Macleay epitomises the passion for rugby union at the university club.

But unlike Peter Pan, even he has to grow up eventually.

With his agricultural science degree wrapping up this year, Macleay is heading west to start his career.

It means the elimination final loss to Tumut was his last for the club.

After smashing the Bulls the week before it was far from the way he wanted to go out but believes it shows where the club can improve.

"We played the same type of football but a more mature side came out and played a different brand football,” Macleay said.

“They beat us, turned around a 30-point deficit and that is the little things I hope people can start to implement while I am away.”

Joining the club in 2012, Macleay was part of the second grade premiership and cheered on as Ag College defeated Albury in first grade.

Making his first grade debut the following season, against Temora, the 25-year-old was never part of a team who could replicate the same success.

Beaten in the first two weeks of the finals for the last two season is as close as he has come in the top tier.

It is not just the football Macleay will miss or the camaraderie between the players but the club’s traditions and doing their bit for charity.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ag College and couldn’t think of a better place to play rugby,” he said.

“I don’t think any club will live up to the good time and the bad times that we’ve had there.”

The uniqueness of the Ag College situation is something that stands out over his time with the club.

“There is never really two weeks the same as people come and go,” Macleay said.

“Every second week we have a different first grade side with injuries and young blokes not really understanding the game or themselves at that point.

“There are a lot of blokes who struggle with that straight after school, but what I think the club does well is welcome new people in.”

Macleay wants to be remembered for his commitment and if he’s inspired just one person to be the same then he can leave feeling he’s made an impact.

“I always put rugby first and I was committed, beyond anything else,” he said. 

“People say they live for something and I definitely lived, breathed and was a bit obsessed about playing rugby, trying to be the best and give that example to everyone. Hopefully that kind of attitude rubs off on a few young blokes.”