But many thought the bulk of it would be in his role as curator Bob Allan’s assistant during the week rather than batting in the middle order for East Albury.

That may not be the case if last Sunday’s blazing 95 against Wodonga is any indication.

Milosta, 22, turned a seemingly hopeless situation chasing 344 into a near miss for the Crows as he belted the reigning premier’s attack to all parts of the ground.

While the performance turned plenty of heads in Cricket Albury-Wodonga ranks, it shouldn’t have come as a major surprise considering he made 68 in last season’s preliminary final against St Patrick’s.

“It was good to make some runs,” Milosta said.

“I first got into the first grade side when I was 16 and I think I just have a bit more experience and back myself in a bit more these days.

“Experience is the big thing.”

Milosta is in charge of the practice wickets at Alexandra Park and takes control of the centre square when Allan is unavailable.

His involvement at the club should come as no surprise considering his family’s strong ties with East Albury

Like his brothers Warren, Hugh and Connor, Kris came through the Crows’ junior ranks before cracking a senior game when Craig Hogan was at the helm.

Milosta’s father, John, was the junior co-ordinator for 12 years before stepping down this season and is still a regular at training and match days.

Captain James McNeil described Milosta as the team’s X-factor.

“He’s a freakish talent,” McNeil said.

“Kris has really good hand-eye and is one of those blokes who try things other players wouldn’t even consider.

“It’s great to see him doing well and working hard on his game.”

Milosta, who is also a handy off-spinner, believes East Albury is well placed to challenge the top teams with a team tender in years but strong in experience.

“A lot of our players have been around for a fair while but are still only young,” he said.

“James McNeil is a young captain, Cameron White is only 23 and Alex Popko is back and he’s only young as well.”

East Albury has several players unavailable for today’s tussle against Wodonga Raiders at Alexandra Park and Milosta expects the Victorians to throw everything at them.

“It will be a challenge,” he said.

“It looks like they have improved a lot since last year.

“The competition is a lot more even.”