John Lill’s cricketing career has encompassed both playing and administration. He played 64 first class matches and compiled 4109 runs, at an average of 36.68 and including 8 centuries and 20 half-centuries.
Lill captained the Adelaide University side, Sturt Cricket Club, Melbourne Cricket Club, and the Claremont-Cottesloe Club in Western Australia, and was a member of the Australian 2nd XI which toured New Zealand in 1960. As a footballer, Lill played 78 games for Norwood and gained State selection in 1962. His cricket and football prowess were acknowledged by three Bradman Medals for cricketer of the year and blues for cricket and football from the University of Adelaide.
The crowning achievement of Lill’s cricketing life was his appointment in 1983 as secretary of the Melbourne Cricket Club, a position he held for 17 years. During his tenure the Great Southern Stand was constructed, the playing surface rebuilt, the light towers erected, and drop-in pitches installed. John Lill is an honorary life member of the Marylebone Cricket Club and the Melbourne Cricket Club and a life member of the SACA.