Hoy, however, says he is merely a cog in a machine that has turned the Mountain Goats into a major success story after only two years of existence.

Among a handful of mates who left OVA to launch Moore Creek, the Mountain Goats skipper sounds like a proud father when he talks about the club.

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In a way, that's exactly what he is.

And at age 43, one of Tamworth sport's most high-profile identities has, through his association with Moore Creek, added another compelling chapter to his life story.

Hoy has played first-grade soccer for Hillvue, OVA (Tamworth comp) and now Moore Creek, won multiple first-grade premierships with Wests Lions, played top grade for Pirates and is the Kangaroos' former all-time leading goal-kicker.

"It's good to look back on, definitely," Hoy said of his sporting accomplishments.

His association with another Mountain Goats founding father, Adam Jones, began when they played top grade together for Bective East.

The old mates will line up again when Moore Creek play Kootingal in a season opener at Gipps Street on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides made their Premier Division debuts last season, with Moore Creek finishing fifth and Kootingal seventh.

Hoy, a father of three, said the Mountain Goats' success was "a great thing".

"The growth of the juniors is massive, and the seniors are growing as well - holding their own, so it's good."

"We just thought we'd try something a little different," he said of starting Moore Creek.

"We didn't expect it to grow so big. But we just kind of thought: If we're doing this, we may as well be in control of our own destination, I suppose."

The Leader: Did breaking away from OVA to start Moore Creek cause any friction?

Hoy: "I think some people took it personally, but it wasn't personal for us ... But it's not really an issue, to be honest."

The Mountains Goats occupied fourth spot for a period last season and beat North Companions 3-1 in the final round.

The Leader: What is the side's goal this year?

Hoy: "Everyone wants to make the semi-finals, but we're very club-focused - as in, we want our six-year-olds to get as much enjoyment and attention as the first grade."

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