The 34-year-old, Temco worker considers himself a bowling all-rounder but is more than handy with the bat and capable of filling any spot in the top order.

``I started playing A-grade when I was about 12 and club loyalty is important to me - my father and grandfather played here and my brothers,'' he said.

``I'm a bowler - I'd rather bat but I think I'm a better bowler than I am a batter. Batting just comes second.''

The right-arm medium pacer has career best bowling figures of 7-17 against ACL and a top score of 161 with the bat, which he scored against Legana five or six years ago.

``I've slowed down considerably over the years,'' he said.

``I used to open the bowling when I was a bit quicker but now I'm just a swing bowler and bowl first change.

``I prefer to open the batting but I am happy to bat wherever I'm needed and whatever is best for the team.''

Savage was an instrumental part of the club winning its first TCL A-grade premiership last season and its first flag in 25 years - the last a premiership in the defunct Tamar League in 1987-88.

``That was a big occasion for the club and the celebrations lasted a fair while,'' he said.

A keen footballer as well as cricketer, Savage played NTFA footy with Bridgenorth last season but will be assistant coach for the Tamar Cats this year.

``I chose footy as my main sport as a youngster and went to Hobart for the Mariners and stuff,'' he said.

``I don't know if I was better at it or not but cricket was always just a bit of fun playing for Beauty Point - but obviously you played to win.

``Over the years it has become more professional in keeping up with the other teams - but I enjoy cricket more than football.''