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Twenty questions with Bennie Lechte

What’s your full name and what are you currently up to (this is your only chance to shamelessly plug yourself)

 Benjamin Peter Lechte—Currently back at Uni, in my 12th year of a four year degree (how they let me back in I’ll never know) Living on my pat (mum’s house) with two dogs and an extraordinary collection of DVD’s.

Contemplating a move to the west. My frightening pace would be conducive to the dry hard tracks—plus Gilly and Langer could do with some decent competition.

2. Under the current incentive system, how many drinkcards do you think you would’ve staked claim to?

At least a dozen—irrelevant though as Ivan would claim none where deserved.

3. What was your greatest moment as a Hawks cricketer?

Playing in two semi finals with a great bunch of blokes—unfortunately neither saw us progress. Plus helping Ivan to 100 in a partnership of 70 odd—I made 16

4. Who where the greatest players you saw at the club?

J. Goddard (briefly)

S. Quinn on his day is devastating

In terms of respect around the joint, leadership and ability G. Mahoney is a standout.

5. What is the funniest thing you saw on the cricket field?

There are three—Turts being hit square in the dial while fielding in slips off my bowling at Highvale (plenty of claret)

Bill Leane throwing his bat honestly fifty metres, only to have it remain halfway up a large gum tree after being given L.B vs Heatherdale (we didn’t laugh at the time through fear of our lives)

Shane Vanin’s extended, self imposed tea break at the very same ground after spending 25 overs fine leg to fine leg

6. Who is the most famous person you have met?

John Howard (I know I’ll cop it for that!!)

Actually met Kylie Minogue when her and Scott got married in ‘87(?) in Pin Oak Crt—We Still keep in touch!!

7. If someone was going to play the part of Ben in a movie about your life story, who would it be?

 Brian Brown—he is a talented, witty Aussie like me

8. Which player (past or present) deserves a smack in the mouth and why?

Ivan—because he’s Ivan!!!

9. Have you ever been arrested? If so why?

No, should have been on numerous occasions. Ran away from them once at the Burvale after being ejected from a staff party I had no right to be at and was belted by “an off duty” bouncer.

10. If you won a million dollars what would be the first thing you spent it on?

Pay off the Visa, then buy a pub in rural Victoria

11 . What is your biggest achievement off the field?

Still waiting! Nothing I’ve done even rates a mention.

12. Who would you least like to see naked?

Turtle

13. Who are your best mates at the club?

In no particular order—Punter, Vanin, Turts, Boner, Cuddles—if I’ve forgotten anyone get over it!

14. Has Ben ever

             - Had a beer with Dermott Brereton? Not as good as Turts

             -Signed an autograph? I will

             -Owned a Billy Joel Cd? Yes several

             -Prostituted yourself for a free bed for the night? An option, times are tough

             - Been kicked out of a club? Several

15. You are a man who has an obvious affinity for the amber fluid—When was the last time you had an alcohol free day and what caused this to happen?

14th April 2004. Was violently ill with a parasite in my bowel. Thank god she left—Prior to that it was only 3 A.F.D’s in five years.

16. Name the three highlights and three lowlights of Ben’s life

                        Highlights

                       - Winning a mixed netball grand final (not!!!)

                       - Being a good bloke

                       - meeting the mates I have through sports clubs amd pubs

                       Lowlights

                       - Parents divorce

                       - Not winning a cricket flag

                       - Not finishing my degree earlier

17. As a young man entering the world of adulthood you became quite a passionate member of the young liberals. How did you become involved in this and what are your thoughts looking back on this phase of your life?

A total aberration would be the best way to describe it. It was a time when I was young and full of hope. I was going to be successful and have a wonderful career—then I woke up—cynicism and sarcasm became two very close friends. 

18. Your initial experience with the Hawks as a senior cricketer was in Herbie’s 4ths. What kind of influence did Billy Leane have on both your cricket career and your development as a man?

Upmost respect for Herb . Bill made me realise you never trust a red head.

19. You have expressed quite a fondness of the girl that lives next door over the years. Have you or do you think you will progress from a neighbourly wave?

We have progressed slightly on a few occasions. She did however decline my invitation to join me in my 2 man tent at the Murray over Xmas. Citing “we are good friends” as the reason. Her loss—she’ll come back begging 1 day

20. Jimmy Barnes once screamed that “Rising Sun Just Stole My Girl Away”. Do you relate to these lyrics and is this what happened with your previous relationship?

Not sure it was the Rising Sun but her parents and friends may have told her she could do better than living with a 27 year old hopelessly addicted to alcohol and gambling with a very negative outlook on the world—  ‘you get that with the big jobs”

20. Any chance of a comeback?

Possibly, depending what side of the Nullarbor I’m residing on