Jason Schink can remember the bad old days at Dubbo FC when road trips to the likes of Bathurst and Orange would end in heavy losses.
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But those times early in the club's history is what makes the side's current run of outstanding success all the more special.
The Bulls defeated Panorama FC 1-0 on Saturday to advance to this season's Western Premier League grand final.
It means the first grade side will play in an 11th straight grand final, and coach Schink said the magnitude of that achievement isn't lost on anyone involved.
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"When we first formed we weren't dominant so this is a really good effort," Schink said.
"I remember going to Bathurst and losing 6-nil or 7-nil back in the old Premier League.
"I remember in 2009 going to Bathurst and them really doing a job on us but then in 2010 we made the grand final and there's been no looking back.
"Everyone was excited. This is 11 grand finals in a row in all competitions and Scott Fox, Nelson Flick, James Leonard, and Tim McLachlan have been in all of them so it's a pretty big effort."
A perfect penalty hit into the top corner by Thomas Busch was all that separated the Bulls and the Bathurst-based Panorama FC at Apex Oval in Saturday's semi-final.
The Bulls had chances to extend the lead and Busch had a golden chance to double the advantage when another penalty was given but he blazed it over the crossbar while the Dubbo side also had a goal ruled out for off-side.
But Schink's men held firm in defence, particularly late on when Panorama threw everything at the hosts, to ensure passage to a grand final date with minor premiers Macquarie United.
"They came flying at us at the end and we just backed in and took the onslaught but it was very impressive," Schink said.
"That experience helps. Scott Fox and James Leonard were just stopping everything.
"Hayden Williams made a couple of good saves in goal but, really, he didn't have too much to do and that says a lot about our work at the back."
Schink stuck around at Apex after the win and saw Macquarie United crush Lithgow 5-0 in the day's other semi-final.
The Dubbo sides now meet in a Dubbo decider with the victories shared in the two previous meetings between the teams this season.
But after getting past a strong Panorama outfit and beating Macquarie 2-0 earlier this month Schink said his side is "in a good spot" but, as has been the case for much of the season, he wants the Bulls to be a little more ruthless in front of goal.
"It's about taking chances. When you get two penalties you hope to take two," he said.
"We had opportunities. They (Panorama) probably owned the first 20 and a lot of the last 30 but we had some really good periods and created chances.
"Creating the chances is never an issue but (on Saturday) we held on.
"As a team I think we're in a good spot."
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.
