Nathan McSweeney and Henry Hunt have started brightly as South Australia attempt to pull off a formidable fourth-innings chase to secure a home Sheffield Shield final.

Victoria remain in a strong position to win the crucial match at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.

But in pursuit of 300, SA headed to stumps on day three at 1-47 on a pitch that appears to be growing better for batters the longer the match continues.

After top-scoring with 60 in the first innings, McSweeney (13*) looked comfortable at the crease with opener Hunt (31*).

Test quick Scott Boland, who took 4-53 in the first innings, dismissed struggling opener Conor McInerney (1) for the second time in the match when he had him caught behind.

It looms as a big Sunday for McSweeney, who is trying to lead SA to their first Shield title in 29 years.

But a match-winning innings would also put him firmly in the frame to add to his three Tests ahead of the World Test Championship final and the tour of the West Indies later this year.

After being dropped prior to the Boxing Day Test, McSweeney was included in Australia's squad for the tour of Sri Lanka but didn't play a game.

Having a first-innings lead of two, Victoria posted 297 in their second dig, led by youngsters Campbell Kellaway (77) and Harry Dixon (76).

Kellaway had opportunities in this match to make his second first-class century, having also top-scored in Victoria's first innings with 79.

Liam Scott was the pick of SA's bowlers, finishing with 4-49 after going wicketless in the first innings.

Victoria sit fourth on the table with two games to play, but are close enough to leapfrog NSW and WA into second.