When Ben Devanny made his BDCA first XI debut for Strathfieldsaye 16 years ago he was a middle-order batsman who could wicket-keep.
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In just his second first XI game he took the gloves because of an injury to Nick Scullie.
While the Jets knew Devanny had the makings of a quality batsman, little did they realise at the time that their young fill-in keeper would go on to become one of the premier all-rounders of his generation.
In the past 20 years only Adam Burns, Nick Crawford, Ben DeAraugo, Cameron Taylor, Andrew Smith, Craig Howard, Miggy Podosky and Mark Ryan have taken more wickets than Devanny.
More than 240 wickets, a bowling average of 22, more than 5000 runs at an average of 30 and a BDCA Cricketer of the Year trophy - is an elite career in first XI cricket.
On Saturday at the QEO against Kangaroo Flat, Devanny walks out for his 200th first XI game for the Jets - a mighty achievement for someone who didn't start playing outdoor cricket seriously until the age of 16.
"It was Brent Yates who got me down to play in the under-16s because they were short,'' Devanny recalled this week.
"I played a lot of indoor cricket as a junior, but didn't really start outdoor cricket until then."
Yates' phone call to Devanny proved successful for club and player.
Devanny made his way through the junior ranks and into the second XI before being called up for his first XI debut in January, 2003.
"My first game was a one-dayer against White Hills at the old Strathfieldsaye ground,'' Devanny said.
"I reckon I was caught on the fence off Gav Bowles, but we had a good win which was nice.
"Most of my first few years in A-grade I was a keeper and didn't bowl.
"It wasn't until Greg Lyon came back to the club he took over the gloves and I asked (coach) David Rosaia if I could have a crack at bowling."
The move worked with Devanny becoming one of the premier new ball bowlers in the BDCA.
Devanny was at the peak of his powers in 2013-14 and 2014-15.
In 2013-14 he made 472 runs and claimed 29 wickets and won the BDCA Cricketer of the Year trophy.
He took his his game to another level the following season with 650 runs and 40 wickets.
The 2014-15 season remains the biggest highlight and lowlight of his 199-game career.
Devanny's career-best season with bat and ball led the Jets to the grand final where they Strathdale-Maristians on the ropes.
It took a miraculous ninth-wicket partnership from siblings Ben and Jake DeAraugo to deny the Jets victory.
"It was a highlight and lowlight all in the space of one hour, unfortunately,'' Devanny said.
"We weren't expected to get there and then we were so close to winning it. That's cricket for you."
Devanny said Kangaroo Flat's Adam Burns is the best bowler he's faced in his first 199 games.
"Burnsy is still a great bowler now, but he was borderline unplayable for a few years there,'' Devanny said.
"Phil Hetherington is the best bat I bowled to, but then you have Heath Behrens who at times just never looked like getting out.
"Heath wasn't as destructive as Phil or Ben Gunn, but he put a big price on his wicket.
"Phil got a hold of us for about 160 one day which would have been great to watch if we didn't have the ball in our hands."
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