THINGS have changed since a 16-year-old Nick Bourke tasted premiership glory at Kolora-Noorat.
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The desire to add silverware to the Power's growing trophy cabinet, however, has not.
Now 24, former Geelong rookie Bourke said it meant even more to represent his home club in a grand final.
"I was lucky enough to play in and win one. To come back after eight years away and to be with family, it probably means a bit more," Bourke told The Standard.
They're a great group of boys. There's people playing senior footy now who were little tackers when I last played here.
- Nick Bourke
"You're a bit more mature, you see the work that goes in around the club and the hours that people put in.
"It means a lot more to be really noticing that and taking that in."
Bourke was named best-on-ground in his ninth senior game as the Power stormed to a 15-point grand final triumph in 2011.
With experience comes calm. And eight years on, nerves aren't a problem.
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"I'm probably lucky that I don't get too nervous, but I do get nervous for the result and people at the club," Bourke said.
"I like to go in and play my role and hope the result will take care of itself.
"My dad (Simon) is the complete opposite. He gets wound up and even talks about not being able to go to the game.
"But I suppose I get nervous for the result because I'm wanting to give back to the club."
Bourke, who works for a window company in Geelong, had no regrets about signing at Kolora-Noorat in the off-season.
"I have absolutely loved it. I've said previously it was a big call for me to make the commitment to travel but I haven't looked back," he said.
"They're a great group of boys. There's people playing senior footy now who were little tackers when I last played here.
"Whether it's Lorelle (Salmon) cooking teas on Thursday or the same people on the gate it shows how special this place is."
Bourke is expected to play across half-back in Saturday's decider against Nirranda.
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