AS rugby league supercoach and mediocre commentator Phil Gould always says before a big game - “these guys are preparing to go to war”.
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With six Orange sides in Saturday’s Blowes Clothing Cup grand finals, there is real potential every single title could be coming back to the colour city.
Emus Chicks take on Dubbo Rhinos, Orange City clashes with Bathurst Bulldogs in colts and the Lions take on Dubbo Roos in thirds before a blockbuster second grade local derby grand final.
In the top division, Emus clash with hosts Roos.
Every single member of those teams, including yours truly, is currently experiencing something a lot of footballers never get the pleasure of going through - grand final week.
The excitement, anticipation and aura surrounding the lead-up is palpable, and the battle within to remain calm and ward off nerves becomes supremely difficult as the week goes on.
For those of us playing in reserve grade, it doesn’t get much better.
The ultimate battle between two rival clubs, played out in the final game of the year.
Personally being able to be a part of it - outrageously exciting.
For my Emus, and I assume the the Lions, everything has intensified for this game.
Obviously I can’t speak for the Orange City guys, but for us, training has become more intense and more beneficial than all season, everyone’s motivation is through the roof and the general quality of our play has skyrocketed.
The Lions have the right to confidence after their 2013 season and this year’s dominance, however there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance the Lions need to toe carefully, as do we.
There’s a simple message from the Emus camp - despite having to come from fourth, don’t underestimate us.
After playing each other twice during the regular season for a win apiece, no side really enters Saturday’s game with an advantage.
In first grade, the men in green take on minor premiers, and heavy favourites, Dubbo Kangaroos.
In terms of ability the two sides are almost on par but Roos’ loss to Orange City in the 2012 decider is a positive for the hosts. It’s a horrible cliche, which I hate to use, but teams must lose before they learn how to win.
Expect fireworks in Dubbo on Saturday, in some of the best deciders the region has seen in years.
Although I’m obligated to offer all the sides good luck, I still have to wish Emus a little bit more than the others.
