The clock is ticking for the older brigade at Chatswood Oval. 

Since winning the Shute Shield in 2020, Gordon have played finals in three straight seasons but haven’t won a knockout match since reaching the grand final from seventh back in 2022. 

It’s a fact skipper Milan Basson and a number of his teammates are well aware of as they prepare for the opening round of the 2025 season in early April. 

“There’s a core group of players who are 26 to 29 and for us, it’s now or never,” Basson told Rugby news.

“The intensity and intent at training has picked up which is great to see because I think we all know our time to win a Shute Shield is running out and we all really want to find a way to get the job done.”

Gordon coach Harry Fehily gave his troops plenty of time off to recharge the batteries over summer and Basson said a fairly unique offseason program has the vast majority of Stags ready to fire in the months ahead. 

“Everyone was given a personal fitness plan and were left to do their training on their own.”

“The boys would send photos through of their sessions and record everything through an app to keep each other accountable. 

“I’ve been involved in off seasons like that before and it can be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes players don’t buy in and you can really tell when the group gets back together. 

“But this year, everyone really got into it. There were photos being sent in of sessions the whole time and guys were meeting up and training together. 

“The results were really good and when it came to the start of our proper preseason as a group, I felt a lot more refreshed than I had in previous years and I was excited to see everyone again.”

While Basson and his older teammates will be limping around Chatswood after a few rounds this year, the exceptional backrower said there’s a lot of young talent pushing into grade to keep an eye on. 

“There’s a lot of good colts pushing through. Henry Basten played a few grade games last year while he was still colts age and he looks eager to rip in. 

“Dellacruz Paita is a 10/12 who seems to be have been playing colts for us for years. He’s a real leader within those younger players and has been training really well.”

Basson has been on the precipice of professional rugby for the past few seasons. Now 27, he thinks the best way he can push his case for a full time contract is to win a Shute Shield competition with the Stags. 

“It’s still a dream of mine and I’m working hard to earn an opportunity. When you speak to different coaches, they tell you different things but I know my involvement and work rate is strong. 

“I think the best thing I can focus on though is performing well and executing as a team at the backend of the year. 

“That’s what has let us down over the last few years so if we can fix that and win some games when it matters, then hopefully I get an opportunity somewhere.” 

Gordon open their Shute Shield campaign against Western Sydney away before a local derby against rivals Northern Suburbs on Chatswood Oval in round two on Saturday April 12.