After taking all four Men’s titles in the Dubbo and District Football Association last weekend, the “Orange Army” of the Dubbo Bulls went to Bathurst with hopes of adding the Western Premier League to their bulging trophy cabinet.

Unfortunately, the dream evaporated in the opening minute of the game as the peerless Jack Press demonstrated why he is the League’s Golden Boot, netting the first of three first half match-winning goals.

“Going back-to-back was always our aim for this season, so when we flew out of the blocks, it was a great feeling,” Press said.

Adding to Bulls worries, was the concerning news that the Bathurst team received just before kick-off, when assistant coach Mark Comerford had to be flown to Sydney after a cardiac episode.

Striker Press and centre-back Nik Spice, both took his final words into the match.

“Cummo told us to keep doing what we did best, put on early goals and keep our sheet clean,” Press said.

The co-coach had worked closely with Andrew Fearnley to develop a winning culture, which was not good news for the gutsy but outplayed Dubbo champions.

Full credit to Gareth Williams and his Men in Orange for their courageous run to the grand final; they feel that momentum will help them go one better in 2025.