The 2019 season didn't pan out the way the Forbes Magpies had hoped.
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Despite the retirement of inspirational leader Jake Grace following last year's title win, the Magpies still seemed poised to build something of a dynasty heading into this season with a number of incoming players boosting a strong foundation already in place.
Coach Cameron Greenhalgh said prior to round one his side would come out "all guns blazing" but the campaign turned out to be more filled with speed humps than celebrations.
The season came to an end on Sunday when the Magpies were thumped by a rampant Nyngan Tigers side in the minor semi-final.
It capped off a tumultuous year, one blighted by the loss of marquee recruits Brad Toole and Brydon Ramien - for an employment opportunity to Sydney and Group 10 club Cowra respectively - as well as the 17-week suspension for Tongia Fox and a string of injuries to key players like Mitch Burke, Jake Hadrill, and Jordan Hartwig at different times.
"There was a lot of players coming in and out," Magpies captain Hayden Bolam admitted after Sunday's loss.
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While it may not have gone to plan, Bolam wasn't looking for excuses after the 44-12 hammering at Nyngan.
He said the reserve grade players and juniors who got the chance in first grade did so with aplomb, while he also had plenty of praise for the work done by Greenhalgh.
Long regarded as one of the best coaches in the western area, Greenhalgh was noticeably shattered after the loss on Sunday but his work in making the Magpies a Group 11 powerhouse in recent years is something no-one will forget in a hurry.
"He's a big part of our club," Bolam said.
"He's done a lot for the club and everyone looks up to him and when he talks everyone listens.
"He's hurting but he knows everyone dug deep."
The unity and effort within the playing group was the big positive for Bolam this year, and he said that won't stop now the first grade campaign is over.
The Magpies juniors side moved through to grand final day with a strong major semi win over Dubbo CYMS on Saturday, and a number of the players in that side have played first grade in 2019.
Thomas Toohey stepped in as five-eighth in the absence of Mitch Burke and was there again on Sunday, while barnstorming back-rower Jack Hartwig has taken his game to a new level this year.
"They play first grade and don't look out of place one bit," Bolam said of the youngsters.
"They're some of our standouts and we'll get behind them in the under 18s and back them."
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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.
