For top order batters across the Shepparton region in the 1990s there was no more frightening sight than Damien Woodman standing at the top of his mark.
An imposing figure at 203cm, Woodman’s pace and bounce would have him challenge the opposition in a way few could, with his exploits pivotal in the early ’90s dominance of Kialla Cricket Club.
During the journey, the bustling fast bowler would amass two premierships and four-straight association bowling awards — while also making countless Country Week appearances and representing Victoria Country and Australia Country.
Boasting such an illustrious resume it is no surprise he now finds himself shortlisted for the Cricket Shepparton Team of the Century, but to the man himself the news came as a big shock.
“It was certainly a surprise (to be included), it is such an honour to be nominated,” Woodman said.
“There are just so many good players that have come through the region, so to be thought of in that company it is very humbling and something I will cherish.”
Woodman began his cricket journey at Central Park as a raw, but talented, prospect working under the tutelage of the great Rob Doloudis.
Establishing himself as a top-class quick in the late ’80s and early ’90s with the Tigers, he would make a decision that would shape the rest of his career in the lead up to the 1993-94 season.
“I had some great years playing with Central Park, but prior to the ’93-94 season I thought it was time for a change and made the move to Kialla,” he said.
“Rob Douloudis had been an impact on my career and had gotten me to where I was and he was heading out to Kialla, so I didn’t exactly follow him, but I thought if he was going there it would be a good place to go.”
The decision would prove to be an inspired one, as Kialla immediately rose to the top of the Cricket Shepparton mountain and won back-to-back flags in ’93-94 and ’94-95.
“Those days playing with Kialla were amazing,” Woodman said.
“The cricket in the ’90s was in my opinion the best cricket there has been in the region.
“Every team in the competition was strong, there were so many good players and so many great battles.”
Picking out a highlight of his time playing for Kialla through the ’90s, he said the first grand final victory stood out above all else.
“That first grand final win is one that will always stick out for me, it was such an amazing game,” he said.
“We had to chase over 300 to win and we managed to get it done with one wicket in hand and three balls to go.
“We also beat Central Park that day, the team I’d come from, which made it all the more sweet — I can just recall there being so much excitement.”
Despite his dominance on the local scene, Woodman is perhaps more revered for his achievements on the representative stage.
Showcasing his talents against the best they had to offer at Country Week, there was one particular performance in 1991 which will forever go down in the local cricket folklore.
“It was the last day of the week and we were coming up against Wangaratta,” he said.
“I’d looked after myself well throughout the week and that day, for some reason, it all just came together and I took 8-35.
“I was well supported by my teammates who took great catches and sometimes as a bowler things go your way — you take it when you can get it.”
Looking over the career of Woodman there a host of superlatives you could use to describe his talents and impact on the game in the region.
But when asked about how he would like to remembered his answer, as his nature, was as humble as could be.
“I was lucky enough to be born with the size to be an opening bowler, so that helped,” he said.
“I had great influences around me growing up as a cricketer, I trained hard and during the games my focus was just not to let the opposition score runs.
“I was just a guy that tried his best every game and gave his all to help his team win.”