Wodonga co-coach Jack Craig says improving his mindset is behind the debut selection for Victoria Country.
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The 24-year-old all-rounder will join Tallangatta paceman Fraser Ellis at the national titles in Toowoomba from January 2.
Meanwhile, Lavington's Ryan Brown will play for NSW Country.
"It means a lot actually, it will be the highest level that I've played," Craig said.
"It's one of my dreams to play at the highest level I can and this is one step further towards that."
The powerful right-hander hovered around the fringe of the top 10 run-scorers in 2016-17 and the following year, but became an elite player last season, finishing second with 795 runs at 50, including his maiden provincial ton.
"The last couple of years I've been working on my mindset because I've felt like I had the shots and the game, but I just didn't have the mental side right," he said.
"I've just been trying to be smarter, 'why am I getting out this way'? 'What can I do to not get out this way'? 'And 'how can I stay in for as long as I can'?"
That deconstruction of his naturally aggressive batting has resulted in a more patient player, who's still capable of tearing an attack apart.
"Jack's going to bring a lot to our T20 format, the way he can finish off games and he's a guy that can go through the gears with his batting," chairman of selectors Rob McIntyre said.
"We're hoping he'll be the one that can lift the run rate in the latter half of an innings."
The team will be coached by former Tasmanian quick Mark Ridgway, who's a current Victorian Sheffield Shield and one-day selector, which should prove ideal for teenager Ellis.
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"He'll probably bowl first change," McIntyre said of the rising quick.
"We're hoping to provide a platform to push back into a higher standard of cricket."
Ellis played for Australia at under 17 level against Pakistan.
The teenager represented Riverina earlier this month, meaning he was also eligible to represent NSW.
Opponents have praised his pace and rapid development in his short CAW stint, but the right-arm quick will have to wait behind established stars Tony Caccaviello (Horsham) and captain Ben Boyd (Warrnambool).
"Ben Boyd has just turned 40, but he's still playing at a very good level and he's one of the first picked in the Australian Country team," McIntyre said.
Boyd will lead the team for a sixth straight campaign.
Victoria struggled at T20 level in last season's championships, but was beaten by powerhouse Western Australia in the 50-over format.
Victoria hasn't won the prestigious country title since 2007.
The reintroduction of ACT to the competition has eliminated the bye, meaning it's a gruelling test of endurance, as well as skill.