The concept of a Riverina loss to Farrer is nothing new for Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong ruckman Jacob Olsson.
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The three-time Lions premiership star is the only member of the 2010 Riverina League team, that lost to Farrer, that will run out on Saturday at Robertson Oval.
The memories of that fateful Sunday still sit with Olsson.
“I remember Josh Meiselbach taking a screamer over (Christen McPherson). It was a good duel for the day that one, which was good to see,” Olsson recalled.
“I can’t remember it too well, but (the loss) was very surprising.
“I remember it was close in the first game and then we kicked away.
“On the second day they came out and belted us. I think we only kicked one behind.”
Both games were played over shortened formats as part of the 2010 NSW Regional Championships at Maher Oval.
Riverina won the first contest on the Saturday, 10.5 (65) to 2.2 (14).
The performances of Black Diamond and Sydney under 23s relegated the two home leagues to a play-off for third on Sunday.
It was there that Farrer enjoyed their first win over Riverina in 23 years, winning 5.4 (34) to 0.1 (1).
The next meeting between the two rivals has been eight years in the making – and it will be a full four quarter hit-out.
Olsson cannot see history repeating.
“We’ve got a solid team,” he said.
“The injuries we’ve got so far are not in our favour to be a dominant side but with the cattle we’ve got, we should still definitely get over the line.”
Olsson will start in the ruck for Riverina League. He is opposed to Temora’s Anthony Atkins.
He will also go against East Wagga-Kooringal star Nick Hull at some stage, something he is looking forward to.
“I’ve been following him for a fair bit,” he said.
“Up until this year I hadn’t had the opportunity to play against him but then we played in a pre-season game. We were a bit underdone but he got the better of me. He snuck forward and kicked three or four goals.
“I definitely don’t want that to reoccur.”
Olsson, 27, is a three-time best and fairest winner at GGGM. He is also a long-time representative stalwart.
“I’ve done the maths and I’ve been playing for the last nine or 10 years, with two years away,” he said.
“I love it, it’s good to get around the boys in the same league as you. It’s good to learn their ins and outs as well, there is always something you get out of it, which is a bonus.”
