But a face-saving 95 by a country kid on debut had everyone asking 'Rohan who?"

Twenty-year-old Rohan Blandford, of Meerlieu, took the Blues attack by the scruff of the neck and helped steer the Swans to a competitive 181.

Blandford looked on track to score a century on debut but was out, stumped five runs short.

The Swans took it up to the more fancied Blues, who lost eight wickets before scoring the winning runs.

Blandford said he'd "come down to earth" after his stunning Premier Cricket debut.

"I couldn't have asked for a better start to the season, but I've come back down to earth a little bit since then. I know I need to prove myself more, so I want to make a lot more runs."

Hailing from Meerlieu, a small town between Sale and Bairnsdale, Blandford made a name for himself as one of the stars of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association, scoring more than 1100 runs last season and leading his club to a premiership.

Blandford has also followed the dream of every young cricketer and played in England with the Helperby Cricket Club as its overseas player.

He took the small club by storm, scoring a staggering 1436 runs that included innings of 218 and 168 not out.

Blandford finished with an average of just over 80 during his time in the old dart and left a lasting impression on his teammates with his striking ability.

"I like to play my shots, and I try and hit pretty straight. It's the way I've always batted and it seems to work, so I'm going to stick with it," he said.

Needing a fresh challenge, Blandford decided to have a crack at Premier Cricket and arrived at Casey with a healthy reputation.

"I really wanted to play at a higher level. I did well for Bairnsdale last year and we won a flag, so I thought it was time to go and test myself."

Swans coach Mark Ridgway said of Blandford pre-season: "I'm not expecting miracles from Rohan, but he is someone I have a great deal of confidence in, and I think he will give us a bit extra."

Blandford knows the challenges that face him.

'The standard I am playing now is a lot better, which was what I was after. It's been a pretty big step-up for me, but I'm definitely enjoying it. I'm only 20 years old, so I'm going to give it a real go here at Casey. I'm enjoying it so far, so hopefully I can be here for a while"

After speaking to the young bloke, you get the impression it won't be long before everyone knows Rohan Blandford.