The Wellington Cowboys have a long and proud history with a host of high-profile players having worn the maroon and white over the years.
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But not all have been able to win a Group 11 premiership.
Despite Wellington being one of the best breeding grounds of talent in bush footy, the Cowboys head into Sunday's grand final clash with Dubbo CYMS having not won a first grade title since 1995.
"There's been club legends who've spent their whole life at the club and never played in a grand final, let alone won one," coach Justin Toomey-White said.
"We're playing for those guys and those supporters who have stuck with us through thick and thin.
"They're the backbone and I know the boys are looking forward to running out and seeing that maroon and white on Sunday."
The Cowboys have not only made great strides on the field in recent times, they've also provided Toomey-White with plenty of strength.
The coach finds it hard to describe the "rollercoaster" of a year he's been through, but the two constants have been his family and the Cowboys.
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He was part of the Wellington side which painfully lost last year's Group 11 preliminary final to eventual premiers Forbes but his world was rocked in a far bigger way in the weeks after when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
At the same time he and his wife, Kate, and just welcomed their first child into the world.
His playing career was put on hold as health and family quickly became the priority, but he stayed on and as coach of the Cowboys.
Toomey-White underwent treatment for more than six months, but now stands cancer free and in reach of a premiership win.
"It's unbelievable," he said.
"The rollercoaster of a journey I've been on, but I've had the support of my wife, our son Boston, my family, and from the boys.
"It's been amazing to coach these lads and to be able to go to training and game day with them.
"It's been such a great opportunity to coach them and now potentially win a grand final."
Toomey-White has eased his side through the grand final week, with a first session being held on Thursday night.
The side has received a real boost this week with Josh Griffiths and Tristan Lumley both being declared fit after not finishing last weekend's preliminary final win, while Jack Kempston has also overcome a shoulder injury and will take his place on Sunday.
Steve Gordon hasn't been declared fit to play following the high shot which left him concussed in the major semi-final.
"There's been some tough calls but the I know the 17 will go out give 100 percent," Toomey-White said.
- WELLINGTON COWBOYS: 1 Will Lousick, 2 Wallace Bruce, 3 Josh Griffiths, 4 Brock Naden, 5 Aidan Ryan, 7 vacant, 6 Mason Williams, 8 Mac Dutfield, 9 Dennis Moran, 10 Dave Dryden, 11 Wade Peachey, 12 Jack Kempston, 13 Travis Waddell, 14 Rylee Blackhall, 15 Brogan Black, 16 Tristan Lumley, 17 James Stanley, 21 Ben McGregor
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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.
