GETTING to grand final day and making sure you play on home turf - it's required a lot of effort from a lot of Bathurst Bulldogs to make it happen.
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Injury and illness and unavailability have seen a host of different players run out for the Bathurst Bulldogs first XV this season.
Each of them has played a role in seeing the Bathurst side place second in the minor premiership then beat Cowra in the major semi-final to earn a title shot on home turf.
But who are the first XV who will line up against Orange Emus at Ashwood Park in this Saturday's grand final?
Co-coach Dean Oxley runs us through them.
1 MATT TRAPP
- POSITION: Loosehead prop
- OXLEY SAYS: The 'Lithgow panther' who is known for his relaxation breathing and body art. He is a Central West Blue Bull who has set the platform through his consistent scrummaging and his metres after contact. His foot work breaks ankles.
2 TOM FELSCH
- POSITION: Hooker
- OXLEY SAYS: Felschy, aka 'junior', has played multiple positions this year and has excelled at all of them. His energy and effort is infectious. He has narrowed his focus and increased his accuracy in 2022. Look out for a big game.
3 LAMARN MA'A
- POSITION: Tighthead prop
- OXLEY SAYS: The 'big daddy' who has played at a high level in Sydney and is a calming influence throughout the team. He offers quality with ball in hand and damages with his shoulders in defence.
4 PETER FITZSIMMONS (c)
- POSITION: Second row
- OXLEY SAYS: Fitzy is our inspirational leader who is turning back the clock after being selected as a Country Cockatoo in 2022. He will give his all to lift the shield again.
5 JUSTIN MOBBS
- POSITION: Second row
- OXLEY SAYS: The 'magic man' has the potential to rip this game wide open with his skill, but will also roll up his sleeves and do the tough work for the boys.
6 HAYDN CHRISTIE-JOHNSTON
- POSITION: Breakaway
- OXLEY SAYS: Dos is the enforcer who enjoys whacking in defence and runs the hard lines. He is ready to rumble.
7 JERRY OVENDEN
- POSITION: Breakaway
- OXLEY SAYS: The 'red-eye baron' loves to fly around the field, chopping everything that moves. His dynamic play has earned him a first grade jumper in 2022.
8 ALEX WEAL
- POSITION: Number 8
- OXLEY SAYS: 'Axel' is an experienced, multiple first grade premiership winner. He knows his way around the field and watch out if he lines you up. An outstanding footballer who will not take a backward step.
9 KURT WEEKES
- POSITION: Halfback
- OXLEY SAYS: 'Bruiser' has the best pass in the competition, is one of the fittest players in the comp and can kick for Australia. He is a committed Bulldog who plays well above his weight.
10 BRAD GLASSON
- POSITION: Five-eighth
- OXLEY SAYS: Glasso plays at a tempo above all. Blink and you will miss him and watch out if he decides to shut you down.
11 BRYCE RUE
- POSITION: Wing
- OXLEY SAYS: Rooey is a gifted attacking player who can create a try from nothing. He is a large unit who knows how to crunch in defence.
12 HUNTER DAVIS
- POSITION: Inside centre
- OXLEY SAYS: Davo is the silent assassin who has brought a toughness and composure to the team. He has built a lethal combination with his brother from another mother, Adam Plummer.
13 ADAM PLUMMER
- POSITION: Outside centre
- OXLEY SAYS: Plum a Blue Bull who has dedicated the year to improving his game and spending time with Davo. The twins are inseparable and a big part of our success in 2022.
14 BEN SHEPPEARD
- POSITION: Wing
- OXLEY SAYS: Underestimate Shep at your peril. He can win you a game with his speed and save you a game in defence. He is a first grade premiership winner who is looking to grab another medal for the trophy cabinet.
15 JOE NASH (v/c)
- Position: Fullback
- OXLEY SAYS: 'Nash-man' is a Country Cockatoo in 2022 and is arguably the best attacking footballer in the competition. He ripped the 2019 grand final apart with his running game and is looking forward to plenty of ball on Saturday.
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