Bright was – and still is – a Cowra Blues legend. In his more than 300 games for the club he has played in and captained premiership winning sides and won both league best and fairest and goal kicking awards.

But in 2018, the passionate Blues man has found a love for another club. He now spends his Saturdays doing all he can to help the Bathurst Giants.

The now 39-year-old made the move to the Giants this season when it became clear Cowra did not have the players to form a first grade side. It saw old enemies transformed into respected team-mates.

“I absolutely jumped at the opportunity when it came up because I still thought I had a bit of footy to play in first grade. I knew they were a fantastic bunch of young kids and thought the club had a pretty big future ... I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it,” Bright said.

“I’ve been treated like a bit of a rock star at times over there which helps, but look, everyone has just been so welcoming.

“When I was a little bit younger I had blinkers on, if you didn’t come from the Cowra Blues or were associated with the Cowra Blues then I had no time for them. I had no time for anyone else in the league, no matter who they were.

READ MORE: Attention on finals for the Giants

READ MORE: Archer is keen to seize a major opportunity

Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here

“So one thing I’ve learned this year is that people like Paul Jenkins, Nathan Belbin, they’re actually normal people. I used to have that much hate for those people because they played for other teams, it’s not until I’ve played for another team I’ve realised they are no different to me.

“They are people who love their football and are very passionate about the club they play for.

“They are a football club that’s about football … Kenno is a fantastic leader and has got them all firing.”

Bright has been hampered by injuries throughout the season, but he has still undoubtedly been an on field leader.

He admitted it did take time to adjust to the Giants’ style of play and while happy to share his vast experience, has at the same time been aware of letting the club’s young talents develop their own style.

“They are young kids, but at the same time they’ve got to forge their own path. There is no use me trying to make them play a completely different style of footy or fit in with me, I need to play footy to fit in with their style,” he said.

“At first it was a little bit hard because at Cowra I had to do all the running, whereas at Bathurst I don’t have to do any running.”

This Saturday the Giants will get their first taste of a senior CWAFL semi-final when hosting the Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws at George Park 1.

Bright feels the Giants can eliminate the defending premiers from the title race, but no matter the result, knows his new club will benefit from Saturday.

“The Outlaws, I think we’ve been pretty good against them this year and I’m certain everyone is on deck for us this week,” he said. 

“I know Bathurst Bushrangers are considered the powerhouse team, but I think in the next two-three years the power is definitely going to switch over to the Giants and look out when that happens.

“This finals campaign, no matter what happens, if we go out this week – which I’m pretty certain we won’t – these kids are going to be better for it.

“It’s just about not putting too many expectations on. Everyone wants to win footy and I’m fairly confident we can get the job done, but we’ve got to look at the bigger picture and the experience it will provide to the young kids and the club in general.”

The opening bounce in Saturday’s semi-final at George Park 1 will be at 2.30pm.