But one of the all-time comebacks from the Bathurst Bulldogs in their elimination semi-final at Ann Ashwood Park – they scored 39 points in the second half and first period of extra-time to win 39-34 – bounced the Lions out of the premiership race.

And Orange City’s players and coaches have had, and still have a fair chuck of, the off season to stew on it too.

Confirmed as the club’s coaching duo for the 2017 Blowes Clothing Cup season, Steve Hamson and Dave Blunt have been tasked with the job of eradicating that horrid memory.

A task easier said than done, but if anyone is capable of doing so it’s the Lions master mentor, the straight-shooting Hamson.

“It was disgraceful,” Hamson said very bluntly.

“To lead 27-zip at half-time and then lose … we just stopped. To be fair, it was hard to get any momentum all year with the draw, and I think it showed in that game.

“When we needed to be tough, we just weren’t. That’s something we have to be better at next season.”

Next season will be Hamson’s eighth in charge of the Lions. 

And while Blunt is a name synonymous with Orange City, Dave hasn’t coached in any capacity for nigh on a decade.

Hamson said his co-coach will bring plenty of experience to the role, though, with Blunt’s main focus reinvigorating the Lions’ potent backline, names like Joe Lasagavibau, Keegan Harding, Sam Dwyer, Cam Cole and Jake Davis indicating to Hamson they’ll be back for another crack in 2017.

“He’s very passionate,” Hamson said of his new coaching partner.

“He’s got a view on the traditional view on how backs should play them, when to kick, their alignment and their skill sets.

“He’ll be good for the boys. We’ll change the way we play next season, which will keep everything fresh.”

Hamson’s role won’t hinge on wins in first grade either, the former Australian women’s rugby union coach charged with helping foster the talent in the top ages of City’s blossoming junior system.

The two-time Blowes Clothing Cup mentor will be looking for gun under 17s players to bring up through the senior system to ensure City’s time at the top of the Central West Rugby Union’s top grade doesn’t come to a halt any time soon.

“And once they’re developed nicely these young guys will become regular first graders for the club,” Hamson added.

In a bid to fast track that process, the club has organised a pre-season trip to New Zealand to forge a bond with Auckland based rugby club Rifles.

Hamson and the Lions will head across the ditch in March for the 10 day excursion with the aim of bringing along a stack of Orange City’s best young colts. “We’ll play at least one game, but it’s to develop relationships whereby they’ll perhaps come over here and develop as players too,” Hamson said.