Call-up a chance for Vines to get deal

EAMONN Vines has declared his return to Victoria’s Sheffield Shield team a free hit as he presses his case for a contract extension.

Vines was a surprise inclusion for the clash in Brisbane, having been overlooked for Victoria’s most recent second XI match in favour of youth.

But the Geelong skipper has won a timely reprieve, listed to open the batting against the Bulls at the Gabba on Monday.

“I’m very excited,” Vines said at training at Kardinia Park on Thursday night.

“It’s something I didn’t expect because I’ve had a bit of a lean run, but I’m more than happy to get the call and a good challenge up at the Gabba. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Vines is likely to face the new ball alongside Footscray Edgewater’s Travis Dean, with regular openers Nic Maddinson and Marcus Harris called up to the Australia A squad.

The Bulls will have a depleted bowling attack, with Michael Neser, Mark Steketee and Mitch Swepson all on national duties.

And while pressure is mounting on Vines upon his return, the 26-year-old is taking a relaxed approach to his fifth Shield match.

“I’m looking at it really simply because I didn’t think this opportunity was going to come,” Vines said.

“Just with the strength of our squad, I didn’t expect to play a Shield game for the rest of the season, so it’s almost a free game to play. I’m not too worried about it all, I’m just happy to come in and play with a bit of freedom. I think that’s when I play my best.”

Vines and St Kilda star Jonathan Merlo are the only inclusions to the Victorian side that downed NSW by 112 runs.

“They played so well in Sydney and that win has kept our finals chances alive,” Vines said. “That’s why it was so unexpected. I thought the phone call was going to be about playing the Futures League team coming up, but no, I’m in the Shield team. It’s great.”

Out of contract at season’s end, Vines concedes he could have one last chance to press his case against the Bulls.