The former Lismore all-rounder was eager to test himself at a higher level and joined the Bulls in the off season.

Dudman, 17, brought strong batting form into the 2013-14 season.

But it’s his bowling which has helped steer the ladder-leading Bulls towards another finals campaign.

Dudman has 22 scalps to his credit at 6.32 — easily surpassing his 12 wickets at 29.33 in his final Grenville Cricket Association campaign.

The apprentice mechanic was Grenville Cricket Association’s second highest run-maker in 2012-13.

He made 571 runs at 51.91 but is averaging 21.75 this season.

Dudman hopes his first half century in the Bulls’ surprise loss to Bookaar last round will prove the impetus for a return to form with the bat.

Pomborneit plays Cobden, which is confident after a comprehensive win against Noorat, today.

Dudman believes the Bulls can bounce back and are a legitimate flag contender.

“We have definitely got the team to do it,” he said.

“I think we can give everyone a run for their money but our first aim is to play finals cricket.”

Dudman, like many teenagers, juggles cricket and football commitments.

He is pushing for a spot on North Ballarat Rebels’ 2014 TAC Cup list.

The Lismore-Derrinallum midfielder will be a top-age player if he’s selected.

“It’s my first time trying out. I was called up before Christmas,” Dudman said this week.

“They had already been training for seven weeks.

“(North Ballarat Roosters coach) Gerard FitzGerald watched me play a little bit of footy but didn’t realise I was under 18s because I was playing seniors.”

Dudman said he’d like to take his football career further but had a strong passion for both sports.

“It changes, by the end of cricket season I am keen for footy and by the end of footy season I am keen for cricket,” he said.

“But I am keen to have a crack at footy.”

In other round 12 games, Heytesbury Rebels play Bookaar in a match with top four implications, Boorcan hosts Noorat, Mortlake takes on Woorndoo and Terang meets Simpson.