The similarities between the region's two champions and why relief was the main emotion

It was one of the first words out of the mouths of both Nigel Staniforth and Shawn Townsend after last weekend's grand final wins.

Not joy, not satisfaction, not excitement.

Relief.

Staniforth and Townsend are two coaches involved in two different grand finals, in two different codes.

Yet, when the job was done, they felt the same emotion.

The similarities between their Orange Emus and Dubbo CYMS teams go beyond the green and white on both sets of jerseys.

There are common traits in the two leaders, as well.

For over a decade, both clubs have been the most successful in their respective code in this region.

Bathurst Bulldogs fans may argue after three straight titles between 2022-24, but this year marked Emus' 11th successive grand final appearance.

For the Fishies, there has only been one grand final since 2010 they have not been a part of.

Love them or loathe them, that kind of sustained success has to be admired.

But those records also create pressure.

It's why Townsend felt "sombre and empty" after missing the grand final last year. It's why Staniforth said he carried some "heartache" after three straight losses to Bulldogs in the season's biggest game.

These clubs expect success, and when that doesn't happen, it leads to plenty of introspection.

Staniforth and Townsend are both cool and calm characters. They're both happy away from the limelight and to have their players take all the plaudits.

But when talking about their premiership triumphs after the pain of last season, you could tell it was something important to both of them.

"It means a lot. We've put a lot into this," Staniforth said.

It was a similar message from Townsend, who spoke about the need to go to new heights after the disappointment of last year.

"This year, there was a big focus on preparing well, getting fit, and if you didn't want to jump in, that's fine, you can go somewhere else," he said.

"We set our standards a bit higher and held everyone accountable. Right from the start of the year, we were going three nights a week, and there were extra sessions on top of that, and if you didn't do it, it was time to hit the road."

That's why relief was the biggest thing for the pair.

Both coaches have wives and young children, and coaching takes plenty of focus off that.

There's a sacrifice when it comes to leading bush footy teams, with plenty of late nights at the training ground or at home planning tactics or sorting which players are fit or in form.

Both Staniforth and Townsend put in the work to get back to the summit, and each took a moment after the premiership victories to soak in the achievement on their own as players, fans, and family members celebrated around them.

The similarities between Emus and CYMS go beyond this season.

There is a slight uncertainty around the future at both clubs.

As well as Staniforth moving on at Emus, captain Charlie Henley has hung up the boots. The departure of that pair leaves a real void in terms of experience and a winning mentality.

At CYMS, Ben Marlin, Claude Gordon, and Jordan Reynolds announced they are either retiring or stepping away from the top grade. More players could potentially follow their lead, too, and Townsend's position has often been a season-to-season prospect.

The one positive for both clubs is a strong foundation has been laid not just this season, but over a number of years of sustained success.