Josh Laurie is a bad spectator.
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He'd been retired for the best part of a decade but would still gets the itch if he's ever forced to sit in the stands and watch a game.
So when he moved back to Dubbo and was asked by Dubbo Roos president Gerald Webster to help out with some coaching this year he knew he wouldn't be able to stick to the sideline and take it all in.
Then it was announced a third grade competition would go ahead this year and Laurie was there to take on the captain-coach's role.
Fast forward a few months to this Saturday and Laurie will lead his unbeaten Dubbo Roos side out in the Blowes Clothing Cup grand final at Orange's Wade Park.
"I retired eight or nine years ago but I thought I'd dig out the boots and force myself into a bit of fitness," he said.
"It's been good. I wish the body was as sharp as the mind but I've been enjoying it.
"I've had a bugger of a time with injuries so I didn't need to full season."
The Roos' team isn't your regular third grade outfit.
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Laurie sums it up best when he describes at as one not featuring players "who never made it or are has-beens."
Much of the side is made-up by players from last year's colts outfit while there's still the older heads there to help guide them in their first year of senior footy.
As much as the side has enjoyed plenty of success, seeing those younger players get a chance to continue their development has been one of the most pleasing aspects of the season for Laurie.
When COVID restrictions initially eased and the Blowes Clothing Cup season was modified the third grade competition wasn't included.
But the Roos, Bathurst Bulldogs and Orange Emus pushed for it to be reinstated and the three-team competition went ahead.
Now it all comes down to the Roos and Bulldogs, who have met twice previously this season.
"They're handy and I expect them to throw everything at us. We'll be doing the same," Laurie said.
"Regardless of the grade this is what you play for. A bit of club pride, team pride, and jersey pride comes into it."
The grand final kicks off at 11.50am.
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.
