 Perren was a graduate of the Australian cricket academy in 1995 but had to wait until the 1998–99 season to make his first-class debut.He was named Pura Cup player of the Year in 2002–03 and was rewarded by being selected to play for Australia A against South Africa A.In the 2003–04 season, he added a record 369 with Stuart Law for the second wicket against Western Australia.