A lot has changed since Lancaster players lifted the Kyabram District League premiership cup in 2011.
On Saturday afternoon, two club stalwarts will run out in the blue and gold as the Wombats look to add to their silverware collection.
Experienced heads Rikki Busch and Brad Orr are the final two from the 2011 team still playing and will chase glory at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve when Lancaster takes on Murchison-Toolamba.
Lancaster has enjoyed finals appearances since 2011, including the disappointing 2019 preliminary final loss, but a place in the grand final has eluded the club.
Until now.
“It’s massive for the club,” Busch said after last week’s thrilling preliminary final win.
“If you had asked me five or six years ago if I would be back there again I would have said no way.
“The boys’ confidence is up and about and knowing they can get the job done so fingers crossed we can win one more.”
While Lancaster’s playing group has not enjoyed senior grand final exposure in recent years, the club’s young brigade has grown up tasting premiership success.
The club’s under-18s outfit is chasing a three-peat on Saturday and many players who will take to the field at 2.15pm have come up through the grades.
“All that sort of stuff tends to help out and holds you in good stead,” Orr said of finals experience.
“I think that final series (in 2019) burnt us out a bit by the prelim, but we’ve had a pretty good run this year and hopefully it continues next week.”
Busch said the outfit’s youngsters gave the likes of himself and Orr another reason to enjoy the game.
“Being at the other end now it’s good for us now too because the younger guys spur us on too,” he said.
“You see their development and confidence grow and it definitely makes you lift as well.”