Left to right: Robert "Swan" Richards, Ray Steele and David Richards.

The concept for the creation of the Crusaders came from a discussion between leading Australian sports equipment entrepreneur, Robert "Swan" Richards and the then chiefs of Victorian cricket, Ray Steele and David Richards.

The idea was to bring together former Test, First Class and District players who shared a love of cricket, to play matches against schools and invitation teams while helping to coach and advise young players.

Swan instigated the formation of the Crusaders in 1977 and involved his friend, former Australian Test cricketer and Australian ICC delegate Ben Barnett.

Players who participated in The Crusaders youth development programs who have gone on and played First Class Cricket.

B.C Green
P.D King
A.J.C Dodemaide
S.P Davis
M.G.D Dimattina
G.L Jordan
J.D Siddons
P.W Jackson
M.C Ephrams
G.R Parker
I.D Frazer
P.A Quinn
W.G Ayres
P.R Reiffel
S.P O'Donnell
P.E McIntyre
D.K Walker
D.A Harris
D.S Berry
D.W Fleming
A.Islam
S.K Warne
C.White
G.J Allardice
A.J Amalfi
M.T.G Elliott
C.Howard
I.J Harvey
R.A Bartlett
M.R Foster
B.P Ricci
I.S.I Hewitt
A.D McGinty
S.A.J Graig
R.Sidebottom
C.Schofield
A.J Hollioake
P.D. Collingwood