The young Kinross product spent last season spinning his way through lower grade batting line-ups. This included 12 second grade, good for eighth most in the league, despite only playing in six matches.

That form with the ball earned him a call-up first grade this year, where he has been a regular fixture. While the results as a team for Kinross haven't been what Shepherd would want, his wicket-taking ability has definitely carried over.

So far he's claimed 10 scalps, including a six-wicket-haul against Centrals back in October.

So what has been his biggest takeaway from the step up to first grade?

"When you do bowl a bad ball, it will go for 4 or 6, you don't get away with much," he said.

"It's been pretty good but also at times a pretty tough task.

"This year I think I've just been more consistent with my bowling.

"I'm just having fun, playing cricket and trying to win games for the school."

And that good form with the ball was recognised recently as well, with Shepherd earning a spot in the under 18 Colts side to take on Bathurst on Saturday.

This selection came as a bit of a shock to the young spinner, who has not donned a rep cap for quite a few years.

"It was good to be picked, but to be honest I didn't really know much about it until the squad came out and my name was there," he said.

"I think it will be good playing against kids my own age again, and I think playing first grade will help with that."

The coach of the Colts team already pointed out Shepherd as one to watch for this weekend's set of games.

The last few games for the Kinross student have provided a bit of a dry spell, with Shepherd taking just 1-87 from his last 14 overs across three games.

But for any good spinner, the next day could be the one where the wickets start to flow.

"We had one training session last Friday and I think I went alright," he said.

"I know a few of the boys in the team, having played against them in juniors so it's good to be there.

"I've also played against Bathurst a few years ago, so it will be good to face them again."

Other Kinross players that make up the Colts squad include Tom Kiss, George Cumming and Jono Rasmussen.

Kiss has had an up and down year opening the batting for Kinross.

While the runs haven't quite flowed, he has made enough starts to know the talent is there.

Similar to Shepherd, Rasmussen bagged his share of wickets in second grade a season ago and is now cutting his teeth for firsts this year.

Last but not least is Cumming, who is captain of the Kinross first grade and the all-rounder has been consistent with bat and ball.