Premier Cricket: Star Blues all-rounder Connor Rutland speaks on his maiden ton

Connor Rutland has spoken about his maiden Premier Cricket century as well as an insight into his selfless role as Carlton’s aggressive all-rounder.

Carlton all-rounder Connor Rutland attributes his maiden Premier Cricket century to the internal backing and clarity surrounding his role.

In a star-laden Blues outfit, Rutland’s immense talent often gets outshone by the role he plays for the side.

But on Saturday, he bashed his first ton off just 83 deliveries as the Blues pushed for quick runs.

When he crossed from Essendon to the Blues, captain-coach Evan Gulbis often referred to Rutland’s cricketing skeleton and how he had the makings of a superstar.

Rutland believes Saturday’s knock is proof of the skeleton starting to take shape, and it’s as a result of the backing he has from the superstars around him.

“Evan mentioned the skeleton was there, it’s definitely not the finished product,” he said.

“I have learned a lot under Evan, he is able to provide a lot of insight into being that all-rounder.

“Having that attacking mindset when you’re batting and then being able to do the job with the ball, having Evan, similar playing styles has helped a lot.

“The definitive role, batting in the middle overs and being trusted to play my natural game – it obviously hasn’t worked out every time.

“There’s been times where you question whether you should’ve played as aggressively as you do, but when it comes all together, it’s nice to be able to put the score on the board.

“It’s nice to have the backing of Evan and the guys you are batting around, Nick Ross, Tom Smyth, Harry Smyth, they’ve got so much experience… it’s pretty fortunate.”

Rutland with bat. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Rutland with ball. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Rutland’s enforcer role with both bat and ball often sees him playing in a way that tends to benefit the team over his individual statistics.

Saturday’s century was no exception, with the thought of a ton not entering his mind until he entered the 90s.

While Rutland is rapt to have raised the bat for three-figures, he is happy to wait another 86 matches for his second if it means the Blues are winning.

“You speak to a lot of Premier Cricketers that have made a hundred before, they say it’s a bit of a monkey off the back,” he said.

“That’s the goal every time you go out to bat, you try and do well for the team by putting a good score on the board.

“The first one is a little bit of relief but I will keep trying to play the way I want to play and hopefully that gets me as many as I can.

“First things first, we’re looking to get back to that premiership again, we’ve got the list with the experience in our batting and bowling line-up.

“As far as individually, I will play that role as much as I can and lock down that batting position in the middle.”

Carlton takes on St Kilda at Harry Trott Oval this weekend.