Congupna’s Bryden Squire has a premiership in his sights after falling at final hurdle in 2023

And if Congupna is to have a good night — or rather, afternoon — during Saturday’s Murray Football League grand final, Bryden Squire will surely be at the heart of it.

The Road’s favourite son was vice-captain when his side reached the same stage in last year’s competition, tasting the sharp sting of defeat in the decider against Mulwala, a loss that lingered like a bitter aftertaste.

Now, with the weekend looming, Squire is on the cusp of poetic justice.

“(I’m) looking forward to it, obviously we had the experience from last year,” he said.

“The disappointment we faced then; it sort of feels like a different lead-up going into this final series.

“I think we can gain experience from last year, so hopefully we can go one better this year.”

Finley will be a true test for Congupna, there no argument there.

But if anyone knows how to play well against the Cats — and in big games, for that matter — it’s Squire.

The flashy on-baller kicked four goals and was named best-on when The Road met Finley in a 29-point semi-final win a fortnight ago, also taking maximum votes during the same occasion last season.

Squire, an ex-Murray Bushranger, has played only six games this season.

He hopes it’ll be lucky number seven when Congupna rolls on to Moama Recreation Reserve to take on Finley, and not a repeat of the 2023 heartache.

“We’re much more prepared (than last year), we’re obviously a lot fitter and we've got a full playing list to choose from, so it’s really exciting times,” he said.

“We’ve built up slowly throughout the year, and we’re playing our best footy at the right time of the year.

“They (Finley) are a quality side — they didn’t finish second for any bad reason. They just want a stoppage football game.

“We feel like we can beat them on the outside, but it’s going to come down to who wants it more at the end of the day.”

Squire’s heart truly beats with red and white hues as, apart from Congupna, he spent several seasons in the Goulburn Valley League with Shepparton Swans.

But all roads lead home, and for the man known affectionately as ‘B.J.’, he’s glad those paths wound back to a little town 10km north of Shepparton.

“It’s my home club, I love it here,” he said.

“Everyone is so close and everyone’s got such a close bond.

“It’s such a great club and a good family club. I bring my daughters down here every weekend. Hopefully we can get the win.”