I'll miss the Bingle

I feel a weird relationship with the BinglePup. Lara and I both got our big break from Tourism Australia. I have been a cricket fan for 15 years, and Michael Clarke fan for five. I know WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends of "famous" partners) whom I have referred to as friends.

I will miss the Bingle. She single handedly changed the public's perception of the WAG.

Look at the competition. Jane McGrath is probably the most famous cricket WAG on the planet. She is a role-model for her actions as a WAG and the accomplishments of the McGrath Foundation due to her experiences and because her husband was a cricketer. She was discreet, brave and humble. Clearly these were not qualities the Bingle exhibited.

While we're at it, how about Executive Director of the McGrath Foundation, Tracy Bevan, wife of one-day cricket hero, Michael Bevan? Tracy, like Jane, met her husband without knowing who he was, and without caring. Through her friendship with Jane, Tracy now carries on Jane's work running the foundation that Jane and Glenn founded, raising millions of dollars for breast care nurses and awareness. Definitely not a candidate for super WAG. Nope.

Lynette Waugh? Survived a brain tumour in 2006, quietly and unceremoniously after husband of 23 years, former Australian captain Steve, had already retired. Nah. Why bother?

Maybe Mel Gilchrist? She survived a scandal to see her through the third child with former wicketkeeper Adam.

Kellie Hayden? She met Matthew when she was still a teenager. Pip Boon? No, she and David have been through too much, including 10 years of retirement.

The only contender was not even a willing participant, but an innocent by-stander of an SMSing scandal. But at least she is now keeping out of the limelight with her rekindled relationship with her former cricket Bad Boy. No points for their names.

So what do these women have in common? They are the women behind the men. The silent troopers who carry on without cameras and endorsement deals. They keep the house running, the kids in school and their collective lives in order. And do you know what else? They fell in love with a man, not a position. Not a social lifestyle. None were involved with a high-profile man before their husband, most didn't even know he was "famous."

Tourism brotherhood not withstanding; good luck, Bingle. My vision of WAGs is better without you.

For more on the WAGs:
http://www.perthnow.com.au/lifestyle/married-to-the-mob/story-e6frg3pl-1111112565843