In a major coup for the Beasties, Schraner joins the powerhouse club fresh from finishing the 2017-18 season as Australia’s number two ranked bowler behind Commonwealth Games silver medallist Barrie Lester, formerly from Wedderburn.

It was Schraner’s 21-13 win over Lester which helped the Tasmanian secure the Australian Champion of Champions title last October in Darwin.

The 35-year-old is a multiple Victorian Open champion and made his Australian debut at the Moama International against England in 2010.

In a sign of the BBD competition’s growing strength and professionalism, Schraner will operate on a fly-in, fly-out basis.

He will spend four days a week at the club coaching and mentoring players and other coaches.

Schraner’s signing comes about a month after the Beasties narrowly missed a spot in the 2017-18 grand final, won by Eaglehawk by four shots against South Bendigo.

Bendigo East club secretary Rob Clough admitted the Beasties’ semi-finals relegation had prompted some soul-searching within the club.

"From our club's point of view, we had a decision to make after this season where we wanted to go as a club, he said.

"He was top of our list.

“The Bendigo competition is getting stronger and stronger now and Lee is the sort of person we needed to add to our club as a coach and player." 

Schraner’s friendship with Beasties star Brad Marron proved influential in getting the Tasmania across to Lansell Street.

Clough said it was hoped the signing would make Bendigo East a destination club for regional and Melbourne players.

"It should also help us get some players in that younger bracket, attract some high-profile players,” he said. 

Schraner has signed a one-year deal with the Beasties, who had reached three straight division one grand finals before last season.