"Be yourself, because everyone's taken" Q&A with Jack Feilen
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | October 30, 2025
After his First Grade debut in Round 4, we sat down with Jack Feilen to find out more about his cricketing journey to cap number 709, and to hear about the importance of family and his vision for his role as co-club captain.
1. When did your cricketing journey begin?
My cricketing journey began in the backyard in Greenwich, facing my grandfather’s left-arm offies and whatever Dad could roll the arm over with. I was gifted a Puma for Christmas in 2004 and pretty much became addicted to the game from then on.
2. Who is a player you looked up to growing up, and why?
Too many to name, I reckon. Any left-handed opening batsman I adored — the likes of Strauss, Cook, and Langer. All three were hard workers who had a strong love for the game.
3. You came through the ranks at Riverview; what did you learn playing at school?
I was blessed to have been at school during a golden age of Riverview cricket, with premierships in 2015/16 and 2017/18. Thanks to a beautiful mentor of mine, James Rodgers (SUCC Life Member and OAM), I learnt how to play the game hard but fair — that everyone has a role within a team, and that if everyone knows and executes their role, you can just about win anything.
4. You made your First Grade debut earlier this month and top-scored with 86 in a win. Tell us about your preparation and your first experience at the top grade.
My preparation for the week was no different to any other. Mac Jenkins and Harri Lee-Young told me on the Tuesday that I’d be debuting, so I had a few nerves throughout the week. But I backed myself with the work I had put in over the last couple of years and felt I was ready. It was an interesting first experience in the top grade — I was happy we were bowling first as it allowed me to get into the game in the field, which settled my nerves. I was even happier to have spent a good amount of time with the bat - it felt good to know that I belong there.
Jack is proud owner of Bears First Grade cap 709
5. What are your aims and aspirations on the pitch for this season?
I’d love to score my first First Grade hundred, and I’d love for the team to be playing in March come finals.
6. You're one of two men's club captains at the Bears. What do you think is important in that role and what are your plans for your second season in it?
I feel honoured to be in the role again this year. Being club captain is about more than just leading on the field — it’s about creating a standard and a sense of belonging. I strongly believe that it’s important to lead with consistency, humility, and care for the people around you. This season, my focus is on building a stronger connection across all teams and driving a culture that values hard work and enjoyment equally.
7. Your younger brothers are also Bears and your parents are frequent supporters at the ground - how important is it to you to share your cricketing experiences with your family?
It means everything. I owe a lot of thanks to Mum and Dad for their endless support, in all aspects of life. To see Darcy and Jude climbing through the ranks makes me delighted, and I hope to share the field with them in First Grade one day in the not-too-distant future.
8. What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
This one sort of falls into the life category but applies to my cricket. Dad always said to me, “Be yourself, because everyone’s taken.” I’d say I’m very unapologetically myself both on and off the cricket field — I obviously listened to him.
9. What would you tell a 12-year-old Jack Feilen?
Everything happens for a reason. Your path won’t be linear, so keep working hard.
10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years' time?
Certainly still playing cricket, probably living with both my brothers, and still laughing about something Harri Lee-Young has said or done.
The art of captaincy with Matt Hay - What does good captaincy look like? – click to unlock the full conversation.
