When Wes Middleton took over as captain-coach of the Macquarie Raiders last year he made his goals clear.
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He wanted to be there on grand final day.
But now, almost a year on from his switch from Narromine, the Raiders are set to finish their season early.
Last week's loss at Parkes consigned to Raiders to sixth spot, meaning regardless of what happens in Sunday's last round the side won't play in the 2019 Group 11 finals.
"It's been very disappointing," Macquarie hooker Kane McDermott said.
"We've been unlucky. The year started so well with winning the (pre-season) Nines but it's all gone downhill from there."
There's no easy finish to the season for the Raiders either, as on Sunday they welcome a rampaging Nyngan side to Apex Oval.
The Tigers have found top form in recent weeks and head into this weekend's game having beaten minor premiers Dubbo CYMS in their best performance of the year last time out.
"We've got to show a bit of pride and see how we go," McDermott said.
"We don't want to get smashed on our home ground.
"They'll come out firing. They're coming good."
Injuries have been an ongoing issue for the Raiders this season and it will affect the lineup for the final round.
Middleton will again be missing due to an ankle injury, with Adam McDermott retaining his place in the number seven jersey.
Players like Aaron Daniel and Eroni Turagatautoka will play in the centres and front-row respectively, and the shifting around positions they have endured this season shows the Raiders' struggles.
"We never had the same team every week," McDermott said.
Nyngan head into the match knowing a win will secure them third spot and a place in the qualifying semi-final.
The Raiders go no further than Sunday and while on paper it may look like a step backwards after finishing fifth last season, McDermott insisted it's far from all doom and gloom.
"There's a lot of positives even though we didn't get to finals," he said.
"Those positives we've got to take into next year."
One of the positives was a number of youngsters getting a taste of first grade, with under 18s player Nick Tighe again to play in the centres after debuting in first grade last weekend.
It's been a tough season for the club's juniors, with a lack of numbers all season resulting in a recent forfeit.
"It hasn't been a really good year for Macquarie but hopefully we can get some more juniors next year and really rebuild from there," McDermott said.
"We've got some good under 16s so hopefully they stay around and we can start from there."
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
