Former Test opener Chris Rogers has scored his first century for Victoria as the Bushrangers took complete control of their Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG.
Rogers was out in the penultimate over of the day for 159 as the Vics, chasing NSW's modest 261, reached stumps a formidable 3-331.
David Hussey is not out 55 with nightwatchman Darren Pattinson yet to score.
Rogers looked like batting through the day until caught by Peter Forrest low down at first slip off spinner Nathan Hauritz (2-67).
Replays suggest the ball may have turned out of the rough and missed the bat.
Rogers, who scored four and 15 in his sole Test appearance against India in January, patiently made his way to three figures before national chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch, who was watching from the Noble Stand.
He brought up his maiden ton for his adopted state with a single behind point, raising his arms in triumph before saluting the Victorian dressing room.
The compact left-hander punched 15 fours in a typically measured 388-minute knock.
Rogers joined the Victorians this year after a sudden and dramatic fall from grace in Western Australia.
He went from a Test player to grade cricketer in less than a week after being controversially left out of the Warriors one-day side.
It convinced him to move east in the hope of a new start with the big V.
The bespectacled opener's 29th first class ton left the Bushrangers in complete control against a NSW side short on quality bowlers.
Victoria lost just three wickets on day two – Rogers, opener Nick Jewell (38) and Brad Hodge (66)
Starting the morning 0-3 in pursuit of NSW's first innings total of 261, Jewell and Rogers were untroubled in pushing the Vics to 85 without loss before Hauritz struck.
The former Australian slow bowler induced Jewell (38) into swiping a catch to Phil Hughes at deep mid-wicket.
Jewell's stay lasted 109 minutes and included five boundaries.
With the score on 201, Hodge was slow to take off for a single after Rogers clipped the ball to Forrest at mid wicket and was easily beaten by the inch-perfect throw to wicket-keeper Daniel Smith.
Rogers and Hussey then steered the Bushrangers past the NSW total.
NSW's cause wasn't helped by Hauritz's forced withdrawal for almost three hours due to a finger injury.
With seven wickets in hand and plenty of time remaining, the visitors will pursue outright points over the next two days.
Victoria 1st Innings
Rogers c Forrest b Hauritz 159
Jewell c Hughes b Hauritz 38
Hodge run out (Forrest) 66
Hussey not out 59
Pattinson not out 0
Extras: 9 (lb 3 nb 5 w 1)
Total: 331 (3 wickets; overs 98)
Bowling
Cockley 10 - 0 - 56 - 0
Hauritz 23 – 6 - 67 - 2
Henriques 15 – 5 – 44 – 0
Lambert 21 – 2 – 76 – 0 (nb 4 w 1)
Thornely 6 – 0 – 17 - 0 (nb 1)
Casson 23 - 2 - 68 - 0
FOW: 1-85, 2-201, 3-323