How long depends on who you ask, varying between 14 and 24 years.

Technically there was a visit in 2004, but Rosellas president Simon Grant doesn’t count that because of the play-off format used at the time. The date prior is 1994.

“There was an appearance in 2004 when the [eight-team] competition trialled a six-team finals system,” Grant told the Newcastle Herald. “As a club we view 1994 as the last genuine finals appearance.”

Either way, it makes Sunday’s do-or-die minor semi-final clash with Souths at Newcastle International Hockey Centre even more significant for Wests. 

“Everyone is just looking forward to it,” Rosellas co-captain Mitch Scotcher said.

“It’s really good to be back there again and it means a lot to the club. There’s been a lot of support and there’s a few guys coming down to set up with a few tents and a barbecue.

“Now we can’t wait to get out there.”

A vastly improved performance across the 21-round regular season in 2018 saw Wests finish third on the overall standings, just one point behind second-placed Norths, with 12 wins, five losses and one draw from their 18 outings.

The Rosellas have twice knocked off upcoming opponents Souths, 2-1 initially and more recently 5-1, but most importantly bring form into the finals having won four of their last five matches.

“We’ve been playing really well against strong opponents,” Scotcher said. 

“Hopefully we can keep that going and get a result.”

Scotcher said Hayden Dillon and Sam Mudford have both been “key players” during the campaign.

As has NSW goalkeeper BJ Bruton, who struggled with flu this week but touched base with Wests coach Ryan Johnson on Friday to provide the all clear.

Across the field and Scotcher pointed to the defence of Souths.

“They are pretty strong at the back,” he said.

“They have an experienced line who have been there and done that before.”

Souths, who finished fourth on the competition ladder, welcome back Darby Chalmers and Seb Rollings from injury according to Lions player-coach John Fernance while Ben Hanlan and Rhys Henwood remain sidelined and won’t play again this season.

Down on the Central Coast, defending champions and minor premiers Gosford host Norths in the major semi-final in what will be the first meeting between the teams since a brawl erupted mid-game on August 12.

Norths goalkeeper Shaun O’Brien and Gosford defender Rhiley Carr will both be missing after being suspended for 12 and eight matches respectively for their parts in the incident.

Norths midfielder Nick Hill returns this weekend after serving a two-match ban.

Come Sunday, Blues coach Dave Willott wants to put it all behind them

“We’ve spoken about it and just want to move on,” he said. “That’s bygones now and we’re ready to go.”

Australian Schoolboys representative Eamon Smith replaces O’Brien between the posts for Norths.

The Blues and Gosford have met in the previous three grand finals.

Both semis start at 12pm.

Meanwhile, in the Newcastle District Women’s Hockey Association Premier League and Saturday will mark a catch-up round that determines the make-up of next weekend’s semi-finals.

Third-placed Tigers and fourth-placed Regals have the most crucial clash while fifth-placed Souths can reach the top four with a win against Erina. Second-placed Oxfords meet Gosford and University has forfetied to leaders Avoca.