As well as playing more than 1500 matches between them for Rand, the stalwarts have followed the club religiously since hanging up the boots in the hope of it one day winning its first premiership since 1945.

The Pigeons edged out Walla by 12 points that season before losing grand finals in 1946, 1948, 1960, 1964, 1992 and 1993.

Ernie, 83, is hoping today is the day the drought breaks.

“It’s been a while,” Ernie said yesterday.

“We are the underdogs but you never know.

“It would be great for the towns.

“It’s been a real thrill watching the side this year.”

Ernie and his mates Bruce, 82, Ian, 62, Don, 77, and Jim, 78, have been regulars at Rand-Walbundrie matches throughout the season, with the Tigers dropping only three games.

The stories were flowing thick and fast at the club’s final training session at Walbundrie on Thursday night.

“We have all been following football all our lives,” Ernie said.

“Bruce and I started playing in 1949.”

Rand won seven premierships in its history in the Hume and Coreen and District leagues while Wabundrie won eight, with the last being in 1989.

The Tigers defeated East Lavington by 38 points in the grand final when Ted Miller was at the helm.

The clubs merged for the 2006 season, with Dale Smith being the first coach.