 Frogan 2
So, Movember is happening at Gordon now. Well, speaking to Dan Frogan last week, moustaches used to be an integral part of cricket. He played through the era of Ian Chappell, whose iconic ‘tache’ was the forerunner for hairy faces all over the cricketing world. However it is generally accepted that it was in a Possibles vs Probables trial match before the 1972 Ashes Tour that Chappell was so impressed with Frogan’s upper lip that he made the decision to go the ‘tache’, and the rest is history.
(Dan during one of his recent trip to Afganistan to mediate between the USA and Taliban forces for which Dan received a US military award)
Frogan’s moustache had everything – it was bushy and drooped down in true Mexican style. The effect it had on the fairer sex was mesmeric. They swooned, screamed, even threw items of clothing (often all at the same time)!
There was such a wide variety of moustache in those days. One would see things that almost grew while you watched, other more cultured creations with an aristocratic twirl at the ends, down to the pathetic wisps that needed the light to be coming from a certain angle to be identified.
 So it will be interesting to see different creations over the next few weeks. If you want to see perfection, look for photos of Dan in old issues of Australian Cricket. There’s no doubt that that is to what you should all be aspiring. He also attended the ARIAS (Dan has been a rock legend over the last 30 years, regularly winning awards for his best-selling albums) where he noticed that all members of silverchair, in their desire to replicate greatness, were the proud owners of Froganesque mo’s.
With the Annual Stags Luncheon coming up this week, it is coincidental that mention should be made earlier of Ian Chappell. Gordon used to have an annual dinner, way back in the 70’s where well-known cricket figures regaled the diners with stories of their experiences. Ian Chappell was the guest speaker at the first two of these dinners, as a favour to Frogan, and he proved most entertaining. In years following, such famous cricketers as Doug Walters, Merv Hughes and Mark Taylor amused the masses at venues like the Royal Automobile Club, North Sydney Leagues Club, Windsor Gardens and the Chatswood Club.
 This year’s speakers all have a strong cricketing background too. Phil Waugh, as well as being a champion rugby player, was also an excellent wicketkeeper at schoolboy level. He captained Jimmy Packman’s school team which won the Australian Schools title and he, also, didn’t give Jimmy a bowl. Phil played a couple of lower grade and Poidevin-Gray games for Gordon before rugby took over. Gordon Bray was a very handy cricketer whose commentating duties precluded him from playing grade cricket.
Frogan toured the world with Gordon and can remember leading him astray on many occasions. Vince Sorrenti… well, Vince is from Punchbowl. Jeff Thomson and Len Pascoe went to Punchbowl High School. Practically brothers.
Special Announcement: it is rumoured that Dan will be making a surprise appearance at the Luncheon. Although an affiliate member of the ACB and hence required to attend the Hobart Test, he is planning to fly down on Friday afternoon after a visit to Cockle Bay. It’ll be great to see him! | 
