In the NRL's unofficial retro round this week, it's easy for Canberra Raiders fans to reminisce.
They'll take any excuse to daydream about the glory days where grand final campaigns were virtually taken for granted.
Big Mal's grand final intercept try in his final game. 'Chicka' Ferguson's opportunism. Laurie Daley breaking the 1989 Winfield Cup. Unlikely grand final heroes Steve Jackson and Paul Osborne writing their names into folklore.
The memories are sweet but after more than two decades, the Green Machine finally has a team with a chance to write its own history.
Remember the last time the Raiders made a preliminary final? Unless you're in at least your late 20s, you probably don't.
It was September 18, 1994. They are the only club in the NRL which hasn't made a the competition's penultimate round since.
Fast forward 22 years and the Raiders have their best chance yet to put that drought to bed.
Unlike the star-studded teams of the late 1980s and early '90s, the Raiders have surged to fourth spot despite boasting just one Origin player – back rower Josh Papalii.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, who played in all three of the club's premierships, has bent over backwards to ensure his players know the rich history they're striving to honour.
Renowned recluse Ferguson made an appearance in the team sheds during the round 17 win over Newcastle, and a player reunion was held before the round eight thrashing of Wests Tigers.
It's about connecting the players to the past, and fuelling the fire to create their own dynasty.
Almost 18 per cent set the bar higher by rating top four as the minimum requirement.
The recruitment has been nothing short of first class. Five-eighth Blake Austin, touted a future NSW Origin star, couldn't jag a regular spot at Wests Tigers.
Josh Hodgson was barely known outside of Hull KR before stamping himself as one of the NRL's best hookers.
Young forwards Joseph Tapine and Junior Paulo were lured to the capital a year earlier than expected. Former Knight Joey Leilua has morphed from a mercurial talent without the professionalism to match, to a focused powerhouse.
However many critics are yet to be convinced, pointing to constant lapses in games which will be dealt with ruthlessly in September by the big guns.
They've beaten one top six side (Canterbury twice) and most are reserving judgment until after they play top two sides Cronulla (away) and Melbourne (home) in rounds 22 and 23.
A win in either of those games would give the Raiders legitimacy before September.
I've had a go at predicting the outcome of every remaining game in the NRL regular season and have concluded if all goes according to plan, the Raiders will finish fourth.
That finish would ensure a home final in the second or third week of the playoffs, depending on whether they win or lose in round one.
There are nine critical games which will play a major role in whether the Raiders lock up their first double chance in finals since 2003 (written before Friday night's Canterbury-St George Illawarra clash).
Round 22: Cronulla v Canberra at Shark Park, Saturday August 6 – Forget Canberra's drought, Cronulla's puts it in the shade. Searching for a first premiership in their 50-year history, the Sharks will enter this match on a 16-match winning streak if they beat Gold Coast this Monday night. However the Raiders will be on a five-game streak of their own should they beat struggling Souths on Sunday. Tip: Cronulla
Round 23: Canberra v Melbourne at Canberra Stadium, Monday, August 15 – The Raiders have won eight of 10 games at home this year but this will be the stiffest test of all against a top-two side. Tip: Canberra
Round 24: Brisbane v Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium, Thursday, August 18 – The Broncos are in the midst of an awful slump but a win over Canterbury would greatly enhance Canberra's top four hopes. Tip: Brisbane
Round 25:
Canterbury v North Qld at Belmore, Thursday, August 25 – Belmore is an imposing place for opposition teams but the Raiders showed early this year it's not mission impossible, particularly for the defending premiers. Tip: North Qld
Melbourne v Brisbane at AAMI Park, Friday, August 26 – Unless both teams encounter a massive reversal of form the Storm will start heavy favourites here. Tip: Melbourne
Manly v Canberra at Brookvale Oval, Saturday August 27 – Manly have won three straight to revive their top eight hopes. If they're still alive before this match it will prove a stiff test for the Raiders. Tip: Canberra
Round 26:
Brisbane v Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, Thursday September 1 – The Roosters made light work of the Broncos in Sydney on Thursday night, but surely the Broncos will wake from their slumber soon. Tip: Brisbane
Wests Tigers v Canberra at Leichhardt Oval, Sunday, September 4 – Much like Manly in round five, if Wests Tigers finals hopes are still alive this will be a serious challenge for the Raiders. Canberra hold the edge up front. Tip: Canberra
Predicted final ladder: 1st Cronulla 46 pts, 2nd Melbourne 44, 3rd Cowboys 38, 4th Canberra 35, 5th Canterbury 34, 6th Brisbane 32, 7th Penrith 32, 8th Gold Coast 28.
