Ryan Campbell: still here

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Host David Baird talks with former Australian and Western Australian cricketer Ryan Campbell about his career and his long association with Bayswater Morley. Ryan reflects on switching from wicketkeeper to opening batter, the highs and lows of his club days, and his unexpected move into international coaching. Above all, he speaks with deep gratitude for his life and family after a near-fatal cardiac arrest in 2022, which has shaped how he coaches and lives without regrets.

In this episode

2:08 How a Country League Grand Final for Kalgoorlie got him recruited by John Moore and Ray Robinson
6:59 Adam Gilchrist arrives at the Cricket Academy, and Rod Marsh turns a backup keeper into an opening batter for WA
9:57 The 1995-96 premiership, and taking 1 for 0 in the grand final with Jo Angel's "secret squirrel" slower ball
11:52 1998-99: First Grade and one-day premierships for Bayswater Morley, and a Sheffield Shield for WA
13:49 Regretting the move to Scarborough after a clash with the coach over training loads
18:32 Stuck behind Gilchrist, and wishing his playing days had lined up with the T20 franchise era
20:47 An unplanned coaching career: Hong Kong, the Netherlands national team and Durham
23:50 His 2022 cardiac arrest at a UK theme park, a seven-day coma, and a new focus on family and enjoying life

Quotes

"I slept the night with my Gray-Nicolls Elite beside me and thankfully it came good for me the next day."

"I have always tried to replicate what Bayswater had and what I had at Bayswater with everything, with every environment I've been in ever since."

"The franchise world, I think, was absolutely perfect for me. You know, opening the batting, being a wicketkeeper, scoring fast."

"I don't know why … but I'm still here and I'm going to try and make sure that I really enjoy whatever I have."

Mel O'Neil: 100 not out

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Host David Baird sits down with club legend Mel O'Neil, who shares his memories of the club's formative years in the 1940s and 50s. Mel recounts his journey from a resolute lower-grade batsman to First Grade captain, and his 20 years as Secretary and WACA delegate. It's a story of grassroots loyalty and administration, and how one man's dedication helped turn a struggling local team into a district club that produced Test cricketers.

In this episode

0:03 Introducing Mel O'Neil, a foundational figure of the Bassendean Bayswater Cricket Club
1:08 Joining the club during World War II, and rising from the thirds to First Grade by resolving never to get out
4:51 Surviving WACA team reductions, and Mel's refusal to leave the club despite offers from rivals
7:05 Partnering with Bayswater and moving to the high-quality wicket at Hillcrest Reserve in the early 1960s
10:02 Using the rulebook to claim a forfeit win when Midland failed to provide stumps in time
11:06 District cricket and junior development, which stopped rival clubs poaching the best young players
12:32 A thrilling one-run win over North Perth, who collapsed needing two runs with five wickets in hand
19:31 The struggles and eventual triumph of Bob Massie, the club's first Test player, and Mel's advocacy to get him into the state side
21:12 Touring regional Western Australia, and managing the state team in the days of budget train travel

Quotes

"I made up my mind then I was never, ever going to get out, so they would have to promote me, and that's what I did."

"I said, Bassendean is, I live in Bassendean. I'm not leaving Bassendean."

"My ambition was so that players could get to, first of all, into the state side and then into the test side."

The Bear Essentials

Ryan Campbell: still here

In this episode

Quotes

Mel O'Neil: 100 not out

In this episode

Quotes