William Maldon Woodfull was an Australian cricketer of the 1920s and 1930s. He captained both Victoria and Australia, and was best known for his dignified and moral conduct during the tumultuous bodyline series in 1932–33. Trained as a schoolteacher, Woodfull was known for his benevolent attitude towards his players, and his patience and defensive technique as an opening batsman. Woodfull was not a flamboyant player, but was known for his calm, unruffled style and his reliability in difficult situations. His opening pairing with fellow Victorian Bill Ponsford for both his state and Australia remains one of the most successful in history. While not known for his tactical skills, Woodfull was widely admired by his players and observers for his sportsmanship and ability to mould a successful and loyal team through the strength of his character.
Woodfull in 1934
Woodfull's batting stance
Heavy rain on the third day of the third England-Australia Test at Headingley delayed the match. The team captains Chapman and Woodfull (right) are inspecting the field on 14 July 1930.
Woodfull (left) walks out to open the batting with Vic Richardson in the final Bodyline Test.
The Victoria men’s cricket team is an Australian first-class men's cricket team based in Melbourne, Victoria. The men’s team, which first played in 1851, represents the state of Victoria in the Marsh Sheffield Shield first-class competition and the Marsh One Day Cup 50-over competition.
Jack Ryder scored 4613 runs at 50.14 for Victoria
Victorian great Bill Ponsford
Warwick Armstrong scored 4497 runs for Victoria and took 177 wickets at 24.12