Mardie, who turned 17-years-of-age early January, is a Year 12 student at Assumption College Kilmore. She plays cricket with Ringwood in the eight team Women’s Premier Cricket Competition in Melbourne, in both 20/20 and one-day 50-over formats, and attends the Victorian Academy at St Kilda’s Junction Oval.
Last year she captained the Under 16 Australian team and is at the bottom age of this year’s Under 18 state team.
At Assumption College, the girl popularly known as ‘Mards’ has been a captain of the school’s cricket team, sometimes as the sole female team member.
“It keeps me in the game,” she said of being captain. “I like the mental side of setting a field.”
Now in her first season with Ringwood, Mardie previously played for Essendon, alongside Australian players. This season Ringwood is struggling but that doesn’t worry Mardie who bowls off-spin – sometimes opening, especially in 20/20 – and batting anywhere from six to 11.
Her economy bowling rate is about four and she often snares one or two wickets from her four overs in the shorter version of the game. Figures for the 50-over matches are similar, from the usual eight overs. She is working to improve her batting.
“I’m big on field setting, setting different fields to batters you know. Every team we play has one to four Big Bash players. I enjoy the challenge,” Mardie said.
Mardie’s cricket originated from watching older brother Jack and her dad. Her interest really took off when aged 10 or 11, training with the Under 12s in the Riverina school region cricket where she was convinced to practice off-spin bowling.
The Hamilton family moved from Jerilderie to Yarrawonga last August. Mardie’s dad is a retired farmer and now owner of a transport business, Troy Hamilton.
Hamilton senior, 45, has a strong sporting background, playing in the Bendigo District Cricket competition A Grade and as captain/coach at Jerilderie.
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