Peter Handscomb has had the high-profile backing, made an Australia A cricket tour and spoken to national selectors.
But now comes the hard part as the 24-year-old Victorian No.4 batsman dreams big and tries to stake his claim for a Test berth.
"It was just great to talk to those selectors and get an understanding of what I need to do," he said.
"Pretty much, the message was `just keep making runs' - that's the cricket currency.
"So that's all I can do."
The timing is perfect for Handscomb, given the Test team and the top order in particular are going through a period of transition.
He started the Sheffield Shield last week with his first-class top score of 137 as Victoria beat Queensland.
It showed why Shane Warne mentioned Handscomb as a potential Test batsman three months ago in the wake of the Ashes series loss.
"You try not to read too much into it - Warnie's a good lad and obviously I had a bit of time with him at the Stars," Handscomb said.
"I always appreciate good words from such a great Australian cricketer.
"But it doesn't really matter what anyone else says.
"I have to be the one who makes the runs and basically force the selectors to pick me."
Handscomb also impressed earlier this year during an Australia A tour to India.
But Handscomb also knows he is one of several young Australian batsmen either in the Test side or trying to claim a spot.
As Handscomb scored his 137 last week, debutant Travis Dean was making an even bigger impression at the other end.
He had a crucial first-innings partnership with Dean, who scored 154no and 109no as the Victorians beat Queensland.
Dean, not surprisingly, has stayed in the team for the Shield game against NSW from Friday at the SCG.
Victoria recalled batsman Aaron Finch and paceman Chris Tremain, with James Pattinson rested and Peter Siddle on Test duties.
Handscomb said it was a selectors' nightmare who should open the batting for Victoria, given Finch has returned and Dean was so impressive on debut.
"I don't want to be in their (selectors') shoes, but it's a great position for us," Handscomb said.
"For a guy playing his first game, he was very mature.
"I loved being up the other end, just watching him do his thing."
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