Rob Nicoll eyes his perfect farewell

After selflessly giving up his place in side in last year's decider, Nicoll will line up for the Cats in what is his last match of cricket.

The 31-year-old gave up the sport three years ago after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but made a return midway through last season.

He's only missed one match this season, but with the effort needed to recover he knows the time is right to give it up for good.

"My health has been pretty good, I do a lot of exercise and I'm probably the fittest I've been in a really long time," Nicoll said.

"My family is a really good support network but it does take it's toll.

"Cricket is very hard on the body, especially Saturday and Sunday games so it was probably a blessing for myself that we had the weekend off.

"Although we did train it wasn't as strenuous as playing back-to-back games so I'll be fit and ready to go."

Vision problems are another issue and Nicoll has a young family he wants to spend more time.

Nicoll has taken five wickets in his last three matches and averages 28 with the bat this season.

However he's hoping he won't be required to do too much in the lower order up against South Wagga at McPherson Oval this weekend.

"Our middle order is probably our weakest spot, we haven't really gelled there and have had a lot of rotations throughout the year due to unavailability," he said.

"It's my role and I think I've done it pretty well this year, but if I'm having a big game we are probably in a bit of trouble so hopefully the top order does their job really well and I can come in with 10 overs to go, have a bit of a slap, a bit of fun instead of trying to grind out a big total."

With Josh Thompson taking over the coaching responsibilities this season, Nicoll hasn't had as big a role behind the scenes.

However he's proud of where the club has got to since returning there in 2018.

"I'm thrilled what I've been able to help the club do over the last couple of years and they are definitely in a better position than when I came back as a coach two years ago," he said.

"With some really good kids like Ed Grigg and Peter Naumann in our second grade side someone has to make way for them next year.

"It should be the old blokes so that's me done."

With two premierships, one with Wagga City and one with Lake Albert, the 31-year-old is happy with what he's been able to accomplish on the field.

He still has no regrets sitting out last season's biggest clash.

"Last year I was always going to be the coach and only played due to unavailability, but this year it was discussed that I should play, especially when we lost Craney (Dean Crane) and all that experience at the start of the year," Nicoll said.

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