When Lachlan Brown walked off the recently-named Peter Fenwicke Oval after the 2012 grand final, the Walcha number eight never thought he'd be running out for the Rams in another decider.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"I thought I was retired twice," he said.
After hanging up the boots with the Rams in 2012 he returned to the footy field in 2014 with the local league side. He went on to play three seasons with the Roos, picking up virtually where he left off with the Rams.
Named the Central North best and fairest for the second time in three years, Brown was in his first season with the Roos awarded the Second Division best and fairest.
But after spending the last two seasons on the sidelines he decided he wanted to have" one more go at it".
"I always had in my mind if I'd play again I'd play one more year of rugby," Brown said.
And as often happens with these things over a few beers he convinced himself.
Bar a few aches and pains of a Sunday morning he doesn't regret his decision, and on Saturday will have a second chance at winning the premiership that so cruelly eluded him in 2012 with Pirates snatching victory from their grasp in the final minutes.
"It's very very special," he reflected.
"I just hope we can finish it off this year."
READ ALSO:
The man they call Board, a nickname he has had since childhood and has no idea how he got, was instrumental in them reaching their first grand final since 1997 and is revered as one of the best to have pulled on the red and white in the 125-year history of the club.
Along with the zone best and fairest accolades, and numerous club B&F wins, he has suited up for NSW Country.
Consequently the news of Brown's return this season was met with much anticipation amongst the Rams faithful, and he has justified that. Like a duck to water, he has consistently been one of their best, although Brown by his admission felt "a bit rusty for the first three or four games".
"The game has changed a bit since 2012," he said.
"There's a lot of rule changes and it's a bit faster."
Current Rams co-coach Barry Hoy was also at the helm in 2012 and very happy to have him back on board this season.
"He's an incredible player," Hoy said.
And "a tough rooster".
One of the best ball runners in the competition he is also a real defensive general for the Rams, and his battle with Pirates counterpart Conrad Starr will be one to watch on Saturday.
It will be the third time the two sides have met in as many grand finals. Brown has watched the last two.
The first he thought they were unlucky. Last year they weren't at their best.
He is one of five of the current side that were there in 2012 and said they've "just got to take the day as it comes".
"The games' not over until the final whistle blows," he said.
