From winning a record-breaking six World Indoor Singles Championship to claiming five Commonwealth Games gold medals, there is arguably no more distinguished bowler to have graced the planet than Alex Marshall.
But one stage he is yet to conquer is the Goulburn Valley Playing Area Allan Matheson Shield — until now.
In what is a major coup for bowls in the region the Scottish great will suit up for Kyabram as it faces East Shepparton in a marquee clash on Friday night.
Set to be a night unlike any other the GVPA has seen before, Marshall said he could not wait to take the green for the Bombers and put on a show.
“I am really looking forward to getting over to Kyabram and playing a game, I have made appearances at the club before and run a few sessions,” Marshall said.
“So when the club approached me and asked if I could come help out in one of their pennant matches I was more than happy to help out, everyone at the club has been very friendly.
“To be able to give back to the sport at the community level is very exciting, I’ve played at a lot of big clubs around the world and in big games, but being able to go and help out in places like Kyabram gives me so much joy.”
Marshall’s Kyabram debut is nearly 12 months in the making.
After getting the Scot to agree to a one-off game in February, the club was denied by the GVPA, with the match coming too late in the season for a promotional permit to be granted.
But Marshall said he kept in constant communication with the club and that his close relationship with Sally Beach and Glenn Fields was the key to getting him to don the red and black.
“It was a night at the Moama Bowling Club during the Bowls Premier League where I was talking to Sally Beach and Glenn Fields and they floated the idea,” he said.
“I then kept in touch with them about coming out to the club and playing the one-off game and after a lot of discussions we finally sorted a date and got it over the line.
“So I’ve really got Sally and Glenn to thank, they have become good friends of mine over these last couple of years.”
Currently playing weekend pennant with Moama, Marshall said he had a few connections with the Kyabram team that would make the experience all the more enjoyable.
“I’ve already met a fair few of the members at Kyabram which will make the night all the more enjoyable,” he said.
“People like the Cartwrights, I am currently playing with Olivia at Moama, so to now be playing alongside her brother and her dad it is certainly a small world.
“It will also be a great opportunity for me to make new friends out here as well, and I cannot wait to go and chat to as many of the Kyabram bowlers as I can.”
As for his mindset leading into the game itself, Marshall said he would be giving it his all to ensure the Bombers come away with the points.
“I give everyone I play against the utmost respect and this won’t be any different,” he said.
“Every match I play I want to win, so for me it will all be about just playing my role for the team and hoping Kyabram get the win.
“I’ve been playing the game for 48 years and you always learn new things wherever you go, so I am sure I will take a lot from the experience and the club will take a lot from having me around.”