UPDATE: Former Strathfieldsaye fast bowler Xavier Crone says he is still coming to terms with his surprise call-up to the Victorian Bushrangers squad.

Crone was informed of his inclusion in the 31-player squad last Thursday, but had to wait until today (Tuesday) for an official announcement.

That came shortly after noon.

The 18-year-old, who still lives in Bendigo, but commuted to Melbourne each weekend to play Premier Cricket with Carlton, said his selection came as a bit of a shock.

"I thought it was a prank call at first - it was pretty breathtaking," he said.

"Ever since (Thursday) I have been keeping it under wraps, but it's been pretty exciting.

"The phone has been going off quite a bit at work today (Tuesday), which has distracted me at times, but I've been a bit overwhelmed by the support."

Crone is one of six rookies in the squad that includes all 11 of the Bushrangers victorious 2015-16 Sheffield Shield team.

The right-arm quick said he had many people to thank for his development in the game, including his former Strathfieldsaye Jets teammates and coaches, Bushrangers bowling coach Tim McCaskill, and state players Ryan Sidebottom and Cam Stephenson, who has signed with Tasmania.

Bushrangers training starts June 1.

"I will have to work out a few things between now and then but I'm pretty excited," he said.

"(Having some high profile teammates) is pretty daunting, but I am looking forward to the opportunity to be around those sort of guys.

"It will be an invaluable experience."

EARLIER: Former Strathfieldsaye speedster Xavier Crone has been handed a rookie contract with the Victorian Bushrangers.

Crone is the youngest member of a 31-member Bushrangers squad that returns all 11 players from its 2015-16 Sheffield Shield winning team.

He is one of four rookies in the squad, which is the largest announced in Victorian contracting history.

The right-arm quick burst to prominence when he claimed 5-25 off 14 overs for his Premier Cricket club Carlton against Prahran in February.

It was just Crone’s third first XI game for the Blues.

Northern Rivers regional manager Ben DeAraugo said Crone had "exceptional potential" and performed well in region squads over many years.

"His performance in the Bendigo A-grade grand final two years ago showed a small glimpse of how good he is going to be," he said.

"He almost single-handedly won that game for Strathfieldasye as a 16 or 17-year-old (when beaten by two wickets with three balls to spare by Strathdale Maristians).

"He has an exceptional attitude, listens to advice, has a great work ethic and always gives 100 per cen t, which I'm sure the state selectors will have seen and noted over the years."

DeAragu said Crone bowled with tremendous pace and his batting has improved and shown "tremendous upside".

The teenager fared brilliantly with Carlton during 2015-16, working his way from the second XI into the first XI after Christmas and making the most of his opportunity at the top level.

He missed a fair chunk of club cricket during November with VCE exam and state under-19 commitments.

Crone is the first Bendigo player to be contracted by the Bushrangers since Tim Welsford in 2004.

DeAraguo said his selection was evidence the pathways for provided through the Northern Rivers system worked.

"There is opportunities for young cricketers if they perform at the various levels along the way," he said.

Crone is one of six rookies named in the squad. Others include promising wicket-keeper Sam Harper, who claimed nine dismissals on debut last season, and left-arm bowler Tom O’Donnell, who is the son of former Victorian captain Simon O’Donnell.

The Bushrangers have won the past  two Shield titles and have added talented Western Australian opening bat Marcus Harris to their squad.

The left-hander is hoping to reignite his career after a few lean seasons with the Warriors.

Harris was the youngest Shield player to score 150 when he did it in only his third match.