SOUTHCITY has come a long way in Matt Ward's association with the club.

The team's inaugural coach, alongside Ray Mavroudis in 2005, Ward will make his second grand final appearance on Sunday.

In a first grade career spanning more than two decades, the 37-year-old is out to win his second premiership in the twilight of his career.

Just like the 2012 decider, Southcity and Albury will again clash in a grand final at Equex.

Ward missed out two years ago after injuring his groin in the final series, but knows that loss drives many of his teammates.

"A lot of the other boys were in that game and will be looking to get that one back for sure," he said.

He played lock in the club's only premiership win in 2011, and wants nothing more than to lift the premiership cup for the second time in as many attempts.

The oldest player in the grand final, Ward has been coming off the bench for the Bulls this season.

The 37-year-old has revelled in a different role.

"I've been enjoying this year as it gives the body a little more rest," Ward said.

"The first 10 or 15 minutes is pretty hectic, and at my age I need to take it a little easier, but I'll be ready to rip in once I'm on there.

"I don't mind it as I can see how the game is flowing and help out if we are deficient in any aspect.

"I come on and try and help that way."

Starting pre-season in January, Ward admitted the grand final has "been a fair while coming" and he expects another close game against the Thunder.

A total of 12 points have separated the two teams in three Group Nine encounters with the 20-14 major semi-final win by Bulls the biggest victory margin this season.

The Bulls haven't suffered a loss at the hands of the Thunder in Group Nine this season, although they didn't come out on top in the West Wyalong Knockout in February.

"We played each other plenty of times and played each other in the final of the West Wyalong knockout as well this year," Ward said.

"They pipped us on the post there and we've got them on the other three times, but it's always been a close game everytime we've played them so I'm looking forward to it again.

"It's been the roll of the dice everytime we've played and are expecting another tight one."

Growing up in Condobolin, Ward played first grade there before moving to Sydney.

He them moved to Wagga and played with the Magpies for four seasons, before Southcity were born.

With the club since its inception, he believes the club is continuing to go from strength to strength, with not just the first grade team succeeding.

"The club is in a really good spot at the moment," Ward said.

"We had three teams in the semis with our 16s, reserve grade and ourselves so we are building forward to have a strong club all-round, rather than just the one grade so it's looking promising."