DAPTO and Wests brought closer together? It's a thought seemingly more grounded in fantasy than reality, but it will be the latter when two of the Illawarra League's oldest rivals meet on Saturday.
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It will be their first meeting at Dapto Showground since the sudden, passing of much-loved Canaries forward Tory Brunning following a reserve grade fixture at the ground in May last year.
The tragedy saw the Illawarra league community united in its grief, with a memorial service at Dapto Leagues Club overflowing with mourners from all clubs.
It's something that has bonded the Canaries and Devils together, with the two clubs to play for the Tory Brunning Medal on Saturday, something that will be an annual event.
It's a special gesture, but Dapto coach Mick Murphy said the loss of Brunning remains ever-present in the club's collective thoughts.
"Its a big day for the club with the Tory day, it's a big day for both clubs really after what happened last year," Murphy said.
"I think the club did a pretty good job last year with all the boys in the aftermath to what happened and we definitely haven't forgotten Tory, that's for sure.
"We've got a photo of him there in the sheds every week and we've got a medal for him this week which Dapto and Wests are going to play for every year.
"It's brought the two clubs closer together which is a bit funny to say Dapto and Wests could be brought together. I guess it shows the strength of the footy community that something like that can bring groups of people together."
It's unlikely the closeness will last much beyond the opening whistle, with Dapto needing a victory to force their way into the finals.
It's unlikely a close defeat would be enough with Helensburgh, also on 12 competition points, holding a 41-point differential advantage heading into their clash with Collegians.
Playing finals at all appeared unthinkable when the Canaries dropped their first five matches of the year to sit dead last, but Murphy said his side is keen to make it count having righted the ship mid-season.
"The scenario's pretty easy, we just need to win. That's all that matters," Murphy said.
"At the start of the year we didn't expect to be top of the comp but we didn't expect to be 0-5 either. We dug the hole but to still have a chance to make the semis is good for the club, particularly the young kids. There's a few boys finishing up as well so we all want to extend that another week."
A win would be a big upset against the third-placed Devils, but the Canaries have already pulled off that magic act this season, beating their fierce rivals 16-4 at Parrish Park.
It the Canaries first win of the year, and the Devils first loss, and Murphy said it does give his side the belief they can knock the defending premiers off at home.
"It gives some confidence for sure, especially for the younger guys in our squad," Murphy said.
"They know they can compete and beat these bigger sides so they're pretty confident."