Crawshaw took over as skipper as a 21-year-old and led for the Patties for three years, before good friend Dean Nicholson took over this season.

"It was a mutual thing, I was happy with a new voice and the club was the same, it's all worked out well, 'Nicho's' doing a fantastic job," he offered.

"I still have my say and he allows me to do that, we've been mates for a hell of a long time and I think that makes it easier."

The 25-year-old is now in his ninth season of first grade and is having his second best season (605 runs at 30) since a breakout 2015-16 (556 at 56).

"I probably know my game a little better now and enjoying cricket again and after missing out on Saturday, I was just really determined not to have a dud weekend," he revealed.

The left-hander was dismissed for a duck against Wodonga in the qualifying final, but then struck his sixth provincial century against East Albury.

"I probably did (lose interest last season) without realising it, 'Nicho' taking over as captain has freed me up to plod along and bat," he said.

St Pat's host Lavington in Saturday's preliminary final.

"Our bowling to their batsmen is our focus," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"Their seam attack is very strong, our top four's in good form and we're actually excited about it, it's just if our seamers can get on top of their batsmen, I think that's where the game will be won and lost."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: