Why Ghosts handed reins to former premier and a current MP

When a former NSW premier and a current MP are put in charge of a sport club you know they mean business.

That’s exactly what the Campbelltown Camden Ghosts cricket club did when they elected Morris Iemma and Chris Patterson as president and vice president for the next 12 months.

The club was formed in 1985 and while it has enjoyed a lot of success over the past 32 years, a first grade premiership has yet to grace the trophy cabinet.

But Iemma’s and Patterson’s mission is more than just delivering the holy grail of a first premiership – reports MIA ORFINO – they want to establish structures that will deliver success for many years to come.

Ghosts secretary Jason Ellsmore says there is no doubt the former premier and the current MP can make a real difference to the culture of the club.

“I firmly believe that people identify these two men as genuine, intelligent and fair dinkum in their approach,’’ says Ellsmore.

“While both men have an interest in seeing the club prosper on the field, they also bring to the table their well-rounded experience on many boards and committees.

“This has already been reflected in off-field processes, which have become more streamlined and effective,’’ he said.

So far he club’s first grade has won both its premiership games and is a chance to make it three out of three against Sydney at Raby tomorrow – weather permitting.

Last season the Ghoss did not record a victory until half the season had been played.

This season’s results are a reflection of some smart recruiting over the off season.

Experienced first grader and former player Jarrad Burke returned to the fold, alongside Phillip Wells, and former first class player Jeff Cook was appointed to the coaching panel of the club.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I think we’ve underachieved as a club, and I think what Morris and I bring to the table is adding a different perspective and level of professionalism,’’ says Chris Patterson, who is the member for Camden.[/social_quote]

“The number one thing we want to work on and make abundantly clear is culture.

“We want the players to be the best they can be on the pitch.

“They’ve got the best facilities in Sydney Grade Cricket, an extremely dedicated committee and support system,” he said.

Morris Iemma agrees.

“The most important issue for the club in the future, a successful future, is its own backyard,’’ he says.

“This is one of the biggest and best nurseries of talent anywhere in Australia.

“There has been a case where in the past too much of that talent has drifted away, for a range of reasons.

“That’s history, as for the future, we need to develop stronger links and pathways to the junior talent pool that exists so we can keep them here.

“Those kids with the talent, the raw talent, it needs to be developed and polished,’’ says Morris Iemma.

“The club has got a wonderful facility, a cricket centre, it runs an academy and there are excellent playing fields and facilities.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“There is a future first grade premiership winning team right here in Macarthur.[/social_quote]

“We have to find them, nurture them, offer them the opportunity, mentor them, put the polish on them.”

Mr Iemma believes success is not too far away for the Ghosts.

“Over the next year or two we will complete the set up required for long term success here at this club,’’ he says.

Current Ghosts player Joshua Appleton says that the new leadership has boosted the motivation of the playing group across the club.

“It’s great to have some proven experience step into the leadership of the club,’’ Joshua said.

“There’s an exciting buzz among players and staff, and it will be interesting to see how it pans out.’’

*MIA ORFINO is studying journalism at the University of Wollongong.