White Hills has been boosted by the return of Brayden Stepien for this weekend's BDCA double-header.
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After starting the season in Tasmania with the Greater Northern Raiders, Stepien returned to Bendigo this week and will play with the Demons against Bendigo at the QEO on Saturday and against Huntly-North Epsom at White Hills on Sunday.
He'll then return to Melbourne to play with Carlton for the Victorian Premier Cricket season, which starts on November 28.
"It's always good to get back to Bendigo and play with White Hills,'' Stepien said.
"To play with people who've done a lot for me like Gavin Bowles, Rhys Irwin and Linc Jacobs means a lot to me.
"I like to get back as much as I can because the community there has given me such great support.
"I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can get the points against Bendigo and Huntly."
Stepien's return couldn't come at a better time for the Demons.
While they have a 2-1 record, the wins against Bendigo United and Strathfieldsaye were far from impressive and last weekend they were beaten soundly by Strathdale-Maristians.
Two wins this weekend against Bendigo and Huntly-North Epsom would do wonders for the Demons' confidence and put them in great shape on the ladder with a 4-1 record.
Stepien returns to Bendigo on the back of a brilliant 223 in his final game for Greater Northern.
He said the move to Tasmania for two months to play cricket while Victoria was in lockdown had paid dividends.
"I enjoyed my time down there and I can't thank the Raiders enough for having me,'' he said.
"They have a young and inexperienced side, so it was good to get around the club and help out where I could.
"I feel like I'm hitting the ball well and seeing the ball early. I feel as though I'm ready to go with Carlton when the season starts."
His form with Carlton in the opening few rounds of the Premier Cricket season will be crucial for the 23-year-old.
Stepien played two Big Bash League games with the Melbourne Renegades last summer and BBL clubs will finalise squads for this year's tournament over the next few weeks.
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