The A grade skipper and state team player is on the Bendigo East greens from 5am every day, preparing the club for the influx of bowlers in the qualifying tournament.

Knowing the greens so well might be Tomkins’ secret weapon, with him winning his way through to the Australian Open in both singles and triples.

“To keep the greens and play at my home club today, I do think it is a big advantage, but after the rain it’s not as big an advantage as it could have been, but on other days it was,’’ he said.

In Tomkins’ quest to win through to the singles main draw, he had to defeat pairs and triples partner and Bendigo East teammate Darren Burgess, which he admits was a challenge.

“I bowled pretty well, but I probably bowled better in the knockout game in the section and then I played Darren (Burgess) and we had a close game.

“It was a bit different playing someone you know out of everyone here, but I did feel confident playing him.’’

It was unlucky for Tomkins and Burgess to draw each other in the singles clash, but after winning through to the main draw in the triples, the bowlers are also likely to advance to the Australian Open in the pairs event as well.

“We won through our section in the triples pretty easily,’’ Tomkins said.

“In the pairs, we won the first set pretty easily and then struggled through the second, but then we won the tie-break convincingly.

“I’d say we’re in with a chance.’’

It will not be the first time Tomkins has progressed to the main draw of the Australian Open, but he hopes this year will bring improved results.

“Just to get through a few rounds would be good. I’ve played in the Australian Open nearly every year since it started, which is five or six years where I’ve made the main draw, so it would be nice to get past the second or third round.

“I’m not doing anything differently this year but I’m just hoping to bowl a bit better once I get to Shepparton.’’