By DANNY BUTTLER
TWO of Australia’s favourite blokes will be the star attractions at next month’s Casey Cardinia Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch.
Up to 400 people are expected to attend the Friday 12 September luncheon, which will feature former AFL star Scott Cummings and Test cricketer Damien Fleming.
While the event is aimed at raising money and awareness for prostate cancer, it is also meant to be a fun day out for people who love sport, food and a good laugh.
The Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch series was initiated by Shepparton newspaperman Chris McPherson after a run-in with the disease a few years back and this is the first time it has been rolled out in the Casey and Cardinia region.
The cost is $110 a head and tables of 10 are encouraged. That covers all drinks, a gourmet barbecue lunch and a full afternoon of entertainment.
As well as the Scott Cummings and Damien Fleming double act, AFL games record holder Michael Tuck will also make an appearance.
To make sure everyone gets home safely, Simcocks will run two buses in a shuttle service from the Cardinia Cultural Centre to the Pakenham and Lakeside stations after the event.
The two guest panellists have rich sporting careers that have continued onto the media and public speaking circuit.
Damien Fleming’s post-cricket life looks like eclipsing his time with ball and bat.
The former Australia Test swing bowler and one-day star has made a name for himself as one of the sport’s most astute and amusing commentators.
His “Bowlology” theory on the science of rolling the arm over has proved as popular as his witty and self-deprecating television and radio banter.
In 20 Tests in the Baggy Green, “Flem” took 75 wickets at an average of just under 26. His best figures were 5/31 against India at Adelaide in 1999.
He is famous for being one of three players to have taken a hat-trick in his debut Test. Since retirement he has worked for Fox Sports, ABC Grandstand and Channel 10.
Scott Cummings is a big man with a big reputation as a footballer and entertainer.
The 1999 Coleman Medallist played for Essendon, Port Adelaide, West Coast Eagles and Collingwood in a decade-long, 128-game career that saw him bag 349 goals.
Cummings was a talented footballer who gave the impression that training may have come a distant second to making the most out of life.
When he was fit and in form, however, he was one of the most potent spearheads in the game, managing bags of 14 and 10 for the Eagles in the space of three weeks during the 2000 season.
Since retirement, the big man with the bigger personality has been involved in the media, worked for the Collingwood Football Club and is a popular member of sportsman’s night panels.
To book or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact BEBL committee chairman Garry Howe on 0407 203 525 or email garry.howe@starnewsgroup.com.au
