Temora captain and 250-gamer Rob Grant is wary of The Rock-Yerong Creek despite contrasting starts to season

The Rock-Yerong Creek have had three straight losses, to the Northern Jets, Coleambally and Marrar, while Temora are on maximum points after wins against Charles Sturt University and Coleambally, and a bye.

But Grant, who last week celebrated 250 games with Temora, knows well the rivalry with TRYC, going all the way back to his senior debut.

"It was against The Rock actually, in Temora. I can remember, we got pumped. It was 200 or 250 points I think. I can still remember that, because of the scoreline as much as anything," Grant said.

Temora have won at Victoria Park the last two years, but only after lifting in the last quarter.

Prior to that, they'd tasted success there only once in 15 years.

Things eventually turned though and Grant was part of the famous hat-trick of premierships from 2012 to 2014 at a time when the two clubs built an intense rivalry.

"We have had a lot of close ones, and played them in a couple of grand finals which were both close, hard games. And it's always a tough road trip down there," Grant said.

The Roos welcome back coach Jake Wooden, midfielder Kieran Shea, forward Charlie Boyton and defender Liam Pattison.

But Wooden is reminding his players of Grant's message.

"I think it'll be very hard. The Rock want a win to get their season started. And every time we go there, it's always an arm wrestle. I'm expecting a really tough game," Wooden said.

After appointing Grant, Wooden's rapt in what the backman has brought to the leadership role.

"Giving him the captaincy, it's taken him to the next level. He's focussed and he's had two really good games. He's taken the responsibility on, I'm really happy with him and the boys are right behind him," Wooden said.

Grant says he's just going about his job with the support of a good team, including some long-term teammates like Luke Gerhard and Chris Stacey.

But he recognises the honour in a role previously filled by Charlie Vallance and Chris Block.

"Very flattered and humbled. It's big shoes to fill. They were perfect role models for the club so hopefully I can step up to that as well," Grant said.

The bond built in some of the tough early years at Temora mean Grant's favourite achievement is more than just the flags - it's the entire club's change in fortunes.

For the same reason, a former coach will always rate as one of his most influential teammates throughout 250 games.

"Scotty Blackwell is probably the first one who comes to mind, with what he's done for the club. Just his positive outlook there through the bad times and it was really good to see him get the chocolates at the end of his career," Grant said.

And he's not shying away from the possibility that the chocolates could again be within the Roos' reach this year.

"Yeah, yep. We've had a real good pre-season and if we can keep everyone fit, it will be good," he said.

"But I think there could be five or six teams there at the end separated by two or three points so it'll be a very close competition and no easy games this year."

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