It seems difficult to comprehend that when Paine scored 215 at the WACA Ground in 2006, the Australian Test captain's next sizeable first class score - a classy 121 - was not produced until Saturday.

Despite registering a long-awaited milestone, Paine's post-stumps demeanour matched his understated acknowledgement in the middle.

The wicketkeeper refused to dwell on his achievement after WA reached the close with a 88-run advantage with eight wickets intact.

Quizzed on an innings that included 13 boundaries and a six, a knock that guided Tasmania to a 60-run first innings lead, Paine only offered: "It means nothing to me."

It meant plenty to his teammates, however, after Tasmania recovered from 8-281 to post 397 thanks to a 111-run ninth wicket stand between Paine and debutant Lawrence Neil-Smith (39no).

Paine, 34, faced 208 deliveries in a quality contribution marked by a full array of strokes off the front and back foot.

Tasmania then claimed Cameron Bancroft for a first ball duck and Sam Whiteman (16) before Shaun and Mitchell Marsh carried the score to 2-148 by contributing 74 and 51 respectively.

The brothers resume their partnership on Sunday's final morning.

Earlier, Jhye Richardson took 3-58 for while Mitchell Marsh claimed 2-60 and Cameron Green 2-72.

Unfortunately pace bowler Joel Paris left the field with a tight hamstring, meaning he may not bowl in Tasmania's anticipated run chase.

Australian Associated Press