"It's a bit of a surprise getting that, especially after the cricket season has been shut down for a while," he said.

While it may come as a surprise to the Creekers' skipper, it's no secret he had a magnificent 2020/21 Warrnambool and District Cricket Association season.

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He claimed 51 wickets for 504 runs at an average of 9.9 off 189.5 overs with 40 maidens and a best of 7-31.

He also scored 43 runs at 8.60 in a division one team that won the two-day premiership.

"It's my first time in the (VCCL) team. So it's good to be recognized for some of the effort I've put in over the past two years," he said.

Petherick said he'd never played better in his career.

"I'd rate that by a country mile my best season to date," he said.

"I thought taking on the captaincy would sort of hinder a bit of that. But if anything, it sort of got me more interested in the game and thinking a bit more about what I'm doing and my involvement in the game and everyone else's involvement so I think if anything, it's made me a better player taking that on."

The skipper heaped praise on his teammates who have helped him to take his game to the next level.

"I've had heaps of support from all the bowlers. And then obviously bowling to good batsmen on a Tuesday and Thursday night, really helps as well," he said.

"And having Cam (Williams) behind the stumps, being able to take some stumpings for me, that really helps as well."

Eight regional cricket teams of the year - including WDCA - were forwarded to the VCCL and all 96 players were considered for the team.

It contains two opening batsmen, four top and middle order batsmen, an all-rounder, a wicketkeeper and four bowlers.

The team of the year gives Vic Country selectors a chance to get an idea of who might make the Victorian country squad for the Australian Country Cricket Championships in January 2022.

"It's obviously an exciting thing," Petherick said.

"Cam (Williams) and Nick Butters and a few other boys have done that and from what I've heard, it's a really good trip. And it's quite a learning experience. So that's something I'd really be looking forward to and something I'd put my best foot forward for."

Members of the 2020-21 VCCL team will be acknowledged with a plaque and cap presentation at the league's annual general meeting in early August.

"Yes, looking forward to that. They said you can bring down family and friends. So that'd be that'd be good for me to be able to take a few family members and celebrate that on that night," he said.

Meanwhile, Russells Creek is already into its 2021/22 pre-season.

"We've been going for a few runs on a Wednesday night down Lake Pertobe way. So we've started pretty much from day dot almost - they've been going for about six weeks those runs," the skipper said.

Petherick is also going to be division one captain again this season.

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