Matthew Renshaw has issued a timely reminder of his capability at the top of the order with a comprehensive Sheffield Shield century for Queensland.
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In a match largely centered around the returning opener for New South Wales, Sam Konstas, Renshaw fired a commanding 125 not out.
The Bulls took a lead of 128 into the second innings courtesy of a ton from no.3 Jack Clayton followed by 4-54 from Xavier Bartlett.
Blues all-rounder Jack Edwards slightly added to his overnight score to finish on 108 but it was long fight back from 5-39.
Renshaw, 28, has hit two centuries this Shield season to go with his powerful white-ball form for the Bulls and Brisbane Heat.
The left-hander has played 14 Tests for Australia, the last coming in India in 2023.
Clayton was on his way to a second ton in as many hits before retiring hurt on 76.
The Bulls declaration 30 minutes before stumps 418 ahead couldn’t have started sweeter as Michael Nesser dismissed Nic Maddinson third ball.
Konstas pulled out the strokes which lit up the MCG on Boxing Day in a theatrical final passage before stumps.
The teenage tyro reverse ramped Bartlett over the slips for four with the score 1-2 in just the second over of the innings. He then charged down the wicket on several occasions in an attempt to make a quick dent in the hefty run chase.
Konstas (9 not out) and night watchman Ross Pawson got the Blues through to stumps without the loss of another wicket (1-11).
Meanwhile, Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald rocketed to the top of the Shield run tally with a dominant 155 in the second innings.
Tassie went into its second innings 22 runs in arrears of Victoria after a brilliant half-century from debutant Harry Dixon (66).
Weatherald, up to 620 runs for the summer with his second ton, took Tasmania to a strong total of 291.
The Vics, needing 269 to win, finished the day 2-55 needing a further 214.
Gabe Bell had the ball talking before stumps, removing both Victoria openers Marcus Harris and Campbell Kellaway leg before wicket.
Victoria’s night watchman Sam Elliott, protecting no.4 Peter Handscomb, and Jono Merlo survived until stumps.
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