Dyson Baker
BHRDCA Media Manager

 “To be honest, It’s still pretty raw”

Words from a President discussing the loss of one of his own.

During a lengthy discussion with Heatherdale Cricket Club President Andrew Grealy, it become increasingly evident just what Steve Creighton meant to not only the Heatherdale family but the wider community.

“The Guv” as he was affectionately known, a life member of the ‘Dales passed away in July of this year following a blood clot in his lungs.

“It hasn’t been easy that’s for sure in terms of having a chance to grieve, or even a chance to say a proper goodbye.”

The Heatherdale community was rocked by Guv’s passing, however given current restrictions found themselves unable to come together to celebrate his life. That was until close friends and club mates Kevin Oakey and Tony Johns engaged the club in “The Long Run.”

The Long Run is a month-long initiative run by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia which aims to build awareness and raise much needed funds for ongoing research into Prostrate Cancer.
Learn More: https://www.thelongrun.org.au/about-us

During September 2020, Steve completed the month-long fundraiser supported by members of the local community and raised $6000, in 2021 Heatherdale banded together and raised upwards of $26,000 placing them in the top 5 of all contributors to the campaign.

Grealy felt it was a way for the club to come together as one in a time where that is becoming increasingly difficult.

“Put simply, its coming together for Guv – he just viewed everyone the same”

“We didn’t even think twice, what can we do to find ways where we can stay connected to each other but also find a way to honour Guv’s memory.”

Some gave what they could, others went above and beyond raising more hundreds of dollars for the cause in honour of their great friend whilst pounding the pavement over the month.

Teammate and good friend Jack Ujma walked often with the Guv and made it his mission to honour Steve in the right manner.

“Not being able to come together and come to terms with it has been really difficult, and in a way I think I still haven’t properly acknowledged his passing”

“Steve cared a lot for the charity, for obvious reasons with his own battle, plus I think it helped a lot of guys from the club to come to terms with losing a great mate.”

Ujma raised more than $2000 for the cause and totalled stomped more than 250km in the month of September. Grealy believes the support for the initiative speaks volumes of the Dales culture

“It’s about living up to our values, being a family organisation and caring for one another – that’s what we do”

A mad Demons man, Creighton unfortunately missed the drought breaking Melbourne Premiership a couple of weeks ago, Grealy shared a thought about his good friend following the final siren of the AFL Grand Final.

“We were so glad that he got to see Liverpool win, and then I think very quickly the attention turned to the Dees getting up.”

“You can almost picture how the Guv would speak about it, he would be a very happy man.”

If omens are anything to go by, could the Guv pull the strings one more time and give Heatherdale yet another crack at the McIntosh Shield title?

Heatherdale will turn their attention to the forthcoming 2021/22 season with a homecoming of a couple of favourite sons as well as a pavilion re-development just about to begin its sure to be a big season at Purches Street.

You can still donate to the cause https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/HeatherdaleRunsforGuv