He has done for the best part of a decade.

Simmons, Sherwood, Kevill and coach Dan Beckett combined to inspire Wanderers to an epic extra-time grand-final triumph over Merewether-Carlton in 2009.

On Saturday, the trio will again conspire to try and lift the Two Blues to another famous victory and end Hamilton's reign.

"It just gives you so much confidence looking up and having Boo Boo (Sherwood) and Kev leading the line," Simmons said. "You know they have got your back. The games we have played together and things we have been through. We've developed a special bond."

The similarities between the 2009 Wanderers side and 2019 version are striking.

"In 2009 we had senior guys like Nick Crosskill, Rob Aston ... there were also a fair few young boys who hadn't experienced grand finals before," Simmons said. "It is the same this year. Also Dan's coaching style. He always gives you something to focus on and it is always different each week. I rate him as the best coach I have ever had. Todd Louden was a great tactician and technical coach, but the way Dan manages his players and staff, and the club as a whole, it's a joy to play under him."

Among the "young boys" a decade ago, Simmons Sherwood and Kevill are now at the other end of the career cycle.

As part of Wanderers' 95-year anniversary, the club has highlighted its history. The names of the 15 most capped first- grade players are emblazoned on the sleeves of the jumpers.

Sherwood, who was best man at Simmons' wedding, started the season in third spot with 214 games and has moved to second at 233. Simmons, who spent three years in Sydney, has 159 and Kevill is at 147.

"They have played 539 first-grade games between them," Beckett said. "That is a lot of football in a Two Blues jersey."

Each week, a sign with the combined number of games the trio has played has been put up at No.2 Sportsground.

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Their contribution is about more than numbers.

"Boo Boo is the greatest Wanderer ever in my eyes," Beckett said. "He is so reliable. The try-saving tackle he made on Chris Logan last weekend - I have lost count of how many times he has done that.

"Kev is so competitive and is always raising the bar on his own game and on the team's game. This year he has taken it to a new level. He has also reflected on the club, its tradition and history, and what it means to play first grade. He is now influencing the likes of Jack Johnson-Holmes and Sinclair George. It's unreal.

"The hardest thing for me this year was to Simmo he wasn't going to be captain. The way he handled it and the positivity he continues to give the team is a measure of who he is."

Although none of the trio plan to hang up the boots, Simmons expects there will be a moment when they reflect on the journey.

"There will be an opportunity for the three of us to look back on the year, what we have done and where we have come from," Simmons said. "Especially given no-one expected us to do any good. I'm sure we will sit down over a quiet beer and do that."