Many years ago, Aradale was playing a match at the Halls Gap cricket ground when, in the middle of his innings, Rodger had a heart attack and collapsed in the middle of the pitch.

Her later had two strokes, and in the past year he was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

But despite everything he has endured, his involvement in cricket has not wavered.

He is now an umpire.

“I am very pleased to say that I haven’t missed a game of cricket just yet,” he said. 

“Probably what got me into umpiring was that I realised I was coming to the end of my playing days and my health took a turn for the worse. It has been a struggle on a personal level-health wise, but I still maintained my love of the game and I’ts been great.” 

Rodger played for the Aradale Cricket Club in the 1980s. At the time the club was still in Grampians Cricket Association’s B grade competition. 

Rodger helped the side win a B grade premiership, setting up the team’s promotion into A grade competition.

Aradale won an A grade flags in 1985-86, and backed it up a few seasons later with a flag in 1988-89. 

The club still plays in A grade competition today. 

“Even though I had a reputation of being a good cricketer… I thought I would try and get Aradale up into A grade if I could,” Rodger said. 

“Fortunately it turned out and combined with their strong junior program, which enthused me.” 

Rodger is an Aradale Cricket Club life member, and captained the club on numerous occasions including its flag-winning seasons.

But despite the accolades, there is one thing Rodger cherishes most in his career.

“On a personal level it would have to be when I was playing with my son Clinton,” he said. 

In Grampians Cricket Association A grade matches this week, Swifts-Great Western faces Youth Club at Central Park, St Andrews play Pomonal, and Halls Gap takes on Aradale. 

In B grade Buangor-Tatyoon takes on Navarre, Youth Club hosts Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, Chalambar will play Halls Gap, and Pomonal will face Rhymney-Moyston.