The fish van parked outside grounds when Gunnedah FC has played away games this year was an advertisement for going an extra yard in pursuit of glory.
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And at Geoff Morgan Fields next Saturday, the driver of the van, Harley Cheetham, will be a moving advertisement for the same worthy ambition as Gunnedah FC look to secure a playoffs berth in a final-round clash against Kootingal.
All season the Gunnedah-raised striker has travelled from Coffs Harbour, his current home, to New England to combine work with sport in what is surely a unique way.
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He drives his in-law's Hux's Seafood van to Gunnedah or farther west every Friday and then stays for soccer the following day.
But there is a hitch in Cheetham's work-play plan: if there is stock left over on Friday, he has to return to Coffs Harbour that day and then return to this region on Saturday morning for the game. That has happened three times this year.
The 29-year-old father of three is a former Gunnedah United player who is in his debut season with Gunnedah FC.
"I ended ringing [his wife] Nikki and asking her what she thought about me playing every weekend, or every second weekend, it was supposed to be," he said. "And she was good with it ... I've only missed one game since signing up."
A win over Kootingal will secure a finals berth for fourth-placed Gunnedah, who will go into the clash two points ahead of South United.
"I think we've found a bit of form," Cheetham said, "and a bit more team bonding."
Gunnedah FC coach Andy Cygan said Cheetham, who has scored nine goals this season, had "been the difference for us this year - with his fight, determination and goals".
"If he isn't scoring, he's creating," Cygan said. "He hates losing, and that's what I love about him."
