didn't come out to Australia just to round him up and return him to the Old Dart - but that didn't stop us from giving him a ribbing.
But seriously, John and Janette Garland took the opportunity to have a short holiday in Australia and meet the teammates who have made their son feel so welcome on his two stints at Moonee Valley.
At right: The upstairs verandah at the Union Hotel proved popular for the gathering: Jesse Nankivell-Sandor and Matt Thomas are behind (L-r) Sean O'Kane, Kris Garland and his mum Janette, Sandra and Alan Thomas and John Garland.
And they didn't miss out on the hearty Australian welcome themselves - nor the warmth of the farewell at the Union Hotel in Ascot Vale on April 3 as they prepared to head back home.
But Kris will be back next season for his third term at Moonee Valley, and is negotiating with a couple of other UK young guns to come back and join us as well for a year in the colonies.
When Kris was here last, in 2010/11, he was studying at Victoria University, came across Moonee Valley via our website, and went straight into our First Eleven when we were up in North Division VTCA.
At left: Any chance for a good time: L-R Bede Gannon, Craig Pridham and Jim McKenzie.
He enjoyed himself so much that he came back for 2013/14 to play cricket with us again - after being in Australia mid-year in 2013 following the British Lions on their rugby tour.
His return next September is for another season of cricket. So it won't be long - and we'll be welcoming Kris and his mates back to teach us how to drink pints again.
At right: Mickster! You can't keep a good Premiership player down! L-R Michael Cumbo, Mark Gauci and Alistair Ferrier.
At left: Sending Kris off with style: L-R James Holt, Stephen Ward, Mark Gauci, Jim Polonidis, Dean Jukic, Craig Pridham, Kris Garland (front) and Ben Thomas.
At right: The English aren't outnumbered in this group: L-R John Garland, James Holt, Alan Thomas and Simon Thornton.
At left: Who called him the Silver Fox? L-R Janette Garland, Sandra Thomas, Charlie Walker and Adele Walker.
