They say a week is a long time in rugby league - which would make enduring three years of Group 11 dominance seem longer than the Triassic period for anyone that bleeds blue and white.
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Then, last season, the meteor hit. Group 11's time at the top wiped out by the emergence of a star-studded Group 10 line-up.
A 40-28 victory at Bathurst ended three years of red and black rule, which spanned over two first grade wins at Dubbo and Gilgandra and then the first, and only, under 23s victory at Parkes in 2017.
Now, the ball is back in Group 11's court.
Can they bounce back?
Absolutely.
In fact, Group 10 could lay a legitimate claim to underdog status heading into the 2019 Western derby.
Call it the Queensland mentality, just sans all that passion rubbish Billy Moore banged on about.
Because the Group 11 side that could potentially be trotted out at Spooner Oval in a couple of weeks time is red hot.
Last season, Group 10's bid was led by two former NRL guns in Chris Grevsmuhl and Josh Starling, the former scoring with his first two touches of the ball and the latter storming his way to a man of the match nod in the 12-point win.
Group 11 could well unleash two of their own ex-NRL guns in 2019.
Justin Carney has been terrific for Nyngan while Travis Waddell is leading Wellington's charge from the front, too - lock them in.
And around that pair the quality speaks for itself. This is a serious footy team.
So here's a team that, I think, would absolutely start favourites to assume Western supremacy once more:
GROUP 11
1 SAM DWYER (PARKES SPACEMEN)
A lucky charm? Won with Group 11 at Gilgandra and Parkes in 2016 and then 2017 respectively before making the jump across and helping Group 10 to a win in Bathurst in 2018.
2 WILL LOUSICK (WELLINGTON COWBOYS)
Is a shandy away from edging Dwyer in the No.1 - this kid can do it all.
3 JOSH TOOLE (FORBES MAGPIES)
Marked Jarryd Hayne at a rugby league world cup - should do the job against a Group 10 opponent on his ear. Only played a couple of games so far this season but has already proven a very handy hole-runner for the premiers.
4 JYIE CHAPMAN (DUBBO CYMS)
Arguably the most consistent player in the Group. As tough as they come.
5 BAILEY HARTWIG (FORBES MAGPIES)
Could realistically cover any position in the backline.
6 ALEX BONHAM (DUBBO CYMS)
Slow start to 2019 after missing much of the pre-season but the incredibly classy playmaker has hit his straps for the Fishies mid-way through the first round, guiding them to a gritty win over the premiers in Forbes. Scores points for fun.
7 CHAD PORTER (PARKES SPACEMEN)
Brilliant runner of the ball and proven under pressure, Porter is a gun half that would excel behind this Group 11 pack.
8 JARRYN POWYER (DUBBO CYMS)
It's not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog. Powyer's not the biggest prop, but he's easily the best in Group 11.
9 HAYDEN BOLAM (FORBES MAGPIES)
Electric around the ruck - a huge factor in the Magpies' premiership win in 2018.
10 DAVE DRYDEN (WELLINGTON COWBOYS)
One of a handful of new recruits to the Cowboys this season but easily one of the biggest, in reputation and sheer size. Hits like a freight train.
11 BRANDON TAGO (PARKES SPACEMEN)
How good would Brandon Tago be if he was fit? Been the same line now for perhaps the last three years. Well, the former Queensland under 20s gun is fit in 2019. Very fit. And the answer to the question is incredible. Brandon Tago is incredibly damaging, incredibly tough and incredible to watch when fit.
12 JUSTIN CARNEY (NYNGAN TIGERS)
Has been playing lock for the Tigers but his best work has been on the fringes. Carney is an absolute pain to bring down out wide and would prove a nightmare for just about opposing backrower, let alone half.
13 TRAVIS WADDELL (WELLINGTON COWBOYS)
Not the crafty hooker we're aware of from Waddell's time in the NRL, but a gun middle player that's stiffened up Wellington's normally questionable ruck defence. A must in this side against a big Group 10 team.
BENCH:
14 BEN MAGUIRE (FORBES MAGPIES)
Can cover any position in the pack.
15 TRISTAN LUMLEY (WELLINGTON COWBOYS)
Wide-running backrower in the Toomey-White mould.
16 ALEX RONANYE (DUBBO CYMS)
Has huge rapts on him at the Fishies, and given their success and quality of player at the club, that speaks volumns.
17 ALEX SAMBROOK (NARROMINE)
Has had a massive start to 2019 with the Jets, leading the club to an upset over the fancied Tigers last start.
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Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
