But the young quick was forced to play second fiddle to his young brother, Nathan, at Les Cheesley Oval at the weekend when they opened the bowling against Wodonga.

It was the first time the pair have shared the new ball in first grade with Nathan grabbing the first three wickets in a withering burst the Bulldogs never recovered from.

“It was good fun,” Ryan said yesterday.

“We have opened together before, but never in seniors.

“He’s been having a bit to say about getting the early wickets.”

Ryan, 21, and Nathan, 18, are continuing a family tradition at Lavington after their father, Mick, played in a premiership at the club during his playing days.

Sunday’s victory has consolidated the Panthers’ grip on fifth spot on the CAW ladder with matches remaining against St Patrick’s and Tallangatta.

“We were pumped,” Ryan said.

“It was a great team performance.

“Everyone did their bit, but we still have a long way to go.

“We have two hard games coming up.”

Brown attributes his improved performances to a bigger workload and greater opportunities in one of the youngest teams in the competition.

He has also represented Riverina at the NSW Southern Country Championships at Orange.

“It’s been good,” he said.

“I have been bowling a lot of overs and getting the new ball.

“I think I have just felt better.”