It might be their third grand final in a row, and they will be going for their second premiership in as many years, but co-coach Ken McNamara says the thrill is still there ahead of the Cowra Magpies' under 15s grand final this week at Bathurst.
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McNamara, who coaches the team alongside Craig Negus and Dean Murray, believes the fact that the journey was tougher this year means the excitement levels have matched prior levels of anticipation before the big day.
"They were pretty amazing feelings, actually," McNamara said of the emotions after the major semi-final, where they beat the undefeated Panthers team.
"It's been a pretty tough year with regards to the number of players we've had and injuries through the year."
While the Panthers will again be the opponent this weekend, McNamara avoided singling out any key players from the team.
"They're a pretty good team right across the paddock," the coach said.
"Instead of singling anybody out, if we just take them as a really good footy team, we've got to play really well together to beat them."
McNamara believes the group's sense of shared experience, which involves an under 13s grand final loss and an under 14s premiership, is also worth remembering ahead of this Saturday's game.
"They're a really determined group of boys," McNamara said.
"I love the way they've got each other's backs on and off the field... the spirit within the team is huge and... this year they've had to rely on quite a lot of resilience and determination to play really well together."
He also said that with their club and town keen to support the team as a successful example of junior local league, his team have also become more attuned to helping the broader Cowra Junior Magpies community, working closely with the under 12s.
"They keep a close eye on this team because they've had a little bit of success and they like to see them do well ... That's a really great thing to know," he said.
"In saying that... They just don't see their role as playing as a team, but to take on some of the extra responsibilities of helping the younger players in the club as well."
The under 15s will take on the Panthers on Saturday afternoon from 1.40pm at Bathurst's Jack Arrow Oval.
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