Alex Pyecroft packed his holiday bags away for Italy, safe in the knowledge that the one-time Launceston allrounder would earn his first Cricket Tasmania contract.
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The 26-year-old has toiled for years - first at the Lions before making the shift south to North Hobart - before he made his debut last year in a home Sheffield Shield match.
Tasmanian coaching staff told Pyecroft of his bright future on the way out of an end-of-the-season exit meeting.
Tigers assistant coach Jeff Vaughan admitted Pyecroft is "now living the dream".
He was already employed as a Cricket Tasmania coach.
The one-time Launceston Church Grammar student was one of five new players handed a full-time contract.
George Town offspinner Jarrod Freeman missed out, but retains his rookie deal.
"It's just really nice reward for Alex Pyecroft and Seany Willis, who have done it the proper way with good performances in grade cricket, a really strong training program and structure in our academy system," Vaughan said.
"They are rewarded with performances and opportunity to play first-class cricket."
Vaughan said the adaptation to the first-class game in four appearances was huge.
"It was good to see from a young fast bowler. He just does a lot of stuff that gives you a chance to be successful here," Vaughan said.
"In relatively good bowling conditions, he puts the ball in good areas consistently and consistently gets it off the straight whether it be in the air or just off the wicket and is able to bowl long spells, which is great for our make-up as well. He's just a helluva young man."