John Scholes Trophy

John Scholes was a champion player for Carlton and Fitzroy Doncaster. He played a record 396 games of Premier Cricket (278 for Carlton and 118 for Fitzroy Doncaster) in a career that spanned 31 seasons, making 12,693 runs, which was the record at that time and has only been surpassed by Gary Watts and Warren Ayres since. His career included a record 9 VCA Finals, winning 5 premierships (4 at Carlton and 1 at Fitzroy Doncaster). He scored an amazing 620 runs at 77.50 in those finals.

John also played for Victoria in 62 first-class matches, making his debut in 1968-69 aged just 18. He became captain of the Victorian team aged just 21. He made 3201 runs for Victoria, and was 12th man a record 21 times. He later coached the Victorian team, leading them to the Mercantile Mutual Cup in 1998-99, and 2 consecutive Shield Finals from 1999-2001, and served as Chairman of Selectors for a period as well. John also played VFL football for North Melbourne from the age of 17, playing 30 games from 1967-1971 and kicking 35 goals.

John came to Fitzroy Doncaster as Captain Coach after his long and successful career at Carlton. The Fitzroy Doncaster Premiership in 1993-94, which John led, was the Club's first since the amalgamation in 1986. His mentoring led to several of the players having their personal best seasons that year.

John died in July 2003, aged 53, leaving his wife Diane and children Adam and Shannen. His loss was keenly felt by all in the cricket community and by both of his clubs in particular.

Cricket Victoria recognised his amazing record in finals by naming the award to the Player of the Premier Final the "John Scholes Medal". The Clubs also recognised his career, and a Trophy named in his honour is now keenly contested each time Carlton and Fitzroy Doncaster meet.

Cup history