WHEN St Pat's play host to Cowra Magpies in Group 10 premier league this Saturday it will be an opportunity for the blue and whites to celebrate the anniversary of the club's third top tier premiership.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's been 30 years since the Saints defeated the Magpies 31-14 in the decider at Jack Arrow Oval and the 2019 squad will hope to channel some of that champion energy as their season enters desperation mode.
The day will be a chance for team members of the champion 1989 squad and their families to get together at the new home of St Pat's league and share memories of a glorious day.
Pat's would go on to record another grand final win over the Magpies in 2014 - on that occasion at Cowra's Sid Kallas Oval - to add to 1968, 1973, 1989, 2001 and 2008 victories.
The club's had its share of ups and downs in that time, and while their premier league side has never reached that peak the other grades have enjoyed excellent runs.
No member from the 2014 team will be in the run-on side for Pat's this Saturday.
While the players have changed their determination to take down the Magpies is something which has never waned.
Pat's coach Luke Branighan is among the more recent arrivals at the club but he understands the significance of the rivalry the clubs have built up through the years.
"While I wasn't at that the club at that time I was at that [2014] grand final and it was a great result for the club and they've built up a great rivalry," he said.
"I'm sure Saturday will be no different. Both sides need to win to keep their finals hopes alive so it should be a great game of footy."
READ MORE: No changes as Panthers head to Mudgee
READ MORE: Working holiday for Western Rams juniors
Branighan is excited to see what atmosphere the 1989 reunion provides at Jack Oval Arrow.
The Saints mentor said it's great to see several connections of that grand final-winning outfit still lending a helping hand with St Pat's.
"It's a fantastic day for the club having all those past legends around. We've got a few of them involved with our first grade side this year so it's great to bounce a few ideas off them," he said.
The bye was a welcome rest for the Saints and it also provided an even more welcome two points to the team's tally.
No amount of rest this season will be enough to bring back Adam Booth who will miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.
"It's been no different all year. We've had no luck with injuries," Branighan said.
"We won't be using that as an excuse. There's still plenty of quality in our side to get the job done.
"It's a massive game for both teams and hopefully it can kick start a few wins for us."
Premier league kicks off at 2.15pm with league tag starting the day at 10.30am.
