Shane Maslin has taken the Horsham District league by storm since first arriving at Jeparit-Rainbow in 2017.
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The tough midfielder accumulates the football like few others in the district league, capping off his terrific season in 2018 with a top six finish in the league best and fairest.
Maslin is one of several travelling players from South Australia who have helped Jeparit-Rainbow remain a consistent finals threat.
"I had played against Luke Murphy (former Jeparit-Rainbow coach) in the Hills league in South Australia," Maslin said of his decision to join the Storm.
"We were all pretty close at that time and he asked if we wanted to come over and have a kick. It was definitely a good decision.
"The travel gets a bit tough at times, but we always try to stay around at the club when there is a function, or when the boys are having a big night, just to stay involved."
Despite having a strong side every season since joining the Horsham District league in 2015, the Storm are yet to take the next step to earn themselves a spot in a grand final.
In an incredibly even season - outside of the undefeated Harrow-Balmoral - Maslin said this year felt like their best chance yet.
"It feels like we're in the best spot we have been. All the guys are pretty up and about," Maslin said.
"We're just starting to put some of our best footy together.
"Even though we're sitting fifth on the ladder, it's so open this year. The first year I came over here, the Southern Mallee Giants were the clear stand outs. All the other teams were a fair bit behind them and Harrow-Balmoral.
"We lost in a preliminary final that year by about 150 points - so I think that shows how there were two clear standouts.
"This season it's so open. Even when we played Harrow, they only really beat us in one quarter. So it feels like we're in a better spot than we have been before."
Maslin said the side had found an even spread of contributors this season.
"We've got a much better mix around our midfield," he said. "Brad Hunter - another one from South Australia - has been having a cracker of a season as well."
Maslin, 30, is a one who might benefit from having some weight taken off his shoulders.
"I'm finding it a little bit sore at times, but I don't think that's too different to anyone else," he said.
"I don't train as much as I used to, probably once a week, which suits me and my body. I'd probably break down with two sessions a week."
The Storm face Noradjuha-Quantong in one of two ladder-altering encounters this weekend.
Kalkee and Noradjuha-Quantong appear to be the two sides locked in a battle for sixth place, and they both have a chance in round 14 to cause an upset and claim the last finals position.
The Bombers are a win behind Kalkee on the ladder, and likely need to defeat the Storm or Natimuk United next weekend to assure themselves a finals berth.
Kalkee meanwhile host Edenhope-Apsley at home, and will hope to repeat their eight-point victory against the Saints from round three.
The Saints will also be desperate to win, to hold onto second place.
In other contests, Harrow-Balmoral host Rupanyup and Pimpinio play Swifts. Natimuk United, Laharum and Taylors Lake all have the bye.
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