Joe Medew-Ewen takes five wickets in Victorian Premier Cricket top-grade debut

But the long and windy road to the top proved worth the wait.

The former Port Fairy leg spinner took 5-65 in his first game for Northcote's top side on Saturday.

It came after five seasons of toil - three with Footscray-Edgewater and two with Northcote - and followed a career-changing stint in the United Kingdom.

"It's taken a long time, it's taken five seasons, there was definitely parts where I didn't think I'd get there but, as I said, I wasn't expecting to have a great game it was just good to play and contribute," he said.

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Medew-Ewen spent the Australian winter in England where he played for Yorkshire-based club Wakefield-Thornes.

It proved a smart decision. He's already planning a return in April, this time signing with Liverpool-based team Maghull.

Medew-Ewen, who moved to Melbourne for school aged 16, credits his first overseas cricket experience for his VPC form spike this season.

He took 27 wickets across 15 matches for Northcote's seconds before earning his First XI cap against Melbourne University.

"I hadn't really had a consistent season like this season," Medew-Ewen said.

"I think going to England really helped that. I was able to be more consistent and perform well all the time." 

Medew-Ewen said his five-wicket haul, which came off 17 overs in scorching conditions, was a pleasant surprise.

He said his first scalp gave him confidence.

"It was my second over just before lunch, so I was trying to start well and the batter hit a full toss back to me so that was good," Medew-Ewen said.

"Everyone ran to me (to celebrate) and all of a sudden it was lunch.

"I didn't really expect that (five wickets) at all. I was expecting to bowl a lot of overs because it was hot, it was 37 (degrees) but I was hoping for one or two wickets."

Medew-Ewen hopes his debut, which came in the final round, will provide a launching pad for next season.

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