Aron Price holds a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Victorian Open at 13th Beach in a men's tournament being dominated by the local contingent.
The 33-year-old Price added a three-under-par 68 on Friday to his opening-round 67 to be at nine-under 135, one stroke clear of Stephen Dartnall, who carded a 67.
A shot further back in a tie for third were Scott Strange, Adam Blyth and Stephen Leaney.
Strange had held the first-round lead, only to slip back with an up-and-down round of 74 on Friday.
The top nine slots on the leaderboard were filled by Australians.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
But defending champion Richard Green won't be around for the weekend action.
The left-hander - who was battling a painful back injury which almost caused him to withdraw from the tournament before it had even started - missed the halfway cut after a second round of 76.
Other notable players to miss the cut included 2014 Australian Masters champion Nick Cullen, Peter O'Malley and James Nitties.
Price, who counts the 2013 NSW Open among his two professional victories, plans to head back to the United States this year to again try his luck on the Web.com Tour.
"I'll have to rely on invitations or Monday qualifying," said Price.
"Because there are so many guys that aren't full members, once you do make money, you jump everyone who has less."
Price said the key for him was feeling comfortable when he was in contention to win tournaments.
"I seem to be able to do it in Australia, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's a bit more relaxing being at home with my childhood friends," he said.
"But every course is 18 tees and 18 greens - it's not like people throw spanners into the mix."
