Breust yesterday revealed he was set to play Australian football in Sydney before fate dramatically changed the course of his career.

"Early in the year I was living in Cronulla, and doing pre-season with the Sydney Swans feeder club," Breust remembered yesterday.

"Then a few family things came up and I decided to come home."

Nine magical months on, Breust is now counting down to playing against Southcity when the Thunder shoot for a hat-trick of Group Nine titles in the grand final at Equex Centre on Sunday..

After 20 years of trying, Albury broke through to capture a first Group Nine title in 2012 before backing up to triumph again last year.

And, unlike the majority of the bulk of the team, Breust and star hooker Adam Coote are the fresh faces in a combination that has stayed together for three years.

Just as Coote landed virtually unheralded on the border, Breust's move to Albury also came as a bolt from the blue.

Recalling the decision to leave Sydney at the start of the year, Breust said a friendship with Thunder centre Mitch Seaton was the trigger to join the Thunder.

"When Mitch heard I was coming back (to Wagga) he suggested I think about going down to Albury," Breust said yesterday.

"I eventually spoke to (coach) Josh Cale, and things went from there."

For Breust, turning his back on his sporting roots in Wagga was a tough call.

The dashing young halfback was born and bred in the city, and cut his teeth in rugby league playing for Kangaroos - even winning the Sullivan Cup (under 16) Weissel Medal in 2007.

Between times, Breust also dabbled in touch - making state and national representative teams - and showed great promise in Australian football.

Ultimately, however, Breust took the path to rugby league, and it has taken him to within reach of a stunning premiership.

Ironically, the long road to the grand final started for the Thunder - and Breust - at the West Wyalong Knockout in February when Albury edged Southcity 16-12 in the $8500 final.

"I'd only got back two days before the Knockout," Breust said.

"I didn't even train with the team."

Building on the rushed initiation, Breust has become a key figure in the Thunder's attacking arsenal, forming a slick and affective partnership with five-eighth Willie Heta.

Yesterday, he admitted taking on a playmaking role for the Group Nine champions had been a "big step".

He is also adamant there is little between two grand final combatants.

"The three games we've played this year have all been so close," he said.

"They've been the best games of the year.

"I think Sunday will come down to which ever teams goes in with the most focused approach.

"It should be a terrific grand final."

Group Nine decider

Bulls v Thunder

When: 3pm Sunday

Where: Equex Centre